# Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care with Professional Certificate in Substance Misuse Awareness > The Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care equips you with essential skills for a rewarding career. This specialized pathway includes a Professional Certificate in Substance Misuse Awareness, deepening your understanding of addiction and recovery principles. - Course page: https://upskilluni.com/courses/level-3-diploma-in-health-and-social-care-with-professional-certificate-in-substance-misuse-awareness/580 - Provider: [HealthCareCourses](https://upskilluni.com/providers/healthcarecourses) - Price: £1,050, buy online - Study method: Online - Duration: 9 months · Self-paced - Level: Intermediate - Qualification: Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care with Professional Certificate in Substance Misuse Awareness (Ofqual 603/0819/9) - Includes: tutor support, certificate, finance options - Subjects: [Health, Safety & Care](https://upskilluni.com/courses/health-safety-and-care), [Health and Social Care](https://upskilluni.com/courses/health-and-social-care) - Last updated: 2026-11-11 ## Description The Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care equips you with essential skills for a rewarding career. This specialized pathway includes a Professional Certificate in Substance Misuse Awareness, deepening your understanding of addiction and recovery principles. Ideal for support workers and care assistants, it builds expertise in **person-centered care** and **safeguarding vulnerable adults**. You'll learn effective **intervention strategies** and develop a compassionate approach to complex needs. This qualification is crucial for anyone committed to making a real difference in their community. Ready to enhance your professional impact? Discover more about this transformative learning journey today. **About this course** Earn a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care and gain a deep understanding of contemporary care practices. This combined program features a Professional Certificate in Substance Misuse Awareness, equipping you with specialized knowledge to support vulnerable individuals effectively. You'll develop essential skills for roles like support worker or substance misuse counselor, significantly boosting your career prospects. This unique qualification provides a holistic approach to wellbeing, preparing you to make a real difference in people's lives. This Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care is your pathway to a rewarding career. **Benefits of this qualification** The Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care with Professional Certificate in Substance Misuse Awareness is critically significant in today’s market, addressing a profound and growing public health crisis. With nearly 290,000 adults in contact with drug and alcohol services in England and over 10,000 alcohol-specific deaths recorded annually, the demand for skilled professionals has never been greater. This qualification equips learners with a robust understanding of core health and social care principles, while the specialised substance misuse awareness component provides essential skills to identify, support, and refer individuals effectively. For professionals, this dual focus is a powerful career differentiator, making them invaluable assets in settings from the NHS and private clinics to community outreach and homeless charities. It directly responds to current industry needs for a workforce capable of tackling complex, co-occurring issues with compassion and expertise, ultimately enhancing service delivery and improving client outcomes across the UK. ## Curriculum - Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care - The Role of the Health and Social Care Worker - Promote Person-Centred Approaches in Health and Social Care - Promote and Implement Health and Safety in Health and Social Care - Promote Good Practice in Handling Information in Health and Social Care Settings - Substance Misuse Awareness: Patterns, Signs, and Effects - Understand Mental Health Problems - Promote Communication in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings - Introduction to Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings ## Who is this course for? Healthcare and social care professionals Looking to deepen their expertise in health and social support, especially those supporting individuals with harmful substance use. This diploma complements existing qualifications by sharpening practical skills and ethical awareness. Mental health workers With 1 in 14 adults in the UK estimated to misuse drugs (NHS Digital, 2023), mental health practitioners can add impactful training to better tackle addiction-related care. Youth workers, community care staff The UK sees 292 deaths linked to substance misuse among young people (aged 15-24) each year (ONS). Learning about youth intervention, awareness, and relapse prevention helps directly influence community health programs. Counsellors, therapists, and addiction recovery specialists Substance use touches 64% of adults seeking mental health support (Nuffield Foundation). Therapists can gain tailored experience with substance misuse recovery, enhancing their ability to guide effective treatment plans through the professional certificate. Care coordinators and case managers Navigating the complexities of public health and social care often involves substance use challenges. This diploma bridges gaps between policy knowledge and direct client support, preparing professionals to make informed care choices. Aspiring health specialists Wanting to enter roles like rehabilitation services or substance misuse programs, but lacking foundational certification. This course gives new entrants an advantage, with direct focus on workplace protocols and effective client communication. Social workers and safeguarding professionals Substance use problems frequently tie in with safeguarding and social work responsibilities, with 17 million alcohol-related hospital admissions yearly in the UK. This diploma ensures professionals stay current on key strategies for support, intervention, and prevention. Anyone motivated by public health goals Whether you aim to help peers, family, or those in vulnerable situations, understanding substance use issues is critical. This qualification allows individuals to contribute meaningfully across diverse sectors, backed by the latest UK guidelines and a practical approach. ## Entry requirements A Level 2 diploma or certificate, or an equivalent or higher qualification. OR Candidates with relevant professional experience are encouraged to apply and start advancing their career journey. AND Minimum age of 16 years. * International applicants and qualifications are accepted. ## Certificates Level 3 Diploma awarded by Qualifi (Ofqual qualification no. 603/0819/9) ## Career path This Level 3 Diploma, enhanced with the Professional Certificate in Substance Misuse Awareness, opens doors to a variety of rewarding roles. The demand for professionals with these specialised skills is significant and growing across the UK's health and social care sector. The chart above illustrates the key areas where your expertise will be most sought after. This qualification prepares you for roles such as a Substance Misuse Worker, providing direct support and interventions to individuals. You could also become a Mental Health Support Worker, where understanding addiction is crucial for holistic care. Another path is in Community Outreach, focusing on harm reduction strategies and education within communities. Roles in Rehabilitation Coordination are also common, helping clients navigate recovery services. Each role is vital in addressing the complex challenges of addiction, making this a highly relevant and impactful career choice. ## Funding Monthly (9 months): 5 × £210 = £1,050; Quarterly (9 months): 2 × £525 = £1,050; Pay in full (9 months): 1 × £997.50 = £997.50; Monthly (6 months): 3 × £450 = £1,350; Pay in full (6 months): 1 × £1,282.50 = £1,282.50. Pay-in-full prices include a 5% bursary. All plans are interest-free with no credit check.