Addiction Studies

The MSc Addiction Studies provides postgraduate education in addictions, focussing upon recent biological, psychological and socio-environmental advances in the conceptualisation of drug use and addiction, and its effective prevention and treatment. Theoretical evidence is positioned within the context of policy development, while emphasis is placed upon facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills to the workplace.

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• Provides advanced graduate education in the field of addictive behaviours, with an emphasis upon supporting students to embark upon further higher study or to translate their learning into their workplace.
• Provides students with access to the expertise of leading addictions researchers and senior clinicians.
• Flexible modular structure with optional modules covering science, practice, policy and management in the addictions.

PURPOSEThis programme is designed for students and professionals interested in the conceptualisation, treatment and prevention of addictive behaviours. It provides an international and nationally recognised qualification with an integrated multi-disciplinary teaching and learning approach to problems of use, problem use and dependence upon alcohol, nicotine and other psychoactive drugs, and other addictive behaviours. Theoretical advances and current evidence is provided within the prevention, treatment, workforce development and management and policy contexts.

DESCRIPTION The MSc in Addiction Studies has been designed to provide advanced graduate education in the addictions, focussing upon recent advances in the conceptualisation of drug use and addiction, and its effective prevention and treatment. Throughout the course of the programme, theoretical advances and evidence will be positioned within the policy development and treatment contexts. Emphasis will be placed upon facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills to the workplace or individual career aspirations.
The programme recognises that students coming onto it do so from a variety of backgrounds with the goal of extending their theoretical knowledge and practical skills beyond those related to the subjects that they studied at undergraduate level. For example, a nurse or youth counsellor may wish to increase their knowledge of molecular biology or psychopharmacology, whilst a psychology graduate may wish to increase their knowledge and familiarity with treatment options or build upon undergraduate research studies with a view to undertaking a PhD. It is for this reason that the programme commences with introductory modules that ensure that all students, regardless of background, have a basic understanding of the core concepts that underlie the clinical, scientific and public health aspects of addiction before embarking upon individual research and a more rigorous exploration of these areas. Therefore, the purpose of the programme is to equip graduates, clinicians and others from these different backgrounds for the next stage of their career within the addictions field.
The MSc in Addiction Studies has been designed within the framework of adult learning, flexible and blended delivery (including the incorporation of technology enhanced learning). It includes a flexible modular structure with exit points at the PGCert and PGDip levels. It is offered as a 1-year full-time or 2 year part-time course.
Individual learning contracts are developed and regularly reviewed with each student, to ensure a student-centred learning experience and to facilitate timely completion. The programme consists of seven modules, including optional modules.