University of Adelaide
Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
Equips students with essential knowledge and practical insights to effectively support individuals and communities impacted by substance use.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies is a flexible online certificate ideally suited to professionals maintaining regular work commitments in Australia or overseas. It focuses on building advanced knowledge about drugs and alcohol and how addiction can be treated.
What will you do?
- Study the biological mechanisms behind addiction.
- Consider underlying genetic and social factors.
- Explore current approaches to drug problems from short-term treatments to long-term and community-based management.
- Investigate future developments in drug treatments and the field at large.
Where could it take you?
This certificate will benefit a range of professions that interact with drug and alcohol addiction. These might include medical practitioners, nurses, psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, educators, law enforcement officers, counsellors and project and policy officers.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete two core courses worth six units to qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies.
Core courses
Students must complete all of the following courses:
- Drug Effects and Biology of Addiction
- Pharmacotherapy and Other Responses to Drug Problems
Entry requirements
Higher Education Study
A completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have completed your studies at another institution, you can apply for credit towards your University of Adelaide program. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Graduates are prepared to further their careers in different fields related to addiction and drug and alcohol issues. The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:
- Mental Health Worker
- Health Administrator
- Hospital Worker
- Health Officer
- Counsellor
- Social Worker
- Mental Health Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Researcher
- Psychologist
- Science Educators
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual tuition fee in 2025: $14,250 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative annual tuition fee is based on a full-time study load of 12 units.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
