Adelaide University

Master of Science in Addiction Studies

Delivery: Online
Study Level: Postgraduate
Duration: 18 months

Gain the skills to influence public health initiatives and policy while building valuable professional connections to prepare for specialised roles in healthcare, non-profit and government sectors.

Course overview

Through Adelaide University's Master of Science in Addiction Studies, you’ll explore and examine addiction from biological, psychological, social and public health perspectives.

The degree is delivered completely online by three of the world’s leading universities in addiction sciences – Adelaide University, King’s College London and Virginia Commonwealth University. You’ll be taught be researchers and practitioners who are international authorities in the field.

Explore the biological basis of addiction, individual and community-based risk and protective factors and approaches to treatment. Examine addiction health policy the international level. Study critical issues, including barriers and enablers to treatment for at-risk groups in special settings.

Apply and deepen your learning through a major research project. Sharpen your research skills with research methodologies courses, including approaches specific to the field of addiction sciences. You will also undertake your own research project.

You’ll emerge with the advanced knowledge and skills to drive change, ready to take on a range of leadership roles in addiction treatment and prevention, or shape local, national and international policy.

Key features

Learn from world-renowned experts in addiction studies.
Examine and understand addiction through the lenses of pharmacology, psychology, public health and sociology.
Study 100% online from anywhere in the world.
Access online resources and the complete libraries of three world-leading universities.
Build advanced research skills.
Develop an international network of like-minded professional peers.

Key facts

Delivery

Online

Study level

Postgraduate

Course type

Master's

Duration

18 months (Full time)

Units

Fees

FEE-HELP

Intake

August, 2026

What you will study

Students must complete 72 units, comprising eight core courses. Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth eight units.

Core courses

Complete 72 units for all of the following:

Biological Basis of Addiction
Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction
Treatment of Addiction: Pharmacotherapies
Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions
Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues
Addiction Policies
Research Methodology in Addictions (12 units)
Research Project in Addictions (12 units)

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, all applicants must meet the following requirements as set out by VCU at www.ipas.vcu.eduo:

Students must have completed an honours degree (level 2A or 1) or a professional bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of study at a recognised tertiary institution.
Students must have a high level of proficiency in English, demonstrated by completion of a university qualification study in the English language, or by meeting one of the following English language requirements: an IELTS score of 7.0, a TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based).
Students must have good academic references.
Students must have access to reliable internet and be computer-literate.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.

Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.

Credit determinations will be:

Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
Academically sound.
Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.

Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.

Credit will only be granted if it:

Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Depending on your professional background, you might apply your advanced knowledge of addiction studies to take up more specialised roles in your existing field.

As a social worker, you could use your in-depth knowledge of evidence-based support models to help clients managing substance use disorders navigate recovery and rebuild their lives. Maybe you’re already a psychologist and can apply your expertise to manage and coordinate addiction recovery programs. Perhaps you’ll lead harm reduction outreach initiatives, encouraging safer behaviours and acting as a bridge to healthcare and social services for at-risk populations.

Addiction is a complex disorder. Prevention, treatment and recovery require many kinds of expertise. This means that addiction professionals can be found working in a wide range of industries, including: