Adelaide University
Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Explore culturally sensitive, ethical and person-centred approaches to care.
Course overview
Unravel the complex relationship between addiction and mental illness and explore person-centred approaches to care in the Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health.
Taught by world-class researchers and practitioners experienced in the field, students will complete courses that explore the scientific foundations of addiction, mental health and related comorbidities. Learn best-practice, culturally safe approaches to care for a diverse range of client populations and contexts, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, migrant cultures, adolescence, pregnancy and childbirth, defence forces and other specialised areas.
Develop broad knowledge of the biological basis of addiction, including individual and community-based risk and protective factors. Examine the sociological, cultural and political influences that shape addiction and mental healthcare professional practice and policy. Gain in-depth knowledge of psychosocial and pharmacological approaches to treatment, alongside public health-driven approaches to prevention and harm reduction.
Graduate with the specialised skill set to lead best-practice approaches in a professional field, whether through further research, public health policy development, the design of prevention or harm reduction initiatives or healthcare approaches.
Key facts
What you will study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- Co-Existing Addiction and Mental Health Disorders (12 credit points)
- Mental Health (12 credit points)
- Drug Effects and Biology of Addiction (12 credit points)
- Pharmacotherapy and Other Responses to Drug Problems (12 credit points)
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
- A completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant work experience.
- All applicants must upload the following documents as part of the SATAC application: Current Curriculum Vitae.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Professionals with specialised knowledge of addiction and mental health can be found working in a wide range of industries, including:
- Community and Social Service
- Health Communications
- Healthcare
- Law Enforcement and Corrections
- Non-Profit Organisations
- Occupational Health Services
- Public Health
- Research
- Training and Development
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $30,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 48 units (normally eight courses) per year.
Student annual fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
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 program.
