Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies
    Go to University of Adelaide

    Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies

    University of Adelaide
    University of Adelaide
    Australia
    Australia, Adelaide
    University Rank:#82
    Go to Official Website
    Duration1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 15,150 / Semester

    Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies

    About

    Build advanced knowledge around substance use and the ways in which addiction can be managed in our Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies.

    What factors make a person more likely to develop a substance use issue? How does long-term drug or alcohol use affect brain pathways, and how is recovery possible? What roles do pharmacotherapies, harm reduction strategies, psychological therapies and education play in facilitating recovery?

    In this part-time, completely online degree, you’ll explore evidence-based answers to these and many more questions. Learn how drugs affect the body and behaviour – including how drugs activate brain reward pathways, and the neurobiology that leads to tolerance, dependence and addiction. Examine factors that can predispose a person towards addiction, including biological, psychological and social circumstances.

    You’ll emerge with a specialised skillset, ready to contribute to best practice approaches to managing substance abuse and addiction in your existing professional field.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

    • A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

    International non-student visa holders

    This program is delivered online. It is open to international students who:

    1. are studying online outside of Australia; or
    2. do not require a student visa to undertake this program in Australia.

    It is not available to international students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa.

    English Requirements

    • PTEMin 58
    • IELTSMin 6.5
    • TOEFLMin 79

    English Program Requirements

    IELTS Overall 6.5 | IELTS Reading 6 | IELTS Listening 6 | IELTS Speaking 6 | IELTS Writing 6

    Career

    Career outcomes

    You’ll graduate with the knowledge to pursue more specialised addiction treatment roles in your current field.  

    Maybe you’ll advise on national policy or advance your knowledge further through public health research. As a counsellor, you might apply your knowledge of evidence-based support models to run support groups for at-risk client populations. Perhaps you’re already a social worker and can use your knowledge of harm reduction approaches to encourage safer behaviours and connect clients managing addiction with healthcare services.  

    Professionals with specialised knowledge of substance use issues and addiction can be found working in a wide range of industries, including: 

    • Community and social services 
    • Health communications 
    • Healthcare 
    • Law enforcement and corrections 
    • Non-profit organisations 
    • Occupational health services 
    • Public health  
    • Research 
    • Training and development 
    • Hospitality.  

    Industry trends 

    In 2021 alone, an estimated 39.5 million people worldwide were suffering from substance use disorders and only 1 in 5 people were receiving treatment (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2023). Likewise, substance use disorders are the third most common mental health disorder among Australian adults. With around 650,000 – or 3% of the population – reporting they experience a substance use disorder (ABS, 2023). 

    Like many industries, the field of substance use, and addiction studies is constantly changing – driven by new research, technological advancements and shifting public attitudes towards substance use and addiction. Investment in telehealth and mobile health apps is making timely substance use and addiction treatment and associated support more accessible – especially to people in rural, remote or underserved areas. Growing emphasis and understanding of the impact of trauma and social determinants of health is leading to more compassionate and effective treatments for at-risk individuals and communities. Timely and relevant harm reduction initiatives, such as needle and syringe exchange programs, are encouraging safer behaviours and minimising the dangers of substance use in the community. 

    Fee Information

    Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies

    University of Adelaide

    University of Adelaide

    Australia

    Australia, Adelaide

    Go to Official Website