Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies
    Go to University of Adelaide

    Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies

    University of Adelaide
    University of Adelaide
    Australia
    Australia, Adelaide
    University Rank:#82
    Go to Official Website
    Duration0.5 year(s)
    Next IntakeAugust 5, 2026

    Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies

    About

    Gain essential knowledge in addiction science while earning credit towards the Master of Science in Addiction Studies.

    Our fully online Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies is delivered by three top universities: Adelaide University, King’s College London, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

    Led by global experts, you'll study three core courses covering addiction's biological, psychosocial, and public health aspects –building a strong foundation for further studies.

    Explore the biology of addiction, risk factors, psychosocial treatment approaches and public health strategies. With stackable qualifications, you can start with the graduate certificate and advance at your own pace, progressing to a master’s degree. This program is nested within the existing Master of Science in Addiction Studies and is jointly offered with Virginia Commonwealth University (USA) and King’s College London (UK).

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    To be eligible, all applicants must meet the following requirements as set out by VCU :

    • Students must have completed an honours degree (level 2A or 1) or professional bachelor 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.

    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 65
    • IELTSMin 7
    • TOEFLMin 94

    English Program Requirements

    IELTS Overall 7 | IELTS Reading 7 | IELTS Listening 7 | IELTS Speaking 7 | IELTS Writing 7

    Career

    Career outcomes

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

    As a counsellor, you may choose to apply your knowledge of evidence-based support models to run support groups, helping individuals impacted by addiction. Maybe 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. 

    Addiction professionals 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.  

    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, World Drug Report, 2023).  

    Like many industries, the field of addiction studies is constantly changing, driven by new research, technological advancements and shifting public attitudes towards addiction and substance use. Investment in telehealth and mobile health apps is making timely addiction treatment and 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 safe injecting rooms, are encouraging safer behaviours and minimising the dangers of drug use in the community. 

    Studying Addiction studies at Adelaide University will equip you with the knowledge, tools and connections to contribute meaningfully to this evolving field.  

    Fee Information

    Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies

    University of Adelaide

    University of Adelaide

    Australia

    Australia, Adelaide

    Go to Official Website