Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies
    Go to University of Adelaide

    Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies

    University of Adelaide
    University of Adelaide
    Australia
    Australia, Adelaide
    University Rank:#82
    Go to Official Website
    Duration1 year(s)
    Next IntakeAugust 5, 2026

    Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies

    About

    Examine the core aspects of addiction science and gain credit towards our Master of Science in Addiction Studies.

    Our Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies 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.

    Taught by academic, researchers and practitioners who are international experts in the field, you’ll complete six core courses that explore addiction from biological, psychosocial, pharmacological and public health perspectives.

    Unpack the biological basis of addiction and discover individual and community-based risk and protective factors for developing addiction. Examine psychosocial and pharmacological approaches to treatment. Investigate critical issues in the field, alongside public health-driven approaches to prevention and harm reduction associated with substance use.

    In addition to being offered completely online, our qualifications are truly stackable – allowing you to progress your studies at a pace and level of commitment that suits you. Begin with our graduate certificate, successfully complete our graduate diploma and gain credit towards the masters.

    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

    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 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 effective compassionate 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 a Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies at Adelaide University will equip you with the knowledge, tools and connections to contribute meaningfully to this evolving field.  

    Fee Information

    Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies

    University of Adelaide

    University of Adelaide

    Australia

    Australia, Adelaide

    Go to Official Website