Master of Science in Addiction Studies
    Go to University of Adelaide

    Master of Science in Addiction Studies

    University of Adelaide
    University of Adelaide
    Australia
    Australia, Adelaide
    Go to Official Website
    Duration1.5 year(s)
    Next IntakeAugust 5, 2026
    Master of Science in Addiction Studies

    About

    Through our 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.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

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

    • 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 ready for fulfilling careers in the addiction field, including in leadership roles. This degree’s emphasis on global research, policy and approaches gives you a portable qualification, unlocking career opportunities on an international scale.  

    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 requires many kinds of expertise. This means that 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, helping improve outcomes – and save lives.  

    Fee Information

    Master of Science in Addiction Studies
    University of Adelaide
    University of Adelaide
    Australia

    Australia, Adelaide

    Go to Official Website