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King's College London
You are viewing a course in < Psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience
Postgraduate degree

Addictions MSc

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Our Addiction Studies course provides postgraduate education in addictions, with a particular emphasis on recent biological, psychological and socio-environmental advances in the conceptualisation of drug use and addiction and its effective prevention. Your theoretical understanding of the subject will be positioned within the context of policy development, focusing on facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills to the workplace.

Key benefits

  • Provides advanced graduate education in the field of addictive behaviours, concentrating on supporting students to embark on further higher study or to translate their learning into their workplace.
  • Provides students with access to the expertise of leading addictions researchers and senior clinicians.
  • A broad range of modules covering science, practice, policy and management in the addictions

“I chose to study at the IoPPN as it was one of the few places I could find that offered a course that focused on addiction, and it is a key centre of research in this area.”

Annie , Past Student, Addiction Studies MSc, PG Cert

Our Addiction Studies course is designed for students and professionals interested in the conceptualisation, treatment and prevention of addictive behaviours. It provides a widely recognised qualification with an integrated multi-disciplinary teaching and learning approach to the problems of use, dependence on alcohol, nicotine and other psychoactive drugs, and other addictive behaviours. Our course recognises that its students come from a variety of backgrounds with the goal of extending their theoretical knowledge and practical skills beyond those related to the subjects that they studied at undergraduate level. For example, a nurse or youth counsellor may wish to increase their knowledge of policy or psychopharmacology, while psychology graduates may wish to increase their knowledge and familiarity with treatment options. It is for this reason that our course starts with introductory modules that ensure all students, regardless of their background, have a basic understanding of the core concepts that underlie the clinical, scientific and public health aspects of addiction before they embark on individual research and a more rigorous exploration of these areas. The purpose of the course is therefore to equip graduates, clinicians and others for the next stage of their career within the field of addictions. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. “We have really close ties with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, so several of our modules focus on clinical aspects of treating addiction. Quite a few of our lecturers work as clinicians in the trust. That means we can also offer the rare opportunity for a clinical services placement.” Dr Leonie Brose Course Leader

Base campus

NEV-main-Denmark-Hill-Campus
Denmark Hill Campus

Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, clinical and teaching facilities for the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences and the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

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Teaching methods - what to expect

MSc Format

You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Introduction to Addiction Science and Theory

Lectures (20 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (15 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning (5 hours) | Self-study time (260 hours)

Psychopharmacology of Drug Action and Addiction

Lectures (10 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (10 hours) | Self-study time (130 hours)

Research Methods, Critical Appraisal and Statistics

Lectures (15 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (15 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning (15 hours) | Self-study time (255 hours)

Policy - optimising the impact of evidence to reduce addictions

Lectures (15 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (15 hours) | Self-study time (120 hours)

Addiction Treatment and Practice

Lectures (25 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (25 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning (40 hours) | Self-study time (210 hours)

Research Project

Lectures (2 hours) |Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning (10 hours) | Self-study time (580 hours)

 

Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Course Assessment

The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and practical work. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.

Assessment

    Structure

    Required modules

    Students on this course are required to take:

    Introduction to Addiction Science and Theory (30 Credits)
    Psychopharmacology of Drug Action and Addiction (15 credits)
    Research Methods, Critical Appraisal and Statistics (30 credits)
    Policy - optimising the impact of evidence to reduce addictions (15 credits)
    Addiction Treatment and Practice (30 credits)
    Research Project (60 credits)

    Optional modules

    There are no optional modules for this course. King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

    King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

    Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

    Employability

    Our graduates follow a variety of careers, including clinical specialist/director, positions in local or national organisations requiring understanding of policies and dissemination at local, state, national and/or international level, manager of addictions services, drug worker, substance misuse nurse specialist, psychology assistant, research assistant, or undertake further study, such as PhD or the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

     

    Destinations

    Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

    • The Priory Hospital
    • High View Care Services
    • Lifeline Project
    • Clinical Commissioning Group

    Tuition Fees

    UK:

    Full time: £14,070 per year (MSc 2022/23)

    Part time: £7,035 per year (MSc 2022/23)

    International:

    Full time: £32,940 per year (MSc, 2022/23)

    Part time: £16,470 per year (MSc 2022/23)

    These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

    Deposit

    When you receive an offer for this course you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. The deposit will be credited towards your total fee payment.

    The UK deposit is £500.

    The INTERNATIONAL deposit is £2,000.

    • If you receive an offer on or before 31 March, payment is due by 25 April 2022.
    • If you receive an offer between 1 April and 30 June, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
    • If you receive an offer between 1 July and 31 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
    • If you receive an offer between 1 August and 21 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
    • If you receive an offer from 22 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

    If you are a current King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

    Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

    Additional Costs

    In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

    • Books if you choose to buy your own copies
    • DBS checks
    • Library fees and fines
    • Society membership fees
    • Stationary
    • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
    • Graduation costs

    Funding

    Our Addiction Studies course is designed for students and professionals interested in the conceptualisation, treatment and prevention of addictive behaviours. It provides a widely recognised qualification with an integrated multi-disciplinary teaching and learning approach to the problems of use, dependence on alcohol, nicotine and other psychoactive drugs, and other addictive behaviours. Our course recognises that its students come from a variety of backgrounds with the goal of extending their theoretical knowledge and practical skills beyond those related to the subjects that they studied at undergraduate level. For example, a nurse or youth counsellor may wish to increase their knowledge of policy or psychopharmacology, while psychology graduates may wish to increase their knowledge and familiarity with treatment options. It is for this reason that our course starts with introductory modules that ensure all students, regardless of their background, have a basic understanding of the core concepts that underlie the clinical, scientific and public health aspects of addiction before they embark on individual research and a more rigorous exploration of these areas. The purpose of the course is therefore to equip graduates, clinicians and others for the next stage of their career within the field of addictions. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment. “We have really close ties with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, so several of our modules focus on clinical aspects of treating addiction. Quite a few of our lecturers work as clinicians in the trust. That means we can also offer the rare opportunity for a clinical services placement.” Dr Leonie Brose Course Leader

    Base campus

    NEV-main-Denmark-Hill-Campus
    Denmark Hill Campus

    Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, clinical and teaching facilities for the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences and the Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation.

    Regulating bodies

    King's is regulated by the Office for Students

    Loading...

    Teaching methods - what to expect

    MSc Format

    You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

    Introduction to Addiction Science and Theory

    Lectures (20 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (15 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning (5 hours) | Self-study time (260 hours)

    Psychopharmacology of Drug Action and Addiction

    Lectures (10 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (10 hours) | Self-study time (130 hours)

    Research Methods, Critical Appraisal and Statistics

    Lectures (15 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (15 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning (15 hours) | Self-study time (255 hours)

    Policy - optimising the impact of evidence to reduce addictions

    Lectures (15 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (15 hours) | Self-study time (120 hours)

    Addiction Treatment and Practice

    Lectures (25 hours) | Seminars / Tutorials (25 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning (40 hours) | Self-study time (210 hours)

    Research Project

    Lectures (2 hours) |Seminars / Tutorials (8 hours) | Field/lab/studio/ supervised learning (10 hours) | Self-study time (580 hours)

     

    Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks.

    Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

    Course Assessment

    The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and practical work. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.

    Assessment

      Structure

      Required modules

      Students on this course are required to take:

      Introduction to Addiction Science and Theory (30 Credits)
      Psychopharmacology of Drug Action and Addiction (15 credits)
      Research Methods, Critical Appraisal and Statistics (30 credits)
      Policy - optimising the impact of evidence to reduce addictions (15 credits)
      Addiction Treatment and Practice (30 credits)
      Research Project (60 credits)

      Optional modules

      There are no optional modules for this course. King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

      King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

      Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

      Employability

      Our graduates follow a variety of careers, including clinical specialist/director, positions in local or national organisations requiring understanding of policies and dissemination at local, state, national and/or international level, manager of addictions services, drug worker, substance misuse nurse specialist, psychology assistant, research assistant, or undertake further study, such as PhD or the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

       

      Destinations

      Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:

      • The Priory Hospital
      • High View Care Services
      • Lifeline Project
      • Clinical Commissioning Group

      Tuition Fees

      UK:

      Full time: £14,070 per year (MSc 2022/23)

      Part time: £7,035 per year (MSc 2022/23)

      International:

      Full time: £32,940 per year (MSc, 2022/23)

      Part time: £16,470 per year (MSc 2022/23)

      These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

      Deposit

      When you receive an offer for this course you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. The deposit will be credited towards your total fee payment.

      The UK deposit is £500.

      The INTERNATIONAL deposit is £2,000.

      • If you receive an offer on or before 31 March, payment is due by 25 April 2022.
      • If you receive an offer between 1 April and 30 June, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
      • If you receive an offer between 1 July and 31 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
      • If you receive an offer between 1 August and 21 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
      • If you receive an offer from 22 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.

      If you are a current King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

      Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.

      Additional Costs

      In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

      • Books if you choose to buy your own copies
      • DBS checks
      • Library fees and fines
      • Society membership fees
      • Stationary
      • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
      • Graduation costs

      Funding

      Application closing date guidance

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