Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Addictions MSc
Key information
Course type:
Masters
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Scholarships available, see Fees & Funding section for more information. Our Addictions 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.
- Learn from distinguished experts in the field of addiction. Benefit from their experience, mentorship and guidance.
- Our course empowers you to delve into the latest research findings and collaborate with experts shaping the future of addiction treatment and prevention in alcohol, nicotine, drugs and other addictive products.
- Equips graduates for their next career stage to make an impact in addiction treatment, policy development and beyond. Transferable skills including critical thinking, research and communication will be invaluable in diverse professional settings.
“The programme not only deepened my understanding of addiction research, but also provided me with a unique platform to create connections with inspiring people, such as the professors who supported my process.”
Our Addiction 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.
Base campus
Denmark Hill Campus
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/ and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Selection is made upon the basis of the application and references. An interview may be required based upon the applicant’s qualifications and experience.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). Your personal statement should include your reasons for applying for the course and your goals. Please also detail any post-qualification work experience you have, for example in a support or clinical setting. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Yes | Please include a full CV (Resume) including employment dates and details of any clinical experience. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
MSc Format
You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
| Module name | Lectures (hours) | Seminars/tutorials (hours) | Field/lab/studio/supervised learning (hours) | Self-directed study (hours) | Total (hours) |
| Introduction to Addiction Science and Theory | 20 | 15 | 5 | 260 | 300 |
| Psychopharmacology of Drug Action and Addiction | 10 | 10 | 130 | 150 | |
| Research Methods, Critical Appraisal & Statistics | 15 | 15 | 15 | 255 | 300 |
| Policy - optimising the impact of evidence to reduce addictions | 15 | 15 | 120 | 150 | |
| Addiction Treatment and Practice | 25 | 25 | 40 | 210 | 300 |
| Research Project | 2 | 8 | 10 | 580 | 600 |
Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
Our course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Denmark Hill Campus.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select. Most if not all the teaching for the MSc Addictions programme, will take place at the Main IoPPN Campus in Denmark Hill. The clinical placement is likely to take place at a different location.
Excursions and field trips may be arranged during the year with adequate prior notice given to students.
A full list of locations will be made available to students at the beginning of the module.
Assessment
- Written Examinations
- Coursework
- Presentations
The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and practical work (presentations, simulated clinical assessment). The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.
Regulating body
King's College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
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.
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 (more information about applying here). More resources on further study/careers in Clinical Psychology can be found here:
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: £16,950 per year (MSc 2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (MSc 2025/26)
International:
Full time: £40,000 per year (MSc, 2025/26)
Part time: £20,000 per year (MSc 2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, 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.
SSA Bursary
The Society for the Student of Addiction (SSA) offer bursaries to facilitate training in the addictions field for individuals experiencing difficulty in funding a course of study. Please visit the SSA website for full details.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. The scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
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.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Our Addiction 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.
Base campus
Denmark Hill Campus
Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal https://apply.kcl.ac.uk/ and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
Selection is made upon the basis of the application and references. An interview may be required based upon the applicant’s qualifications and experience.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). Your personal statement should include your reasons for applying for the course and your goals. Please also detail any post-qualification work experience you have, for example in a support or clinical setting. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. |
| Other | Yes | Please include a full CV (Resume) including employment dates and details of any clinical experience. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
MSc Format
You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.
| Module name | Lectures (hours) | Seminars/tutorials (hours) | Field/lab/studio/supervised learning (hours) | Self-directed study (hours) | Total (hours) |
| Introduction to Addiction Science and Theory | 20 | 15 | 5 | 260 | 300 |
| Psychopharmacology of Drug Action and Addiction | 10 | 10 | 130 | 150 | |
| Research Methods, Critical Appraisal & Statistics | 15 | 15 | 15 | 255 | 300 |
| Policy - optimising the impact of evidence to reduce addictions | 15 | 15 | 120 | 150 | |
| Addiction Treatment and Practice | 25 | 25 | 40 | 210 | 300 |
| Research Project | 2 | 8 | 10 | 580 | 600 |
Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Location
Our course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Denmark Hill Campus.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the optional modules you select. Most if not all the teaching for the MSc Addictions programme, will take place at the Main IoPPN Campus in Denmark Hill. The clinical placement is likely to take place at a different location.
Excursions and field trips may be arranged during the year with adequate prior notice given to students.
A full list of locations will be made available to students at the beginning of the module.
Assessment
- Written Examinations
- Coursework
- Presentations
The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and practical work (presentations, simulated clinical assessment). The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.
Regulating body
King's College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
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.
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 (more information about applying here). More resources on further study/careers in Clinical Psychology can be found here:
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: £16,950 per year (MSc 2025/26)
Part time: £8,475 per year (MSc 2025/26)
International:
Full time: £40,000 per year (MSc, 2025/26)
Part time: £20,000 per year (MSc 2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, 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.
SSA Bursary
The Society for the Student of Addiction (SSA) offer bursaries to facilitate training in the addictions field for individuals experiencing difficulty in funding a course of study. Please visit the SSA website for full details.
IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships
Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. The scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025 click here to find out more.
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.
- Stationery.
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
- Graduation costs.
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
Course type:
Masters
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
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