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