Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
This degree is offered online
Online
Start date icon
Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February
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Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load.
1 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
GDAMH
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Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
Indicative annual fees
Commonwealth Supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Fee-Paying programs require the full tuition fees of your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis.
30,000
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SATAC code
SATAC code
Please enter this SATAC code when applying for this degree via the SATAC website
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Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
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Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

A completed Bachelors degree or equivalent and relevant work experience.

All applicants must upload the following documents as part of the SATAC application: Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)

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Note:

Please note that entry requirements for this degree are provisional and subject to change.

Why Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health?

Support recovery by treating more than just symptoms. 

The relationship between addiction and mental illness is complex. Roughly half of those who experience a mental illness during their lifetime will also experience a substance use disorder, and vice versa. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 

 Research is helping us identify and better understand the underlying causes that drive addiction and mental illness, including genetic and other risk factors. We now need compassionate and skilled professionals – from all walks of life – who can translate these findings into best practice approaches to policy, healthcare, social and community support. 

 Whether you’re a medical practitioner, nurse, psychologist, social worker, pharmacist, educator or counsellor – you have a vital role to play. Step into a career that makes a real difference, helping people recover and rebuild their lives.

program overview

Overview

Unravel the complex relationship between addiction and mental illness and explore person-centred approaches to care in our Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health. 

Taught by world-class researchers and practitioners who are experienced in the field, you’ll complete courses that explore the scientific bases of addiction, mental health and related comorbidities. Learn best practice, culturally safe approaches to care for a diverse range of client populations and contexts – from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, migrant cultures, adolescence, pregnancy and childbirth, and defence forces to other specialised areas. 

Develop broad knowledge of the biological basis of addiction, including individual and community-based risk and protective factors. Examine of the sociological, cultural and political influences that influence addiction and mental health care professional practice and policy. Gain in-depth knowledge of the psychosocial and pharmacological approaches to treatment, alongside public health-driven approaches to prevention and harm reduction.  

Emerge with the specialised skillset to lead best practice approaches in your professional field – whether that’s undertaking further research, developing public health policy, designing prevention or harm reduction initiatives or approaches to healthcare.  

What you'll learn

The Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health at Adelaide University has been designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop compassionate, evidence-based responses to addiction and mental health care. 

You’ll take specialised courses covering the biological basis of addiction, individual and community-based risk and protective factors. In others, you’ll unpack the sociological, cultural and political influences that influence addiction and mental health care professional practice and policy.  

In total, you’ll complete four core courses:  

  • Co-existing addiction and mental health disorders 
  • Drug effects and biology of addiction 
  • Mental health 
  • Pharmacotherapy and other responses to drug problems. 

Gain a solid base of knowledge in addiction science and mental health approaches that can be applied in your current professional work.  

This degree can be studied mostly online, however it may also have some on-campus and/or in-person requirements you will need to complete for accreditation purposes. This may include in-person intensive classes, workshops or professional placements.

What courses you'll study

Complete 48 units comprising:

  • 48 units for Core courses

Complete 48 units comprising:

  • 48 units for all Core courses

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Co-Existing Addiction and Mental Health Disorders
Course code
NURS5034
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Mental Health
Course code
NURS5035
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Drug Effects and Biology of Addiction
Course code
PHAR5014
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Pharmacotherapy and other responses to drug problems
Course code
PHAR5015
Units
12

Course name Course code Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name
Drug Effects and Biology of Addiction
Course code
PHAR5014
Units
12
Course name
Mental Health
Course code
NURS5035
Units
12
Semester 2
Course name
Pharmacotherapy and other responses to drug problems
Course code
PHAR5015
Units
12
Course name
Co-Existing Addiction and Mental Health Disorders
Course code
NURS5034
Units
12

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How to Apply

How to apply

Applications are open for Australian students to study at Adelaide University in 2026.

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.


Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university. 

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus. 

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

  • Academic learning support, spanning assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
  • Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities. 
  • Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
  • Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
  • Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
  • On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
  • Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, and academic policies and procedures.
  • An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
  • Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
  • Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
  • A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
  • A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission. 

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

  • February for Semester 1  
  • July for Semester 2. 

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view the Academic calendar. 

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources. 

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them. 

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more. 

Student services 

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including: 

  • Career advice and mentoring services 
  • Personal counselling 
  • LGBTQIA+ support 
  • Academic support 
  • Fees and finance help 
  • Security services 
  • Accommodation services 
  • Common rooms 
  • Prayer rooms. 

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more. 

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces. 

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week. 

 

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
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