Why Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health?
Understand the relationship between mental health and substance use issues to support recovery.
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 there are ways to respond to and manage these co-morbid situations.
Research is helping us identify and better understand the underlying causes that may predispose an individual to addiction and mental illness, including biological, psychological and social risk factors. There is a growing need for skilled and compassionate professionals – from all sectors – who can apply these concepts to 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.
Overview
Unravel the complex relationship between addiction and mental illness and explore evidence-based approaches to care in our Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health.
Taught by world-class academics and researchers 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 and mental illness, including individual and community-based risk and protective factors. Examine of the sociological, cultural and political factors that influence addiction and mental health care professional practice and policy. Gain in-depth knowledge of the psychological 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.
Key features
Study the scientific bases of addiction, mental illness and related comorbidities. - Investigate evidence-based substance abuse and mental health treatments and interventions.
- Explore culturally sensitive, ethical and person-centred approaches to care.
- Compare and analyse mental health and addiction data.
- Explore relevant, national public health policy.
- Build advanced critical appraisal skills.
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 evidence-based, compassionate responses to addiction and mental health care.
You’ll take specialised courses covering the biological basis of addiction and individual and community-based risk and protective factors. You will unpack the biological, psychological and social risk factors 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 name
Co-Existing Addiction and Mental Health Disorders
|
Course code
NURS5034
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Mental Health
|
Course code
NURS5035
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Drug Effects and Biology of Addiction
|
Course code
PHAR5014
|
Units
12
|
|
|
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
|
Career outcomes
You’ll graduate with the knowledge to pursue more specialised, addiction and mental health focused roles in your current field.
Maybe you’ll advise on national policy or advance public health research. As a counsellor, you could apply your knowledge of evidence-based support models to run support groups for at-risk client populations. Perhaps you’re already a social worker and will use your knowledge of harm reduction approaches to encourage safer behaviours and connect clients managing addiction and mental illness with healthcare services.
Professionals with specialised knowledge of addiction and mental health 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
- Hospitality.
Industry trends
In 2021 alone, an estimated 39.5 million people worldwide were suffering from substance use disorders – with only 1 in 5 people receiving treatment (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report, 2023). Likewise, substance use disorders are the third most common mental health disorder among Australian adults, with around 650,000, or 3% of the population, reporting they experience a substance use disorder (ABS, 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 mental illness. Investment in telehealth and mobile health apps is making timely addiction and mental health 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 needle and syringe exchange programs and mental health services, are encouraging safer behaviours and minimising the dangers of drug use in the community.
Ready to apply?
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.
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.
