Why Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies?
Pursue a career with meaning and help create a world free of addiction.
Addiction is a complex issue that requires the expertise of many to solve. From designing policy and public health campaigns to community prevention programs and specialised, compassionate healthcare services.
Whether your background is in law enforcement, social work, healthcare, counselling, research, or something else entirely, you’ll be ready to lead best practice initiatives in your community.
Overview
Examine the core aspects of addiction science and gain credit towards our Master of Science in Addiction Studies.
Our Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies is delivered completely online by three of the world’s leading universities in addiction sciences – Adelaide University, King’s College London and Virginia Commonwealth University.
Taught by academic, researchers and practitioners who are international experts in the field, you’ll complete six core courses that explore addiction from biological, psychosocial, pharmacological and public health perspectives.
Unpack the biological basis of addiction and discover individual and community-based risk and protective factors for developing addiction. Examine psychosocial and pharmacological approaches to treatment. Investigate critical issues in the field, alongside public health-driven approaches to prevention and harm reduction associated with substance use.
In addition to being offered completely online, our qualifications are truly stackable – allowing you to progress your studies at a pace and level of commitment that suits you. Begin with our graduate certificate, successfully complete our graduate diploma and gain credit towards the masters.
Key features
Learn from globally renowned experts in addiction studies. - Examine addiction through the lenses of pharmacology, psychology, public health and sociology.
- Study 100% online from anywhere in the world.
- Access online resources and the complete libraries of three world leading universities.
- Develop an international network of like-minded professional peers.
- Gain credit towards the Master of Science in Addiction Studies.
What you'll learn
Offered completely online, the Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies at Adelaide University gives you the flexibility to fit study around your other commitments.
You’ll complete six core courses covering the biological basis of addiction, evidence-based psychosocial and pharmacological interventions, public health perspectives and approaches:
- Addiction Policies (Virginia Commonwealth University)
- Biological Basis of Addiction (Adelaide University)
- Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction (Virginia Commonwealth University)
- Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues (King’s College London)
- Treatment of Addiction: Pharmacotherapies (Adelaide University)
- Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions (King’s College London).
In addition to being taught by international experts, you’ll have access to three world leading universities’ learning resources, including research articles, e-books and addiction studies journals. This collaborative approach means that your understanding won’t just cover addiction studies in Australian contexts; you’ll also get practical insights into what the field looks like in different parts of the world.
You’ll graduate with a solid base of knowledge in addiction science that can be applied in your current professional work. This program is nested within the existing Master of Science in Addiction Studies and is jointly offered with Virginia Commonwealth University (USA) and King’s College London (UK).
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 48 units for all Core courses
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Biological Basis of Addiction
|
Course code
PHAR5016
|
Units
8
|
|
|
Course name
Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction
|
Course code
PHAR5017
|
Units
8
|
|
|
Course name
Treatment of Addiction: Pharmacotherapies
|
Course code
PHAR5018
|
Units
8
|
|
|
Course name
Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions
|
Course code
PHAR5019
|
Units
8
|
|
|
Course name
Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues
|
Course code
PHAR5020
|
Units
8
|
|
|
Course name
Addiction Policies
|
Course code
PHAR5021
|
Units
8
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues
|
Course code
PHAR5020
|
Units
8
|
|
Course name
Addiction Policies
|
Course code
PHAR5021
|
Units
8
|
Career outcomes
Graduate with the knowledge to pursue more specialised, addiction-focused roles in your current field.
As a counsellor, you may choose to apply your knowledge of evidence-based models to run support groups, helping individuals impacted by addiction. Maybe you’re already a social worker and can use your knowledge of harm reduction approaches to encourage safer behaviours and connect clients managing addiction with healthcare services.
Addiction professionals 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.
Industry trends
In 2021 alone, an estimated 39.5 million people worldwide were suffering from substance use disorders and only 1 in 5 people were receiving treatment (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Drug Report, 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 substance use. Investment in telehealth and mobile health apps is making timely addiction 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 effective compassionate treatments for at-risk individuals and communities. Timely and relevant harm reduction initiatives, such as safe injecting rooms, are encouraging safer behaviours and minimising the dangers of drug use in the community.
Studying a Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies at Adelaide University will equip you with the knowledge, tools and connections to contribute meaningfully to this evolving field.
Your study experience and support
Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.
Student support services
Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.
As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.
Online academic support
From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.
Tech support
We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.
Study hours
Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:
- An industry-relevant project or case study
- An online presentation
- Essays and reports.
