Addiction is complex and often misunderstood. But there are ways to respond to and manage addiction appropriately.
Advances in neuroscience, medicine and public health are driving more evidence-based compassionate approaches to the prevention and treatment of addiction.
Our Master of Science in Addiction Studies is delivered online through three of the world’s leading universities in addiction studies: Adelaide University, Virginia Commonwealth University and King’s College London since 2008.
Learn from globally renowned experts. Gain the skills to influence public health initiatives and broader policy. Build invaluable professional connections and emerge ready to take on specialised roles in healthcare, non-profit and government sectors.
Creating a world free of addiction requires the expertise of many. You’ll graduate ready to lead best practice initiatives in your community, make a real difference and save lives.
Through our Master of Science in Addiction Studies, you’ll explore and examine addiction from biological, psychological, social and public health perspectives.
The degree 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. You’ll be taught be researchers and practitioners who are international authorities in the field.
Explore the biological basis of addiction, individual and community-based risk and protective factors, and approaches to treatment. Examine addiction health policy the international level. Study critical issues, including barriers and enablers to treatment for at-risk groups in special settings.
Apply and deepen your learning through a major research project. Sharpen your research skills with research methodologies courses, including approaches specific to the field of addiction sciences. You will also undertake your own research project.
You’ll emerge with the advanced knowledge and skills to drive change, ready to take on a range of leadership roles in addiction treatment and prevention, or shape local, national and international policy.
Learn from world renowned experts in addiction studies. Examine and understand 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. Build advanced research skills. Develop an international network of likeminded professional peers.Offered completely online, the Master of Science in Addiction Studies at Adelaide University gives you the flexibility to fit study around your other commitments.
In addition to being taught by international experts, you’ll have also 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 take core courses covering the biological basis of addiction, comparative epidemiology, evidence-based interventions (including pharmacological, psychosocial and public health approaches) and addictions policy. Towards the end of your studies, you’ll examine a range of research methodologies and approaches. This learning will prepare you to complete a major research project in the field of addiction studies.
You’ll also gain the expertise to pursue further research through a PhD.
This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after six months of study with a standalone Graduate Certificate or after one year with a Graduate Diploma qualification.
You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the six-month Graduate Certificate and continue on to complete the Graduate Diploma (one year) or full master’s degree.
Complete 72 units comprising:
Complete 72 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
Research Methodology in Addictions
|
Course code
PHAR5022
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Research Project in Addictions
|
Course code
PHAR5023
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Research Project in Addictions
|
Course code
PHAR5023
|
Units
12
|
You’ll graduate ready for fulfilling careers in the addiction field, including in leadership roles. This degree’s emphasis on global research, policy and approaches gives you a portable qualification, unlocking career opportunities on an international scale.
Depending on your professional background, you might apply your advanced knowledge of addiction studies to take up more specialised roles in your existing field.
As a social worker, you could use your in-depth knowledge of evidence-based support models to help clients managing substance use disorders navigate recovery and rebuild their lives. Maybe you’re already a psychologist and can apply your expertise to manage and coordinate addiction recovery programs. Perhaps you’ll lead harm reduction outreach initiatives, encouraging safer behaviours and acting as a bridge to healthcare and social services for at-risk populations.
Addiction is a complex disorder. Prevention, treatment and recovery requires many kinds of expertise. This means that addiction professionals can be found working in a wide range of industries, including:
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 compassionate and effective 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 Addiction studies at Adelaide University will equip you with the knowledge, tools and connections to contribute meaningfully to this evolving field, helping improve outcomes – and save lives.
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.
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.
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:
