Postgraduate courses in Addiction Studies

There are many courses on offer across the UK that can add to your degree and help you on the road to working with those with addiction. 

Addiction Studies is a course in itself and there are many courses closely related but slightly different in their content. 

If this sounds like something you think you would be suited to, you might find some information you’ll need below. 

What is addiction studies?

A postgraduate course in Addiction Studies explores addiction from a variety of perspectives such as sociological, cultural, psychological, anthropological and psychoanalytical. 

Courses

A postgraduate course in Addiction Studies gives a comprehensive overview of current thinking and practice in the area of addictive behaviours and substance use. There are a few different courses to choose from in this area that all look at addiction and the effects from multiple different perspectives. Some courses offer full time or part time study opportunities. 

Courses in this area include: 

Addiction Studies

A general postgrad course in Addiction Studies will equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to have a deep understanding of addiction and the foundations behind each individual’s story.

Addiction and Mental Health 

A postgraduate course in addiction and mental health covers the theoretical and practical issues relating to the main factors influencing addiction from biological, social, cultural and psychological perspectives. 

MSc Addiction Psychology and Counselling

A course in addiction psychology is directly related to Addiction Studies as it allows for the student to gain the qualifications as an addiction counsellor and explores addiction and how to treat it and work with those in need. 

MSc Contemporary Drug and Alcohol Studies

Courses in Contemporary Drug and Alcohol Studies takes a critical social science approach in exploring the use of psychoactive substances in society. A range of disciplines are covered such as patterns of consumption, reactions to substance use in relation to criminal justice, treatment, health inclusion and more. 

Specific modules and content covered can be found online on course overviews or on University websites. 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for each course can differ from course to course and University to University. Most courses require the minimum of a 2.2 honours degree in a related field. Some courses may require the minimum of a 2.1 degree. For courses such as Addiction Psychology and Counselling, relevant experience in working with those with addiction is a huge bonus.

Specific requirements for each course can be found online. 

Career options 

Job options depend on the specific course you have taken. However, there are a few roles to choose from. Some graduates of Addiction Studies courses or related courses have obtained jobs as:

• Addiction counselor
• Substance abuse counselor
• Mental Health counselor
• Social Worker
• Community service coordinator
• Health educator
• Behavioural health technician

Salary expectation 

Salary expectations will change from job to job and depends on the specific job. A general salary as a result of a postgraduate course in Addiction Studies cannot be pinpointed as it offers a broad range of jobs under the addiction title. For example, the average annual salary for a Drug Abuse Counselor is £36,675 while the average annual salary for a Social Worker can range from £24,000-£30,000. Often with jobs, the more experience you build, the higher salary you can earn. 

Skills and requirements

• Confidence
• Strong communication skills
• Able to work with others
• Kind, caring person
• Empathetic 
• Understanding and open minded
• Listening skills
• A desire to help others
• Ability to maintain boundaries