Mental Health and Wellbeing

Master of Science in Addiction Studies

  • Domestic
  • International

About Degree

Join world leaders in addiction prevention

Our Master of Science in Addiction Studies (International Programme in Addiction Studies) offers you a unique pathway to making a difference. 

It’s delivered online through three of the world’s leading universities in addiction sciences: The University of APSB; Virginia Commonwealth University; and the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. On completion of the degree, you’ll be recognised as a graduate of all three universities. 

What will you do?

  • Learn from world experts in addiction.
  • Access multiple libraries and resources.
  • Explore all aspects of addiction—from pharmacological and psychosocial approaches to public health and policy.
  • Work through forward-thinking lectures, readings and modules.
  • Develop international networks.
  • Study from anywhere in the world.

We accept applications until 1 July and classes commence in August of each academic year. For more information, including admissions criteria, application forms, curriculum outline and tuition fees, visit: www.ipas.vcu.edu 

Where could it take you?

Maybe you’re in law enforcement or social work and want to support changes in your community. Perhaps you’re a counsellor looking to take on a specialised role in addiction. Maybe you’re a research scientist or a public health graduate pursuing innovation and policy changes. 


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    DefermentYes - 2 year
    PrerequisitesAll applicants must meet the following requirements as set out by VCU at www.ipas.vcu.edu . US students should have completed a 4-year bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of study. Students from outside the US must have completed an honours degree (level 2A or 1) or professional bachelor degree in an appropriate field of study at a recognised tertiary institution Students must have a high level of proficiency in English, demonstrated by completion of a university qualification study in the English language, or by meeting one of the following English language requirements: an IELTS score of 7.0, a TOEFL score of 600 (paper based) or 250 (computer based) Students must have good academic references Students must have access to reliable internet and be computer literate. For information about tuition fees, visit: www.ipas.vcu.edu . Please note that FEE-HELP is not currently available for this degree. Specific merit-based scholarships are also available for this degree. Please visit www.ipas.vcu.edu  for more information.
    Additional Entry Requirements
    Applications are accepted until 1 July and classes commence in August of each academic year. This degree is available online ONLY. All applications are handled through our partner institution, VCU. To apply, please visit: www.ipas.vcu.edu 
    Selection Criteria
    Graduate entry


    Higher Education StudyA relevant 4 year undergraduate degree with a high level of academic achievement.


    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    International students1100.0%
    All students1100.0%


    International applicants

    CRICOSAvailable to non-student visa holder ONLY.
    IntakeJuly
    Australian Year 12All applicants must meet the following requirements as set out by VCU at www.ipas.vcu.edu . US students should have completed a 4-year bachelor's degree in an appropriate field of study. Students from outside the US must have completed an honours degree (level 2A or 1) or professional bachelor degree in an appropriate field of study at a recognised tertiary institution Students must have a high level of proficiency in English, demonstrated by completion of a university qualification study in the English language, or by meeting one of the following English language requirements: an IELTS score of 7.0, a TOEFL score of 600 (paper based) or 250 (computer based) Students must have good academic references Students must have access to reliable internet and be computer literate. For information about tuition fees, visit: www.ipas.vcu.edu . Please note that FEE-HELP is not currently available for this degree. Specific merit-based scholarships are also available for this degree. Please visit www.ipas.vcu.edu  for more information.
    Additional Entry RequirementsApplications are accepted until 1 July and classes commence in August of each academic year. This degree is available online ONLY.
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 7Reading 7Listening 7Speaking 7Writing 7





    TOEFLOverall 94Reading 24Listening 24Speaking 23Writing 27





    PearsonOverall 65Reading 65Listening 65Speaking 65Writing 65





    C1 AdvancedOverall 185Reading 185Listening 185Speaking 185Writing 185





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Tertiary QualificationsAll applicants must meet the admission entry requirements as set out by VCU at www.ipas.vcu.edu    For information about tuition fees, visit: www.ipas.vcu.edu . Please note that FEE-HELP is not available for this degree. Specific merit-based scholarships are available for this degree and please visit www.ipas.vcu.edu  for more information.
    How to Apply
    Application information for international students
    Important application deadlines for international students

    Student Profile
    Applicant backgroundSemester one/Full year intake 2022
    Number of studentsPercentage of all students
    International students1100.0%
    All students1100.0%


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Australian Full-fee place

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


    International applicants

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.


Careers

Career Readiness

This degree aims to develop professionals who are fully prepared to assume leadership roles in the addictions field throughout the world. It offers students depth and overview of the addiction field and enables them to improve career prospects and move into higher positions in the workforce.

The Master of Science in Addiction Studies (International Program in Addiction Studies) does not offer training in clinical and counselling skills.

The University of APSB Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of APSB Graduate Attributes.

  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Health Educator, Health Officer, Policy Adviser, Life Scientist, Medical Research, Medical Scientist, Mental Health Nurse, Nurse Researcher, Pharmaceutical and Medical Supplies Representative, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Public Health Officer, Public Servant, Research Manager, Science Communicators, Science Educators, Scientific Data Analyst, Scientific Officer, Scientist, Team Leader, Health Promotion Professional, Therapist, ...


Degree Structure

Students complete 8 core courses in Alcohol and Drug Studies.

The Master of Science in Addiction Studies is an intensive program completed in a 12-month period or part-time over 24 months. 

For information about tuition fees, visit: ipas.vcu.edu .

Please note that FEE-HELP is not currently available for this degree.

Specific merit-based scholarships are also available for this degree. Please visit ipas.vcu.edu  for more information.


Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan

Core Courses

  • PHARM 7515EX  Biological Basis of Addiction
  • PHARM 7516EX  Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction
  • PHARM 7517EX  Treatment of Addiction: Pharmacotherapies
  • PHARM 7518EX  Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions
  • PHARM 7519EX  Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues
  • PHARM 7520EX  Addiction Policies
  • PHARM 7521EX  Research Methodology in Addictions
Research Dissertation

  • PHARM 7522EX  Research Project in Addictions

Assessment

Assessment includes discussion forums, assignments, written exams and a thesis.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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