Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies

Join world leaders in addiction prevention

Our Graduate Diploma in International Addiction Studies is a unique online program. It provides a deep understanding current issues, treatments and controversies in the global drug addiction field.

The course is delivered online through three of the world’s leading universities in addiction sciences: The University of Adelaide; 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?

You can study from anywhere in the world as you:

  • explore all aspects of addiction—from pharmacological and psychosocial treatments to public health and policy
  • work through forward-thinking lectures, readings and modules
  • learn from world experts in addiction
  • access multiple libraries and resources
  • develop international networks.

If you’re interested in completing an original research project in the field, you can also check out our Master of Science in Addiction Studies. 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?

This diploma will be beneficial in a range of professions that interact with addiction. 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. You might be a research scientist or a public health graduate pursuing innovation and policy changes.


  • 16% industry growth predicted by 2025^
  • 1 in 5 Australians has mental health issues*
  • Unique online program

^Imip.gov.au Occupation projection
*The National Health Survey 2017-18

Entry Requirements

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Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February and July
Prerequisites All 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 Study A relevant 4 year undergraduate degree with a high level of academic achievement.

Fees and Scholarships

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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.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

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

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Mental Health Worker;  Counsellor

Degree Structure

The proposed program is nested within the existing Master of Science in Addiction Studies. This program is jointly offered with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU, USA) and King’s College London (KCL, UK). The proposed Graduate Diploma will consist of the six 4-unit courses covering all the content courses, but excluding the research courses. Each university will teach two courses in the Graduate Diploma.

- PHARM 7520EX Addiction Policies (VCU)
- PHARM 7518EX Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions (KCL)
- PHARM 7516EX Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction (VCU)
- PHARM 7519EX Treatment of Addiction: Critical Issues (KCL)
- PHARM 7515EX Biological Basis of Addiction (UA)
- PHARM 7517EX Treatment of Addiction: Pharmacotherapies (UA)

Academic Program Rules

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

Example Study Plan

Assessment

We use formative and summative assessment tools:
- Formative assessments: for example, non-graded assignments or online self-assessment quizzes that can help students check their understanding and progress.
- Summative assessments: may include assignments, essays, discussion board contributions, presentations and supervised exams. These assessments are specifically linked to the course objectives, such as improving academic writing and critical appraisal skills, checking knowledge and understanding, and developing skills in interpreting research findings and using them to improve practise.

The assessments provide students with opportunity to train their academic writing skills, skills in collaborative working, critical appraisal and testing their knowledge base.

Testimonial

I was continually inspired by the passion of my supervisory panel and their commitment to improving the lives of young people.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Sunday, 11 Aug 2024