Addiction Studies

Overview

This programme welcomes a wide audience of learners from cognate backgrounds. The Master of Arts in Addiction Studies is a 90 ECTS programme that offers a comprehensive exploration of addictions from various academic and scientific perspectives.



The programme is structured to provide learners with a strong theoretical foundation in addiction studies, coupled with practical insights. It includes core modules such as "Addiction: Theory, Practice and Policy" and "Systemic and Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Addiction," along with a unique "Supervised Clinical Visits and Placement" module that involves visits to addiction treatment centres and a volunteer placement. The programme also emphasises research skills, culminating in a research project.



Throughout the programme, learners will develop a range of skills, including:

Critical thinking and analytical skills



Research skills, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies



Communication and writing skills



The ability to evaluate and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios



An understanding of social policy and ethical considerations related to addiction



Objectives

The programme objectives of the Master of Arts in Addiction Studies are:



Demonstrate critical understanding of the psychoanalytic, pharmacological, social and cultural theories of addiction and its wider context.



Critically compare and contrast historic and contemporary medical, social and psychological perspectives on addiction.



Identify and critique the issues of professionalism, regulation, policy and ongoing professional development, which are relevant to the field at present.



Conduct research in the area of addiction through application of appropriate qualitative and/ or quantitative methodological and analytic techniques.



Fill gaps in knowledge, understanding and practice of addiction-related issues in order to continue personal and professional development.



Critically evaluate the skill set involved in addiction service, and research and demonstrate the skills involved.



Display a critical awareness of the principles and practice of social policy as it relates to addiction and related services.



Develop applied practice experience in the field of Addiction through practical skills training, volunteer placement and the development of written reports.

Modules / Credits

Addiction: Theory, Practice and Policy 10

Systemic and Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Addiction 10

Research Methods and Analysis 10

Addiction Psychopharmacology 5

Cultural Issues in the Study of Addiction 5

Women and Addiction 5

Storytelling and Addiction 5

Supervised Clinical Visits & Placement 10

Research Project 30

Minimum Entry Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Arts in Addiction Studies programme must hold:



A minimum Second Class Honours (2.2) degree in any humanities or social science discipline from a recognised third-level institution.



Or, a qualification in a conversion style programme such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Studies or a Higher Diploma in Psychoanalytic Studies.



Or, have equivalent professional qualifications.



Non-standard applicants will be assessed by subject matter experts from the Programme Team, and relevant professional experience may be taken into account.



Additionally, if English is not the applicant’s first language, they must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

The MA in Addiction Studies is an academic programme informed by the clinical and academic experience of the lecturers. Assessment is approached creatively with a range of assessment strategies including essay writing, in-class presentation, graded group dissertation and examination. Instructions and guidelines for all assessment are clearly communicated to students.

Full-time: 12 months

Part-time: 2 years

This programme is delivered through both online and face-to-face modes of delivery

Next Intake dates: September 2025

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Addiction Studies programme have diverse career opportunities due to the programme's wide-ranging curriculum. Potential employers value the specialised knowledge and transferable skills acquired by graduates.



Here are some of the sectors and roles where graduates may find opportunities:

Healthcare

Social welfare

Education

Research

Law enforcement

Probation and welfare services

Drug and alcohol services (both private and public)

Mental health services

Homeless agencies

Community employment schemes

Addiction Counsellor

Family Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Manager

Case Manager



The programme's inclusion of clinical visits also allows students to network with potential employers in addiction treatment settings.