Master of Arts (MA) in Addiction Studies
Key Features of the MA in Addiction Studies -
In addition, graduates can work at a strategic level in healthcare settings, in semi-state bodies and in government agencies shaping polices on addiction treatment both within institutions and in society as a whole.
The MA in Addiction Studies is a formal exploration of addictions from a variety of academic and scientific perspectives: sociological, cultural, psychological, anthropological, and psychoanalytic. The programme is concerned with how these perspectives interact and how they differ from each other. The aim is to educate students so that they can carry out research in the field of addiction and thereby critically inform policy making, as well as management of addiction services. The programme also provides clinicians with a strong theoretical foundation from where to approach the treatment of addictions. This programme is designed for students with a background in Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Anthropology, Sociology, Social Science or a cognate discipline, who wish to acquire a postgraduate qualification in the area of Addiction. It is also very suitable for applicants with a clinical training in health or social care who wish to apply knowledge of the theory and approaches to addiction to their clinical work. In addition, the course provides an exciting and thought-provoking foundation for students who may wish to subsequently pursue training in the counselling or psychotherapy of addiction. Programme Structure
The full-time day programme is one year in duration and contains three twelve week semesters. The course has four key components: -
An academic programme of lectures -
A weekly seminar with emphasis on research -
Clinical visits to addiction treatment centres -
A period of research for an extended thesis. The academic component and weekly integrative seminar provide a firm foundation in core addiction issues while the clinical visits provide students with direct experience of the nature of the problems posed by addiction. The concluding period of research provides students with the opportunity to collate their study and develop a thesis question in the field of addiction studies. The taught courses cover semesters 1 and 2 (October to May), and the clinical visits straddle semesters 2 and 3 (February to August). Independent research is pursued during semester 3 (May to August). For part-time students, delivery of the programme is structured over two years and contains 5 twelve-week semesters and will require daytime attendance. Assessment Methods 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. Careers
The MA in Addiction Studies qualifies graduates to pursue careers that involve the generation and use of information relating to the problems of addiction. Graduates will be ideally qualified for relevant positions in academia, as well as in research for public and private bodies. Importantly, graduates can work at a strategic level in healthcare settings, in semi-state bodies, and in government agencies, shaping policies on addiction treatment both within institutions and in society as a whole. The MA can also provide a theoretical basis for clinicians faced with the challenge of understanding the presentation of addictive behaviours in their clinical practice. Entry Requirements
To be considered for admission applicants must: -
Hold a minimum Second Class Honours (2.2) Degree in any humanities or social science discipline from a recognised third level institution, or equivalent qualification or -
Be a graduate of any non-cognate discipline and hold a qualification in a conversion style programme such as a Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Psychoanalytic Studies or -
Have an equivalent professional qualification -
Have an IELTS score of a minimum 6.0 or equivalent, where full-time study as been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose frst language is not English. Programme Content
| Semester 1
| - Basic Concepts in Psychoanalysis
- Approaches to the Theory and Treatment of Addiction
- Research Methodology 1: Qualitative Methods
- Transference Issues in Addiction Treatment
| | Semester 2
| - Psychoanalysis & Addiction
- Cultural Issues in the Study of Addiction
- Social Policies and Social Context of Addiction
- Research Methodology 2: Quantitative Methods
- Integrative Tutorials
- Supervised Clinical Visits
| | Semester 3 | - Supervised Clinical Visits
- Research Project
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Learner protection for this programme is provided in accordance with Section 43 of the Qualifications (Education and Training ) Act 1999.
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