Master of Arts (MA) Addiction Studies

Overview
Course Content
Structure
Career Opportunities
Fees
Next Steps

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.

Delivery

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

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.

Module Name	ECTS
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

Teaching and Assessment

The MA in Addiction Studies provides an in-depth exploration of addiction from theoretical, research, and practical perspectives.

The curriculum covers foundational theories and treatment, the biological basis of addiction, social and cultural factors, and specialised topics like family dynamics, gender issues, and the role of storytelling.

A key component is practical experience through clinical visits and placements, alongside a strong emphasis on developing research skills, culminating in an independent research project.

Assessments for this programme involve both proctored examinations and continuous assessments taking various forms, including, but not limited to, group and individual practical projects, portfolios, reports, technical demonstrations and presentations.

Structure

The MA in Addiction Studies is structured across three semesters.

Semester 1:

Addiction: Theory, Practice and Policy
Systemic and Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Addiction
Research Methods and Analysis
Addiction Psychopharmacology
Cultural Issues in the Study of Addiction
Supervised Clinical Visits & Placement (This module runs across semesters 1, 2, and 3)

Semester 2:

Addiction: Theory, Practice and Policy
Systemic and Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Addiction
Research Methods and Analysis
Women and Addiction
Storytelling and Addiction
Supervised Clinical Visits & Placement (Continues from Semester 1)
Research Project (Learners are allotted a supervisor in Semester 2)

Semester 3:

Supervised Clinical Visits & Placement (concludes in Semester 3)
Research Project (Research project is submitted in Semester 3)

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.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €9,100 for one year, and €4,450 for two years for EU students.

International Fees

EU Fees

You can also contact our admissions team who would be happy to discuss the options available for you.

Please note also that there is tax relief for Irish income tax payers at the standard rate of 20% on all fees exceeding €1,000 and up to €7,000.

All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration offered by Dublin Business School (DBS) are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) (b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby in the event that DBS ceases to provide the programme, for any reason, after learners have started on that programme, Kaplan Inc., as guarantor, will refund the moneys most recently paid by or for the learner. More details are included in the terms and conditions of learner admission to DBS (https://www.dbs.ie/terms-and-conditions) and on programme handbooks provided at induction.

Improve your employability

All of our postgraduate courses offer strong links with industry and the professional world and often carry accreditation from professional bodies. By choosing to study at postgraduate level, not only do you gain valuable skills and experience but you also demonstrate your determination to succeed in a chosen career. Far from being a postponement to employment, postgraduate study can help you progress further and faster in your chosen career. And, if you're not certain what direction you would like your future to take, further study can provide a secure and structured space to help you find out through exploring your strengths and interests.

Get your foot on the career ladder

A large number of our postgraduate programmes include a work placement option, giving you the opportunity to gain vocational experience, make valuable contacts and gain transferable skills. It is also worth considering that some postgraduate qualifications are essential requirements to getting on the career ladder.

Gain skills for success

During your undergraduate degree you will have developed a strong foundation of transferable skills. Postgraduate study will build on this base, giving you the opportunity to put these highly valuable skills in to practice. You will also gain invaluable practical working examples that you can go on to use at interview to set you apart from other candidates.

Next Steps

Visit Us

Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Master of Arts (MA) in Addiction Studies. As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you'll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.

EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:

Academic Transcripts (Original & Official English Translation where issued in another language). Applicants who have previously attended DBS need not provide this documentation
Proof of Identification (Birth Certificate, Drivers Licence or Passport)
Detailed Curriculum Vitae
Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) where full time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English
Academic/Business References - Ideally one Academic & one Business

Please see programme content for any course-specific additional application procedures.

In addition to the above, in the instance of Non-EU applicants who have residency in Ireland:

A copy of your GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) Card, Work permit (if applicable) & Passport
The letter that was issued to you by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform stating why you were provided with the above documentation.

International Students/ Non EU Applicants

Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:

Academic documents
Academic transcripts
Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent)
A Curriculum Vitae
A copy of your passport

Please note that copies of all documentation must be submitted, and that it must be translated into English where issued in another language. Please do not send original documents as these will not be returned. Dublin Business School has a number of overseas offices and representatives worldwide. Please contact us if you wish to receive further details on your closest DBS representative.

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Course overview

Awarding Body:
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Award: Masters Degree
NFQ Level: Level 9
Award Title: Master of Arts in Addiction Studies
Award Type: Major
Duration:
Full-time: 12 months
Part-time: 2 years
Next Intake:
September 2026