Master of Arts (MA) Addiction Studies

Overview
Course Content
Structure
Career Opportunities
Fees
Next Steps

Overview

Introduction

The MA in Addiction Studies is a rigorous and 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.

Key Features of the MA in Addiction Studies

Suited to those with a Humanities/Social Science degree seeking to acquire a postgraduate qualification in the area of Addiction
Also suitable for applicants with clinical training in health or social care who wish to apply a knowledge of the theory and approaches to addiction to their clinical work

Graduates will be qualified for relevant position in academia, as well as in research for public and private bodies
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

Delivery

All learners are expected to attend in person in class.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

Have 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 Psychology or
Have an equivalent professional qualification
Have an IELTS score of a minimum 6.5 or equivalent, where full-time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English

Course Content

The Master of Arts (MA) in Addiction Studies programme has the following content:

Core Modules

Dialogical Meanings in Addiction: Theory, Practice and Policy
A Psychoanalytic Perspective on Addiction
Research Methods and Analysis
Addiction Psychopharmacology
Cultural Issues in the Study of Addiction
Women and Addiction
Integrative Tutorial
Supervised Clinical Visits
Research Project

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.

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). There is also the availability of a January intake.

For part-time students, delivery of the programme is structured over two years and contains 5 twelve-week semesters and will require daytime attendance.

All learners are expected to attend in person in class.

Career Opportunities

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.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €8,900 for one year, and €4,350 for two years for EU students. This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations.

Click here to view international fees.

Click here to view 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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9

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 2025

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Contact Us

We are now accepting applications for programmes taking place in 2025. Contact our admissions team for more information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01 417 7500
Opening times:
Monday to Friday
8:45am to 5:15pm

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