Mental Health and Wellbeing

Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies

  • Domestic
  • International
  • Duration

    1 year full-time or part-time equiv.
  • Start Dates

    February and July
  • Location

    North Terrace Campus

About Degree

Join world leaders in addiction prevention

Our Graduate Certificate in International Addiction Studies is a unique online program. It provides a broad understanding of drug addiction and deep insights into international research in the field.

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

  • cover the essential areas of addiction science in three core courses
  • work through forward-thinking lectures, readings and modules
  • access multiple libraries and resources
  • develop international networks.

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 certificate 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. 


Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    Domestic applicants

    DefermentYes - 2 year
    IntakeFebruary and July
    PrerequisitesAll 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 StudyA relevant 4 year undergraduate degree with a high level of academic achievement.


    International applicants

    CRICOSAvailable to non-student visa holder ONLY.
    IntakeFebruary and July
    Australian Year 12All 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 RequirementsApplications are accepted until 1 July and classes commence in August of each academic year. This degree is available online ONLY.
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements

    Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of APSB
    IELTSOverall 7Reading 7Listening 7Speaking 7Writing 7





    TOEFLOverall 94Reading 24Listening 24Speaking 23Writing 27





    PearsonOverall 65Reading 65Listening 65Speaking 65Writing 65





    C1 AdvancedOverall 185Reading 185Listening 185Speaking 185Writing 185





    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirementsA range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements

    Detailed information on international qualifications assessment

    Tertiary QualificationsAll applicants must meet the admission entry requirements as set out by VCU at www.ipas.vcu.edu  For information about tuition fees, visit: www.ipas.vcu.edu . Please note that FEE-HELP is not available for this degree. Specific merit-based scholarships are available for this degree and please visit www.ipas.vcu.edu  for more information


Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.I am a:

  • Domestic
  • International

    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.

    Scholarships

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


    International applicants

    Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

    More information on International Student tuition fees.

    Scholarships

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


Careers

Potential careers

Mental Health Worker, Counselling Psychologist, Counsellor


Degree Structure

The proposed program is nested within the existing Master of Science in Addiction Studies which has been taught since 2008 and is jointly offered with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU, USA) and King’s College London (KCL, UK).

The Graduate Certificate will have three 4-unit courses, one taught by each university.
- PHARM 7515EX Biological Basis of Addiction (UA)
- PHARM 7518EX Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions (KCL)
- PHARM 7516EX Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction (VCU)

Academic Program Rules

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

Example Study Plan

Level I
  • PHARM 7516EX  Public Health Issues and Approaches to Addiction (VCU)
  • PHARM 7518EX  Treatment of Addiction: Psychosocial Interventions (KCL)
  • PHARM 7515EX  Biological Basis of Addiction (UA)

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:  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.


RECOGNITION AND AFFILIATIONS

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