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.

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.