Overview
Our Addictions course provides postgraduate education in addictions, with a particular emphasis on recent biological, psychological and socio-environmental advances in the conceptualisation of drug use and addiction and its effective prevention. Your theoretical understanding of the subject will be positioned within the context of policy development, focusing on facilitating the transfer of knowledge and skills to the workplace. Students will also achieve PgCert exit awards during this course.
Course detail
Our Addictions course is designed for students and professionals interested in the conceptualisation, treatment and prevention of addictive behaviours. It provides a widely recognised qualification with an integrated multi-disciplinary teaching and learning approach to the problems of use, dependence on alcohol, nicotine and other psychoactive drugs, and other addictive behaviours. Our course recognises that its students come from a variety of backgrounds with the goal of extending their theoretical knowledge and practical skills beyond those related to the subjects that they studied at undergraduate level. For example, a nurse or youth counsellor may wish to increase their knowledge of policy or psychopharmacology, while psychology graduates may wish to increase their knowledge and familiarity with treatment options. It is for this reason that our course starts with introductory modules that ensure all students, regardless of their background, have a basic understanding of the core concepts that underlie the clinical, scientific and public health aspects of addiction before they embark on individual research and a more rigorous exploration of these areas. The purpose of the course is therefore to equip graduates, clinicians and others for the next stage of their career within the field of addictions. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Course format and assessment
You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials. The primary methods of assessment for this course are written examinations, coursework and practical work. The study time and assessment methods typically give an indication of what to expect. However, these may vary depending upon the modules.
Career prospects
Our graduates follow a variety of careers, including clinical specialist/director, positions in local or national organisations requiring understanding of policies and dissemination at local, state, national and/or international level, manager of addictions services, drug worker, substance misuse nurse specialist, psychology assistant, research assistant, or undertake further study, such as PhD or the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
Denmark Hill Campus
Health Service and Population Research Department,
Institute of Psychiatry De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill,
Southwark,
London,
SE5 8AF, SOUTHERN ENGLAND, England
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Students from all over the world can attend King’s and enjoy a world-class education that, with hard work, will lead to a highly fulfilling career.