Postgraduate study in Addiction Studies

What can you study in Addiction Studies?

In this specialisation, you study topics such as:

  • Alcohol, tobacco and other drug studies
  • Theory and skills in counselling practice
  • Assessment and intervention with addiction
  • Co-existing problems: Theories and principles
  • Biology of addiction
  • Loss, grief and bereavement
  • Primary mental health

Develop your skills and knowledge with an advanced postgraduate qualification for health professionals who are moving into leadership roles in this area.

Subject structure

Students pursuing a 120-point masters are required to complete the following courses:

  • POPLHLTH 737 Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Studies (15 Points)
  • POPLPRAC 707 Theory and Skills in Counselling Practice (15 points)
  • POPLPRAC 708A - Assessment and Intervention with Addiction (15 points) 
  • POPLPRAC 708B - Assessment and Intervention with Addiction (15 points)

and 60 point dissertation

Students pursuing a 180-point masters are required to complete the following courses:

  • POPLHLTH 737 Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Studies (15 Points)
  • POPLPRAC 707 Theory and Skills in Counselling Practice (15 points)
  • POPLPRAC 708A - Assessment and Intervention with Addiction (15 points) 
  • POPLPRAC 708B - Assessment and Intervention with Addiction (15 points)

15 points from:

30 points from:

  • POPLHLTH 738 Biology of Addiction (15 Points)
  • POPLHLTH 768 Special Studies in Addiction and Mental Health (15 Points) - By arrangement with the programme director
  • POPLHLTH 774 Addictive Consumptions and Public Health (15 Points)
  • POPLPRAC 712 Project Planning for Lifestyle Change (15 Points)
  • POPLPRAC 765 Coexisting Problems: Theories and Principles (15 Points)

and a 60-point dissertation.

Where can postgraduate study in Addiction Studies take you?

Graduates of this programme are expected to be in demand from a variety of employers, including Community Alcohol and Drug Services and mental health services delivered through DHBs as well as a number of NGOs that deliver addiction programmes.

Completion of the programme will enable graduates to achieve accreditation with DAPAANZ (Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa – New Zealand).

Jobs related to Addiction Studies

  • Recovery coach
  • Clinical supervisor
  • Co-occurring disorders counsellor (mental health and substance use)
  • Vocational counsellor
  • Nurse/psychiatric nurse
  • Detox specialist
  • Psychologist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Addictionologist/medical director
  • Family therapist
  • Social worker
  • Case manager
  • Administrative support
  • Researcher
  • Educator/teacher/professor

Help and advice

For general student enquiries, please contact your local Student Hub.  

For more information,  please contact:
Dr Rodrigo Ramalho
Programme Lead 
Email: r.ramalho@auckland.ac.nz 

Postgraduate programmes