MA in Addiction Studies

Course description

Who is this course for?

This programme is designed for those who wish to access evidence-based interventions and create opportunities for high-quality treatment experiences for those who need them. Modules within the course are designed to build personal capacity, collaborative problem-solving skills, and understanding of the systems and context within which clients and their families may be best supported. As part of this M.A. programme, learners study the fundamental theories of addiction counselling, psychotherapeutic skills and engagement, motivational interviewing, community reinforcement approaches, and comorbidity. In addition, learners study evidence-based practice and research methods and design, complete a dissertation and may engage in clinically supervised practice with clients.

Course Delivery

This course is available on a Full-Time basis where students complete their studies over three academic semesters or can be taken over two years or on a Part Time basis where student complete their studies over 5 academic semesters.

This course is taught using a combination of classroom/skills based learning and blended learning technologies for theoretic elements of engagement. It thus allows the learner to access classes in person or online to allow for a better work/life/study balance. Please note that on Blended Learning Delivery modes, lectures occur 1 evening a week from 6pm-9pm and on approximately eight Saturdays, 9:30am-4:30pm in the academic year (Sept-May).  Learner attendance is required for skills-based modules.

Course Content

Modules

• Understanding Addiction
• Skills & Competencies in Addiction Counselling
• Contemporary Evidence Based Interventions in Addiction Recovery
• Research Methodologies & Design
• Community Reinforcement Approach & Family aspects in Addiction
• Comorbidity & Trauma Informed Care
• Elective 1
• Elective 2
• Dissertation

Elective 1 (students must choose one of the following)

• The Recovery Model in Addiction
• Knowing Self

Elective 2 (students must choose one of the following)

• Professional Placement
• Behavioural & Process Addictions
• Substance Use Disorders & The Recovery Model
• Gambling Addiction & The Recovery Model
• Neuropharmacological Aspects of Substance Use DisordersLearners on the MA in Addiction Studies are required to complete 90 ECTS (as outlined above) over one academic year (Full Time) or two academic years (Part Time) and are required to take two elective module from the list above, one 5 ECTS module and one 10 ETCS module. For more details on module content please visit www.ichas.ie

The Masters in Addiction Studies will enhance employability and career progression/opportunities in statutory, community and voluntary sectors and Addiction Service environments. It will enable learners to critically evaluate institutionalised practices and values, and act as agents for challenge and change in their professional contexts.

The programme will address the needs of practitioners and graduates who wish to develop their professional competence in areas of addiction recovery principles and practice through advanced study, and develop personal and professional capacity and collaborative problem solving skills, underpinned by evidence-based practice and reflection. The programme will also develop leaders in professional practice who are capable of engaging with and initiating necessary professional discourse at policy levels.