Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies

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  • 2025

    Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or University of South Australia now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026. When the time comes to transfer, we'll be here at every step, ensuring you're well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.

  • 2026

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    Adelaide University directly. Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.


Support recovery in your communities

Substance abuse is a common issue in today’s world. It continues to take a great toll on both individuals and society.

This is a flexible online certificate, ideally suited to professionals maintaining regular work commitments in Australia or overseas. It focuses on building advanced knowledge around drugs and alcohol, and the ways in which addiction can be treated. 

What will you do?

  • Study the biological mechanisms behind addiction.
  • Consider underlying genetic and social factors.
  • Explore current approaches to drug problems—from short-term treatments to long-term and community-based management.
  • Investigate future developments in drug treatments and the field at large.

 Where could it take you?

This certificate will be beneficial in a range of professions that interact with drug and alcohol addiction. These might include medical practitioners, nurses, psychologists, social workers, pharmacists, educators, law enforcement officers, counsellors, and project and policy officers.


  • 1 in 20 Australians has an addiction problem*
  • 16% industry growth predicted by 2025^
  • Flexible online learning

*Healthdirect.gov.au
^Imip.gov.au Occupation Projection

Entry Requirements

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I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3GC012
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelors degree or equivalent.

Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $14,250

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

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

Scholarships are not only for high achievers—they are also available to provide students with an equal opportunity to study at university, no matter where they live or what their financial situation might be.

Scholarships are available to both new and continuing students. We encourage students to apply for any scholarships for which they may be eligible.

To browse scholarships offered by the University, visit: University Scholarships

To explore scholarships offered by organisations external to the University, visit: External Scholarships

Careers

Career Readiness

Graduates are prepared to further their careers in the different fields relating to addiction and drug and alcohol issues.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Mental Health Worker;  Health Administrator, Hospital Worker;  Health Officer;  Counsellor;  Social Worker;  Mental Health Nurse;  Nurse Practitioner;  Nurse Researcher;  Psychologist;  Science Educators ...

Degree Structure

Students complete 2 core courses in Alcohol and Drug Studies. Noting that these courses are in different semesters which will mean studying one course per semester so you would complete the program over a 12 month period.

Academic Program Rules

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

Example Study Plan

Core Courses - 2 courses

Assessment

Assessment includes online tests, discussion forums, assignments and written exams.

Testimonial

The degree is constantly evolving and improving to meet the demands of society and needs of the patients.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Thursday, 12 Dec 2024