School of Medical Sciences The University of Adelaide Australia
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Further Enquiries:
School of Medical Sciences
Medical School North Building
Frome Road
The University of Adelaide

SA 5005
Email

Telephone: +61 8 8303 3756
Facsimile: +61 8 8303 4531

Postgraduate Coursework Programs

The Discipline of Pharmacology offers several distance education programs, including:

Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Alcohol and Drug Studies

Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health

International Master of Science in Addiction Studies

he Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Alcohol and Drug Studies are designed to assist a range of professionals to attain an advanced level of understanding of the nature of addiction and current principles of management of alcohol and drug problems.

As distance education programs offered on a part-time basis they are ideally suited to those who wish to study whilst continuing their regular work commitments. There is no requirement to attend the University of Adelaide. The information brochure is currently being updated and a price increase will take effect. Information brochure

To apply for this Program

Potential students can apply through GradStart. Applications for 2009 will open on 11 August and offers will commence from mid-October.

Potential students will also need to complete an Additional Information Form.

Please note applications close in the December of the year preceeding the year of study.

After this date, you can still apply for this program through the SATAC site. It will mention that the deadline has passed, but that we will consider your application.

For current fees of all the programs, please check the University of Adelaide Program Finder

About us

These Programs are offered by the Discipline of Pharmacology within the School of Medical Sciences. The Discipline staff are involved in a range of drug and alcohol related activities that include research into alcohol, opioid and amphetamine withdrawal, maintenance therapies for opioid dependence, pharmacology and toxicology of psychomotor stimulants and benzodiazepines. Members of the Discipline (including affiliate staff) are also involved in treatment, policy development and training. The Programs have been developed by Professor Jason White, Chair in Addiction Studies, and Dr Femke Buisman-Pijlman, Lecturer. Our teaching team includes representatives from a number of disciplines and organisations and covers a wide range of expertise within the alcohol and drug area.

Who are the students?

Students with clinical background include medical practitioners, nurses psychologists, social workers and other service providers whose practice involves drug and alcohol problems (as well as those preparing to work in this field).

Students with non-clinical orientation come from a variety of backgrounds including pharmacy, policy, research, law enforcement and education.

What do you need to know about these Programs?

It is important to note that these Programs are only offered via distance education. There is no requirement to attend classes or examinations at the University of Adelaide.

The Graduate Certificate Program consists of 2 subjects (courses) completed over 1 year part-time.

The Graduate Diploma Program consists of 4 subjects (or 2 subjects in addition to those 2 completed as part of the Graduate Certificate program). The 4 subjects are completed over two years of part-time study.

While these are fee paying Programs, many Australian students find the FEE-HELP system very helpful. Postgraduate Coursework Scholarships are available for International students.

How will you be assisted in your learning?

Course handbooks, lectures and related reading for each subject (e.g. journal articles, lecture notes, internet links and other resource materials) will be provided online. You will be able to communicate with senior academics and program administrators via traditional means (telephone, fax, post, e-mail) as well as via on-line education service. You will also participate in an on-line group discussion with your fellow students and lecturers. And, of course, your knowledge will be assessed to help you keep motivated. In return we will provide you with the timely feedback which will help you in guiding your own learning.

For more information refer to the brochure (see link above to download)

International Master of Science in Addiction Studies (Commencing August 2008)

In addition to the programs above we will be offering a new on-line program, Master of Science in Addiction Studies, an international program to be jointly provided by 3 universities (The University of Adelaide, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA and King’s College, London, UK).
This program will be offered as a full-time degree delivered over 3 semesters in a 12 month period. The fees for the program are expected to be US$18,000. It will provide students with a broad educational experience covering the scientific basis of addiction, comparative epidemiology, evidence-based interventions, research methodology and addictions policy. Using distance learning methods, this program will provide scientifically-grounded instruction taught by the world’s top addiction scientists and practitioners (a range of internationally recognised specialists will give lectures on specific topics). The aim of the program is to develop professionals who are highly prepared to assume leadership roles in the addictions field throughout the world.
For more information on the program please go to to the International Master of Addiction Studies website.

Contact Us

If you need advice or wish to talk about the programs, please contact:

Dr Femke Pijlman, Program Coordinator (on maternity leave until June 2009)
Phone: +61 8 8303 5989
Fax: +61 8 8224 0685
email: gdmads@adelaide.edu.au

Prof Jason White, Program Advisor
Phone: +61 8 8303 5987
Fax: +61 8 8224 0685
e-mail: jason.white@adelaide.edu.au