M6014 Master of Addictive Behaviours

The course is structured into three parts: Part A. Foundation studies for addictive behaviours, Part B. Core studies in addictive behaviours, Part C. Elective studies in addictive behaviours.

Part A. Foundation studies for addictive behaviours

These studies will enable you to develop your knowledge and capacity to evaluate current theories of addiction, including aetiological, developmental, and public health models. You will explore the theoretical basis for effective identification, management, and treatment of individuals with addictive behaviours; and the skills to effectively critique the research evidence on medical, psychological and social intervention approaches to addictive behaviours and apply the strategies in practice.

Part B. Core studies in addictive behaviours

The focus of these studies is acquiring greater depth in key areas of expertise in addictive behaviours. You will gain an understanding of trends in the use of particular substances including tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs and behavioural addictions including gaming and gambling. You will learn the major historical, political, economic, and social factors that have impacted on our understanding of addiction in Australia and internationally. You will also be able to critically evaluate the empirical and theoretical literature across a range of socio-cultural perspectives of addiction. You will learn about the history of policy development and the public health measures employed around the world, including prevention, harm minimisation and treatments for managing problem use of substances and other process addictions.

Part C. Specialist studies in addictive behaviours

The focus of the specialist studies is professional or scholarly work that can contribute to a portfolio of professional development. You have two options: a research stream or a coursework stream to suit your interests, skills, and career goals.

Research stream

In the research stream you will further your skills required to conduct professional focused research through the review of existing research literature. You will create a research question, select an appropriate methodology and finalise a research protocol for institutional ethics approval. Through an interactive and collaborative process with your supervisor, you will create a research report which will communicate your research findings to a wider professional audience.

Coursework stream

In the coursework stream you are able to elect units that suit your own career interests and receive an in depth and broader understanding of specialised areas of the addictive field. Some of the more specialised areas include the recovery movement, co-occurring disorders in mental health and addiction, developmental factors involved in substance use and other addictive behaviours, as well as learning about gambling, gaming, and other process addictions.

Master's entry points

Depending on prior qualifications you may receive entry level credit (a form of block credit) which determines your point of entry to the course:

• If you are admitted at Entry level 1 you complete 72 points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C
• If you are admitted at Entry level 2 you complete 48 points, comprising Part A and Part C

Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies you may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 72 points structured into four parts: Part A. Foundation studies for addictive behaviours (24 points), Part B. Core studies in addictive behaviours (24 points), Part C. Elective studies in addictive behaviours (24 points).

Units are 12 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundation studies for addictive behaviours (24 points)

You must complete:

• ASC5001 Addiction Science: A biopsychosocial overview
• ASC5004 Addiction assessment and treatment: Practice and innovation

Part B. Core studies in addictive behaviours (24 points)

You must complete:

• ASC5002 Sociocultural perspectives of addiction
• ASC5003 Addiction policies, prevention and public health

Part C. Specialist studies in addictive behaviours (24 points)

You must complete a. or b. below:

a. Research stream*

You must complete:

• MAP5000 Research in advanced health professional practice
• MAP5010 Advanced health practice research project

b. Coursework stream

You must complete two units chosen from:

• ASC5007 Recovery principles
• ASC5008 Co-occurring disorders in mental health and addiction
• ASC5009 Developmental factors - children and families, youth and early interventions
• ASC5010 Gambling, gaming, and other process addictions

*To be eligible to enrol in these research stream units you need to

• put an expression of interest (EOI) form the year before (e.g., June to December),
• and pass ASC5001, ASC5002, ASC5003 and ASC5004 with an overall average score of Credit.
• Contact the course administrator to check availability and to arrange an appointment to discuss this option. The proposed research project must be approved by a supervisor from Turning Point, before you can enrol in these research stream units. If you do not achieve the eligibility requirements for the research stream you will be asked to complete the coursework stream.