M6014 Master of Addictive Behaviours

The course is structured into three parts: Part A. Foundation studies, Part B. Core studies, Part C. Specialist studies.

Part A. Foundation studies

These studies provide you with foundational knowledge and skills to recognise and respond to substance use disorders and other addictive behaviours. You will become familiar with theories and models of addiction and examine research evidence and how this has informed contemporary policy and public health responses, including harm minimisation initiatives. Practice-relevant education on the application of screening and assessment tools for the identification of people experiencing addiction will be complemented by an introduction to evidence-based addiction treatment and support options. The studies furthermore explore current self-care and self-management strategies to support wellbeing and resilience, when working with people affected by addiction.

Part B. Core studies

The focus of these studies is to advance your knowledge and skills, emphasising critical analysis to appraise evidence and application in varied contexts, and enhancing your ability to address complex, real-world issues. You will gain an understanding of trends in substances and behavioural addictions and develop your knowledge in current and emerging treatments and therapeutic interventions.

You will learn the major historical, political, economic, and social factors that have impacted on our understanding and treatment of addiction. 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 and harm minimisation. 

Part C. Specialist studies

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 pathway or a coursework pathway to suit your interests, skills, and career goals.

Research pathway

In the research pathway 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, conduct the research 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 pathway

In the coursework pathway you will receive in depth and broader understanding of more specialised areas of addiction. You will learn about best-practice methods for identifying, managing, and treating complex populations experiencing co-occurring disorders in mental health and addiction. You will also engage in specialist study focussing on behavioural (process) addictions such as gambling, gaming and other emerging addictive behaviours with a focus on evidence-based screening and assessment of process addictions, available therapeutic interventions and public health responses.

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 credit points, comprising Part A, Part B and Part C
• If you are admitted at entry level 2 you complete 48 credit points, comprising Part A and Part C

• If you are admitted at entry level 2 and you completed the Monash Graduate Certificate of Addictive Behaviours (M4018), you will complete 48 credit points, comprising Parts B and C

• If you are admitted at entry level 2 and you completed the Monash Graduate Diploma of Addictive Behaviours (M5022), you will complete 48 credit points, comprising Part B - taken under the Monash Graduate Diploma of Addictive Behaviours and recorded as credit - 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 three parts: Part A. Foundation studies (24 points), Part B. Core studies (24 points), Part C. Specialist studies (24 points).

Units are 12 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Foundation studies (24 points)

You must complete:

• ASC5001 Fundamentals of addiction science and addiction policy
• ASC5004 Screening, assessment and brief interventions for addictive behaviours

Part B. Core studies (24 points)

You must complete:

• ASC5002 Sociocultural perspectives of addiction

AND

You must complete 12 credit points from the following elective units:

• ASC5003 Advanced policy, prevention and public health (6 points)
• ASC5005 Addiction treatment approaches (6 points)
• MON5750 Monash Innovation Guarantee (6 points)
• MPH5022 Evaluating public health programs (6 points)
• MPH5223 Social and cultural determinants of health (6 points)
• MPH5288 Public health fundamentals (6 points)
• SRH5032 Applied research for health (6 points)

Note: Some of the elective units listed may require on-campus participation. Please check the unit’s handbook entry to ensure that it suits your preferred study mode. Units which have on-campus requirements are not suitable for students wishing to study fully online.

Part C. Specialist studies (24 points)

You must complete a. or b. below:

a. Coursework pathway

You must complete: 

• ASC5008 Co-occurring mental illness and substance use or addiction
• ASC5010 Gambling, gaming and other behavioural addictions

b. Research pathway*

You must complete:

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

*To be eligible to enrol in these research pathway 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 (60%).
• 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 pathway units. If you do not achieve the eligibility requirements for the research pathway you will be asked to complete the coursework pathway.