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The MA in Addiction Studies at Dublin Business School (DBS) is a one-year (full-time) NFQ Level 9 master’s programme that provides a multidisciplinary understanding of addiction, substance use and related behavioural, social and cultural issues. It suits graduates from psychology, social sciences, health, anthropology or related fields, as well as professionals in clinical or social care contexts, who want to develop theoretical insight, practical exposure and research skills to work in addiction support, policy, research and community services.
Curriculum structure:
In the master’s year, students engage with core and applied modules that combine theory, research and clinical exposure in addiction studies. They study Addiction: Theory, Practice and Policy to explore foundational explanations of dependency, treatment approaches and policy frameworks, and Systemic and Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Addiction to understand psychological and systemic dynamics of addictive behaviour. Through Research Methods and Analysis, learners develop rigorous analytical and methodological competence, and modules such as Addiction Psychopharmacology, Cultural Issues in the Study of Addiction, Women and Addiction and Storytelling and Addiction deepen contextual insight into specific population and cultural dimensions of addiction. A distinctive element is Supervised Clinical Visits & Placement, which provides real-world observational experience in treatment and support settings, and the programme culminates in a substantial Research Project, allowing students to synthesise theory and empirical work on a topic of professional or academic relevance.
Focus areas (in a string):
Addiction theory & policy, systemic & psychoanalytic perspectives, research methods, psychopharmacology, cultural & gender issues in addiction, clinical visits & placement, independent research project.
Learning outcomes (in a string):
Critically analyse major theories of addiction; conduct and interpret qualitative and quantitative research; apply psychoanalytic, social and cultural perspectives to addiction contexts; understand biological and psychopharmacological aspects; gain supervised clinical exposure; and complete an independent research project.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 Master of Arts by Dublin Business School, this qualification equips graduates with conceptual, analytical and practical skills relevant to policy, research, advocacy, clinical support and community roles in addiction and behavioural services.
Reputation (employability rankings):
Dublin Business School is a well-established private third-level institution in Ireland offering a range of postgraduate programmes in arts, social sciences and applied psychology; while it isn’t featured in major global league tables, its MA in Addiction Studies is recognised for its applied focus and links with health and social care sectors, supporting graduate roles in research, policy and service delivery related to addiction studies.
Students gain practical research skills by conducting their own empirical investigation, receiving advanced methodological training, and studying professional issues in applied contexts. The core of the experiential learning is an independent dissertation project, supported by dedicated training and access to university resources. This hands-on experience is delivered through several specific components:
Major Independent Research Project: Every student completes a dissertation based on an empirical investigation. This is the program's central practical exercise, requiring students to design, conduct, analyze, and report on original research in applied psychology.
Core Methodological Training: A compulsory Research Methodology and Statistics module provides the foundational technical skills needed to execute the empirical dissertation, covering essential research design and data analysis techniques.
Applied Optional Modules: Students choose from specialized applied modules like Theory of Psychotherapy, Applied Forensic Psychology, Counselling Skills, and Issues in Clinical Psychology. These modules translate theoretical knowledge into practice within specific fields.
Professional Skills Development: The compulsory Philosophical and Professional Issues in Applied Psychology module addresses ethical, philosophical, and practical considerations for working as a professional psychologist.
Graduates of Dublin Business School's MA in Addiction Studies gain comprehensive expertise in addiction theory, policy, and clinical practice, equipping them for impactful roles in treatment, recovery support, and research across healthcare and social services. Typical positions include addiction counsellor, family MDT manager, policy researcher, and substance use educator in drug/alcohol services or probation. These outcomes emphasize practical skills from supervised placements and research projects, supporting careers in public/private addiction sectors.
Career Support Elements:
University Services: DBS Careers Service offers job placement support, CV clinics, and networking for addiction studies graduates targeting healthcare/NGO roles.
Employment Stats: Strong demand in Ireland's expanding addiction services; starting salaries €38,000-€48,000, with advancement to leadership positions.
University-Industry Partnerships: Ties to treatment centres, HSE services, and probation agencies for clinical visits and volunteer placements.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Enhances credentials for advanced counseling certification and strategic policy roles in addiction recovery.
Graduation Outcomes: Employment in healthcare, social welfare, law enforcement, mental health, and community schemes addressing addiction.
Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue PhD research in addiction studies, professional doctorates in counseling psychology, or specialized diplomas at DBS, building on the research project and clinical placement experience
Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant or appropriate subject. IELTS- 6.0 Overall 5.5 Individual Skills (academic version),India- A four-year Bachelor Degree or three-year honours Bachelor Degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university. First-division results are normally required with a minimum overall grade of between 55-70%* depending on the programme applied for.USA- GPA of 3.00 or higher in a four-year degree programme in a relevant discipline at a recognised university.China- High grades in a four-year degree programme in a relevant discipline at a recognised competitive university. 70-79%Clinical ResearcherAcademic ResearcherCounsellorDevelopmental PsychologistEducational PsychologistForensic Psychology AssistantHealth PsychologistOrganisational Psychology ConsultantResearch AssistantPsychology Data AnalystPsychotherapy AssistantClinical Psychology Assistant (with further training)
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