MSc Applied Psychology Addictions

The MSc Applied Psychology (Addictions) at the University of Salford gives you advanced insight into the psychology of addictive behaviour, substance use, and behavioural addictions. It suits students working in or aspiring to join healthcare, addiction services, probation or social services who wish to apply psychological theory and research to addiction contexts. 

Curriculum structure:
In the one-year full-time program (or three-year part-time), students begin with Research Methods in Psychology to build skills in experimental design and mixed methods, and The Psychopharmacology of Drugs and Addiction, where they explore the biological and neural mechanisms of dependence.  In the second semester, Addictive Behaviour critically examines models of addiction, compulsion, and treatment, while Drugs, Addiction and Society situates addiction in its social, economic, and cultural context. The course concludes with a Dissertation in semester three, allowing students to research an applied or theoretical question related to addiction.

Focus areas:
“drug dependence; behavioural addictions; psychopharmacology; social impacts; addiction research”

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will understand the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms of addiction, analyse addictive behaviour through multiple theoretical lenses, examine social factors influencing substance use, and conduct rigorous applied research via an independent dissertation.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While not a licensed clinical qualification, this MSc is highly relevant to roles in addiction treatment, healthcare, public health, and research, and supports progression to doctoral study.

Reputation (employability):
Salford’s School of Health & Society is well-connected with public and healthcare organisations, and this MSc prepares students for leadership, research, and specialist roles in the addictions sector.