Addictive Behaviours - M6014
Master's degree
The course incorporates the latest evidence in addiction theory (including biological, neurobiological, psychological and social theories of addiction aetiology and maintenance) and addiction practice (assessment, dual diagnosis, management, treatment, and recovery); historical and contemporary policies and public health strategies for managing traditional, new and emerging substance use disorders and process addictions. With the knowledge gained, you will make a positive impact on both the health and social wellbeing of individuals, groups, and communities.
This course is designed for professionals working in health and social welfare sectors, education, government or policy development (and related disciplines) who seek to broaden their knowledge and skills in treating addictive behaviours. It is suitable for those working in alcohol and other drugs (AOD) or similar social and community sectors, registered health practitioners and allied health professionals, policymakers, lawyers and criminologists. It is also suitable for those who are interested in upskilling professionally or looking to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in addictive behaviours.
Delivered part-time (via online learning), the Master of Addictive Behaviours offers the flexibility required by working professionals. You will have the opportunity to study via facilitated modules, stream video lectures, and take part in-group discussion forums and activities, incorporating innovative educational technologies and new methodologies to enrich your learning experience.
This course offers a coursework or research stream. The coursework stream will enable you to pursue your own career interests in addictive behaviours. The research stream will introduce you to designing and writing up a research project in an area of addiction of your choice, supervised by a reputable supervisor in addictive behaviours. Completion of the research stream could be your next step towards a PhD in addiction science at Monash University.
At a glance
Course Details
Location |
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| Note: | This course is available to:
This course is NOT available to International Students currently in Australia on a Student Visa. |
Duration |
2 or 3 years part-time depending on prior qualifications. See entry requirements. |
Start date |
First Semester (February), Second semester (July) |
Qualification |
Master of Addictive Behaviours |
The Master of Addictive Behaviours is offered in partnership with Turning Point, an internationally renowned addiction clinical treatment, research and education centre.
Whether you are looking to move into the addiction field, advance your knowledge about addiction theories and practice, progress to a more senior role, or develop your research skills, this course will offer you specialist knowledge, professional and academic skills to advance your career. Within the Master of Addictive Behaviours, you will:
- Learn how to identify, manage, and treat individuals with addictive behaviours
- Evaluate a range of evidence-based treatment approaches and forms of intervention for various addictive behaviours and population groups, including substance and behavioural addictions
- Understand in-depth the process by which addiction and its policies are formed and reformed
- Explore the impact of addictive behaviours on individuals, families, communities and social systems.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the course are able to demonstrate a range of qualitative, quantitative, analytical and communication skills necessary to work in different settings, such as: policy and program development and evaluation, treatment and prevention services, health and community service management, research, education and training; and other services that advocate for people with addiction issues.
Research
Monash is recognised globally for its research excellence. As part of the Master of Addictive Behaviours, you can choose to undertake a research stream, where you will be matched with an expert supervisor in the field. Supported research areas include:
- Socio-cultural perspectives on alcohol and drug use and treatment
- Treatment interventions for people with alcohol and drug issues
- Health professional attitudes, behaviours, and stigma
- Family violence and child maltreatment related to alcohol and drug use
- Monitoring and testing sleep interventions in AOD populations
- Surveillance, public health, data quality, and suicide prevention
- Gambling, gaming, and other behavioural addictions assessments and interventions
- Neurocognition and peers support
Completing the research stream may be a pathway to a PhD in addictive behaviours.
“I have worked with long-term homeless and complex needs clients for many years. Through completing the Master’s program, I have become a better advocate and can apply what I have learnt to improve outcomes for this group.”
Michelle, Master of Addictive Behaviours graduate
“I’m already reaping the rewards from choosing this course. Within a short time, I’ve scaled the career ladder way beyond my imagination – from mental health graduate nurse to my current role as acting Treatment Service Manager. The knowledge I’ve gained has informed my clinical practice.” Teddy, Master of Addictive Behaviours gr…
Entry Requirements
You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.
Minimum Entry Requirements (Domestic students)
Qualifications
We offer two levels of entry into our Master of Addictive Behaviours and you may be eligible to receive credit for prior qualifications and experience which reduces the duration.
Entry Level 1: Duration 3 years part-time (72 credit points to complete) | An Australian undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline* with at least a pass (50%) average |
Entry Level 2: Duration 2 years part-time (48 credit points to complete) | An Australian postgraduate award (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline* with at least a pass average AND Current employment as a Registered health professional (e.g., General Practitioner, Nurse, Psychologist) with a minimum of three years experience (full time equivalent) or Current employment in the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector with a minimum of three years experience |
*Cognate disciplines include medicine, psychology, pharmacy, nursing, allied health sciences, social work, social and community welfare, public health, policy, law, criminology, research, education and social sciences.
English requirements
Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.
University entrance requirements
Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.
Extra Requirements
Applicants must provide before an application can be assessed:
A curriculum vitae showing relevant academic and industry experience. A statement of purpose (maximum one page) outlining reasons for undertaking the course and your area(s) of interest.
The course structure and progression map can be viewed in the Handbook.
Making the application
Future students
Self assess for credit eligibility
Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page.
Fees
Fees are subject to change annually.
Full fee
Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:
A$32,600
Fee assistance
As a full fee-paying student, you may be eligible to apply for the optional FEE-HELP to assist you to pay all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.
Other costs and fees
For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.