Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies for Health Professionals (H5G)

Overview  2023

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Online
Semester 1

This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students

Addiction and addictive behaviours can take many forms and may have serious psychological and physical effects. Addiction is most commonly associated with drugs (both illicit and prescription), alcohol and nicotine. People can also become addicted to work, shopping, eating or dieting, computer and gaming use, alongside other dependent items.

In 2021, around 20% of Australians experienced a mental health disorder* and people with mental health conditions or high psychological distress are more likely to smoke and use illicit drugs or alcohol. The challenges they face take a severe toll on their quality of life, as well as those around them and the communities in which they live.

In this fully online course you will work with both health and non-health professionals to improve your understanding of dependency and contribute to providing effective care and guidance to help those experiencing overcome their struggle.

Your studies will cover the principals underlying substance use and withdrawal, identification of co-occurring conditions, and the rationale for undertaking bio-psychosocial clinical assessments for clients.

You will also learn about policy and strategies which direct appropriate client management processes, as well as gain an understanding of current legislative requirements.

In a self-directed capstone unit, you will tailor your studies towards a dependency related topic of your choice, gathering evidence and content to produce a professional portfolio to show your demonstrated knowledge relevant to the region, area, occupation, or sector where you’ll be utilising your skills.

*Australian Institute of Health and Welfare

The Graduate Certificate in Addiction studies has been designed to provide health professionals with the knowledge, awareness and skills to work sensitively with clients and families affected by addictive disorders and behaviours.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of dependency, maladaptive behaviours and epidemiological indicators on a theoretical level. You’ll also develop your communication skills, so you can work sensitively with clients and families from a range of age groups, backgrounds and cultures.

  • 1 Integrate theoretical foundations and practice of addiction studies across a broad range of practice encounters.
  • 2 Incorporate evidence-informed contemporary practice in the intervention, treatment and rehabilitation of addictive disorders, establishment and evaluation of policy, and management of services related to addiction.
  • 3 Foster a reasoned and critical perspective to social, political, environmental, and economic impacts on addiction.
  • 4 Critically evaluate research findings and professional practice to inform projects in addiction studies.
  • 5 Develop high level written and oral communication skills to examine and explain theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions across culturally and linguistically diverse audiences with varying levels of expertise.
  • Tailor your learning with a self-directed project

    As part of your studies, you can tailor your learning in this course towards a focus of your choice through a self-directed project. You will gather evidence and content to produce a professional portfolio which you can use to demonstrate your enhanced understanding of the complex health needs of individuals and families across a range of settings, and best practice interventions in client management.

    Career outcomes

    The costs of addiction are vast, both on the person and our society. The latest report from the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare estimates that the social costs of tobacco use alone in Australia to be $136.9 billion. The personal cost is also high, with addiction destroying lives, affecting families, and impacting communities.

    When you complete this course, you will be better equipped to provide effective and appropriate care for those experiencing  dependencies, directly helping to reduce the costs of addiction for the person  and society.

    If you are a health professional and work with individuals experiencing dependency, the knowledge, and skills you gain can help you upskill and specialise in your current role. It is also great for those looking to move into the addiction care field, in particular registered nurses, and social workers.

    For non-heath professionals such as police officers, this course will help you improve your effectiveness in responding to situations that involve people experiencing addiction, as well as supporting those they interact with and the communities in which they live.

    Course structure

    Students are required to complete four (4) core addiction studies units (50cp) as listed.

    Entry requirements

    Applicants must

    • Have completed an AQF (or equivalent) undergraduate degree qualification in a health-related discipline, or in social work, psychology, social sciences, or police studies, and,
    • Be working in a health care setting (including but not limited to a hospital, health clinic, aged care setting, department of community services)

    Applicants will be required to provide evidence of confirmation of employment.

    This course is not available to international students. Please enquire online for advice on alternative course options.

    Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Talk to us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

    Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies is a specialisation which has an articulation pathway for registered nurses to the Graduate Diploma of Nursing (Addiction Studies) through to the Master of Clinical Nursing (Addiction Studies.

     

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

    You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

    Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    International students

    International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.

    Scholarships

    For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    1300 363 864
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

    Next steps