MSc/PgDip/PgCert Applied Psychology (Addictions)
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- MSc/PgDip/PgCert
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
School of Health and Society
How long will I study?
One year, Three year
Overview
This course will equip you with valuable insights into topics including the psycho-pharmacology of addiction, the recent interest in addictive behaviours and the wide-ranging implications of addiction for society.
You'll find the course particularly relevant if you are working in the NHS or healthcare independent sector, including addiction clinics, and want to develop your knowledge and understanding of substance misuse and dependence, and other addictive behaviours.
You will:
- Gain knowledge and understanding of drug use and addiction relevant to a range of roles and environments.
- Have the ability to focus on your own interests for the dissertation.
- Focus on the application of theory and skills and learn how to transfer this to the workplace.
This is for you if...
You work or want to work in a setting supporting those affected by addictions.
You want to help further research in this field.
You are hardworking and dedicated to developing your knowledge.
How you learn
Future careers
This course will help you to progress to leadership positions within the field of addictions and to advance to research roles.
Modules
The aim of this course is to enable you to develop a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of applied psychology in the context of addiction and addictive behaviours. You will consider psycho-pharmacological and biological mechanisms underpinning drug action and dependence, the more recent conceptualisation of behavioural addictions, and the broader social context of addiction.
The full-time route is structured over 12 months and comprises three 10-week semesters. In semesters 1 and 2, you will complete two taught modules in each semester. In semester 3 you will complete your dissertation under the supervision of one of the course tutors. If you choose to follow the part-time route you will complete the course over three years, completing two taught modules in each of the first two years and the dissertation in your third year.
The dissertation module on this course will also give you the opportunity to pursue an area of applied psychology and psychological therapies directly related to your own work or interest.
Award outcomes
Please see the breakdown below for the number of modules required to achieve each award outcome.
Full-time
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert): two modules over four months
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip): four modules over eight months
- MSc: four modules plus a dissertation over one year
Part-time
- Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert): two modules over nine months
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip): four modules over two years
- MSc: four modules plus a dissertation over three years
Modules
Research Methods in Psychology
You will develop a rigorous approach to the process of research and be prepared to complete research dissertation in the field of applied psychology and addiction.
The Psychopharmacology of Drugs and Addiction
In this module, you will explore the psychopharmacological and biological mechanisms that underpin drug action and dependence.
Addictive Behaviour
You will develop a theoretical and evidence-based critique of the psychology and treatment of addictions. You will also critically evaluate the range of addictive and compulsive behaviours to identify the range of complex problems and risks experienced by the 'addict' in western society.
Drugs, Addiction and Society
This module will provide you with an opportunity to consider the broader social impact of substance use and misuse.
Dissertation
Provides you with the opportunity to pursue an area of applied psychology and psychological therapies that directly relates to your own work or interests.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Applicant profile
This course is suitable for you if you're a psychology graduate (or graduate of a related discipline), or if you're a health and social care professional interested in focusing your interests in the addictions field and may act as a route towards an academic/research career. This course will also be of particular interest to you if you currently have a role, or wish to have a role, in providing services within addiction across the health, social welfare, education and youth justice services.
English language requirements
International applicants will be required to show proficiency in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
Upper second class (2:1) honours degree in psychology or other health/social care related discipline, e.g. counselling, health sciences, nursing.
Alternative entry requirements
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the formal entry criteria but who have an undergraduate degree and relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
Fees and funding
Please note, part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis.
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,360 per year |
| Part-time | Please note, part-time costs will be calculated on a pro rata basis. |
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £17,520 per year |
Additional costs
You should consider additional costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
Scholarships for International Students
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. Explore our international scholarships.
How to apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545