Addictive Behaviour (Level 7, 30 credits)
Part-time
One semester
February 2025
In a nutshell
You can take this course as a single module for continuing professional development or as part of our MSc Applied Psychology (Therapies) or MSc Applied Psychology (Addictions).
You will:
- evaluate the range of addictive and compulsive behaviours
- gain increased awareness of the problems/risks experienced by the 'addict' in western society
- enhance your own professional practice
All about the course
This module explores:
- Definitions and explanations of addiction and addictive/compulsive behaviour, psychological, medical, social models
- Understanding the range and forms of addictive behaviour in western society (drug abuse, alcoholism, 'shopaholics', compulsive gambling, sex addiction etc)
- Social, psychological and sociological issues and addiction, (family dynamics, socio-cultural factors, peer group influence, demographic/'macro' factors etc)
- Implications for the individual (and for society) of engaging in 'risky' behaviours, (legal, economic, social, health-related problems, etc)
- Psychological and psycho-pharmacological factors in substance abuse, (awareness of the reasons for drug/alcohol addiction, individual risk assessment, physical and psychological dependence, motivational issues, problems of cessation etc.)
- Exploring potential problems and outcomes of treatment interventions
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running 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 are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
What about after uni?
You can take this course as a single module for continuing professional development or as part of our MSc Applied Psychology (Therapies) or MSc Applied Psychology (Addictions). You will be able to apply what you have learnt to clinical practice and improve the quality of your care.
Career Links
We work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. These relationships will be of direct benefit to you because our academic team work in practice in some of these organisations at a senior level so are able to keep you at the forefront of developments in the sector, which in turn help you provide a better service.
What you need to know
This module is relevant to a range of professionals, including counsellors, psychotherapists and psychological therapists and those dealing with addictions.
Previous study and experience
- A degree or evidence of your ability to study at postgraduate level
Accreditation for prior learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have 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).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £1,530 per 30 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.