Postgraduate Certificate in Addiction Medicine
Validated by University of South Wales
This Postgraduate Certificate in Addiction Medicine is exclusively designed for healthcare professionals who hold a University undergraduate qualification in a medical field.
Our 6-month Postgraduate Certificate in Addiction Medicine equips healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge of addiction, enhancing your ability to assess and offer initial treatment or relevant advice to those presenting with addiction-related issues. This directly supports the levels of care for this broad patient group and reduces the burden currently placed on rehabilitation facilities for addiction.
Delivered completely online, our addiction medicine course allows medical professionals in the UK and internationally to access vital higher education. By offering the best online postgraduate course in addiction medicine, we contribute positively to the awareness, treatment, and related research for addiction issues globally. Our programme is ideal if you're seeking affordable online addiction medicine diploma programmes, ensuring accessibility without compromising on quality.
In the UK, 45% of adults aged 18-75, equivalent to 22 million people, have either directly experienced addiction themselves or know someone close who has. More people die each year in the UK from drug misuse than from road traffic incidents and all knife crime combined. In 2020, there were 8,974 alcohol-specific deaths in the UK, an 18.6% increase from 2019. Addressing these critical issues effectively requires a thorough understanding of addiction medicine. This certificate offers essential insights and practical skills, serving as a valuable complement to existing knowledge. Enhance your expertise and improve your ability to manage and treat addiction effectively.
Next intake: March 2025Key Facts
This concise six-month Addiction Medicine programme offers you the chance for tutor-led peer discussion on key topics with a multidisciplinary approach. The curriculum covers essential topics such as the Neurobiology of Addiction, Evidence-Based Practices in Addiction Medicine, Co-Occurring Disorders, and Harm Reduction Strategies. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of various types of addiction and modern treatment strategies, preparing you to address these issues effectively in diverse healthcare settings.
You will also have the opportunity to enhance your research skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities, providing the confidence and resilience needed to use your own initiative and manage time effectively. Our (add accreditor)accredited online diploma in addiction medicine with clinical training offers a robust foundation for those aiming to pursue a career in addiction medicine.
Our online drug addiction courses with certificates are designed for flexibility and practicality, allowing you to gain certification without interrupting your career, and preparing you for a future in addiction treatment and research.
Following completion of the course you should be able to:
- Develop a systematic knowledge of the investigation and evidence-based management in areas surrounding addiction medicine.
- Synthesise the evidence and critically interpret this into the care of patients presenting with addiction in a range of healthcare settings.
- Critically analyse the biological, physiological and ethical considerations related to the delivery of addiction medicine with a multidisciplinary approach.
Validating partner
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a full list of our FAQs visit our FAQs page.
As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.
Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.
Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.
When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.
You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.
You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.
The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.
We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.
Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.
Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.
Postgraduate Diploma courses
In order to be eligible for our Postgraduate Diploma courses you need to hold a medical degree or undergraduate degree in a health related science and be working within the field that you wish to study, as the course is designed to further your knowledge within your chosen subject and is not designed to introduce these as new topic areas.
We have two intakes a year in March and September. Click the following link for the up to date application deadlines and module dates: Module Dates.
The Action Taker Discount offers savings based on your programme: £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance. This discount is not available during February and August and not available in combination with the Early Bird Discount. The Action Taker Discount will be applied to your final payment. To take advantage, act quickly after acceptance to secure your savings.
Next intake: March 2025 Key Facts
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Why Study an Addiction Medicine Postgraduate Certificate with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
100% Flexible
Our courses are 100% online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
Expert Led
All of our programmes are authored and developed by world leading experts in their field.
Our faculty are selected due to their subject expertise, experience and teaching abilities to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence.
Career Boosting
Get a University Validated postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Who is this course for?
The Addiction Medicine course is aimed at all healthcare professionals with a related postgraduate qualification and interested in addiction medicine and includes:
- General Practitioners
- Psychiatrists
- Clinical Psychologists
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Addiction Medicine Specialists
- Public Health Professionals
How Will I Learn?
You'll learn through our flexible, interactive online platform, which allows you to engage with clinical cases, complete assignments, and collaborate with fellow students at times that suit your schedule. There's no fixed timetable—simply log in daily to participate in the week's activities.
Learn through engaging discussion
Our teaching approach is highly interactive, using small groups of 10-20 students to foster a collaborative environment where you can engage in thoughtful discussions and receive guidance from your tutor. You'll have access to learning resources and discussion forums that encourage ongoing interaction and deeper engagement with the material.
Throughout your studies, you'll receive support from a dedicated expert tutor and our Student Support Team, ensuring you have the resources needed to navigate the course successfully.
Curriculum
Our online Addiction Medicine Postgraduate Certificate allows you to study for just six months and is a part-time, distance-learning course. The course is worth 60 credits and comprises three modules of 20 credits, each running over a period of six weeks.Module aims:
To develop a systematic understanding of the biological and pharmacological underpinnings of addiction, including the neurobiological, genetic, and environmental factors contributing to substance misuse. This module aims to create a foundational knowledge base from which students can critically assess and understand the complexity of addiction.
Content Summary:
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Introduction to Addiction Biology
- Genetics and Environmental Influences
- Pharmacology of Addiction
- Neuroadaptation and Behavioural Impact
- Substance Specific Addictions, including prescription only drugs (POM) and illicit drugs
- Emerging Issues and Trends in Addiction
Learning and Teaching Methods:
- Critically evaluate and compare the biological, psychological, and socio-cultural models of addiction, analysing their strengths, limitations, and implications for clinical practice and public health interventions.
- Synthesise advanced theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence underpinning addiction models to develop evidence-based interventions and policies aimed at prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies within diverse healthcare settings.
Module aims:
To enhance the knowledge and skills necessary for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of addiction using evidence-based clinical and psychosocial interventions. This module focuses on developing advanced, practical skills for managing and supporting individuals with substance use disorders, including prescription only drugs (POM) and illicit drugs, through a comprehensive and patient-centred approach to care.
Content Summary:
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
- Psychosocial Interventions and Support
- Addressing Co-occurring Disorders
- Relapse Prevention and Management
- Integrated Care and Collaborative Treatment
Learning and Teaching Methods:
- Demonstrate a systemic understanding and knowledge of assessing people for addiction and critically appraise and evaluate different modes of treatment in addiction care.
- Construct management strategies that include effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, employing advanced communication and leadership skills to optimise patient care and outcomes in addiction treatment.
Module aims:
To provide students with a systematic understanding of the ethical, legal, and public health considerations in addiction medicine in a range of complex settings. This module aims to enhance an appreciation of the societal impacts of addiction, the importance of ethical care provision, and the role of healthcare professionals in advocating for policy changes and public health initiatives to reduce the burden of addiction.
Content Summary:
Indicative content to include topics outlined below and/or any other relevant current topics to fulfil the module aims and learning outcomes:
- Ethical Considerations in Addiction Medicine
- Legal Frameworks and Regulations
- Public Health and Policy
- Social Determinants and Cultural Competence
- Prevention and Community Engagement
- Handling Complex Cases and Safeguarding
Learning and Teaching Methods:
- Critically evaluate the ethical implications of legal frameworks in addiction medicine, analysing their impact on patient rights, confidentiality, and equitable access to care.
- Exhibit critical thinking and analytical skills to examine the ethical, legal, and societal implications related to addiction medicine, synthesising complex information to inform ethical-decision making and policy advocacy.
Assessment Methods
This programme emphasises learning through active participation in case-based discussions, reflection, and real-life scenarios. Students engage with clinical cases that mirror everyday practice, fostering problem-solving and evidence-based application from the very beginning.
Across the modules, assessments are integrated with learning. Each week, you will work through two to three clinical cases, discussing and reflecting on them with peers under the guidance of an expert tutor. These discussions form the core of your learning and are also the basis for your assessments.
Our innovative teaching methods are designed to help you translate this learning into real-world clinical practice. You'll need to regularly log in to participate in discussions, ideally on a daily basis, and commit approximately two hours per day to your studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team is available to assist with any challenges you may encounter, from navigating our online platform to managing deadlines.
How Foundational Knowledge is Developed
The programme is structured so that foundational knowledge is introduced through carefully designed clinical cases. Each case is crafted to highlight essential concepts and progressively deepen your understanding as you apply critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. This hands-on approach ensures that you are not only acquiring theoretical knowledge but also learning how to apply it in a practical, clinical setting.
This programme is suited for professionals who thrive in an online, discussion-based learning environment. Please note that this course focuses on interactive, applied learning through peer collaboration and case discussions. You will be fully supported, encouraged and led through the programme to success and graduation!
Students are required to critically analyse clinically focused case-based scenarios, discussion threads and weekly questions posed by their tutors via the Academic Forum (an online discussion board) and designed to meet the module learning outcomes. Here, students make their own researched and referenced contributions and interact with the tutor and their fellow students. There is no didactic teaching, instead, students are posed questions and prompted to search the literature, read it critically and respond. Engagement is encouraged by the tutor prompting students to respond and the use of automated activity monitoring software.
At the end of each module, the tutor allocates marks to each student based on a marking rubric. The rubric takes into account the following elements:
· Promptness and initiative
· Delivery of post (spelling and grammar)
· The relevance of post and referencing
· Expression within the post
The online reflective journal is a learning portfolio that requires the students to record and critically reflect on their learning. Reflection is an important aspect of the programme as the professionals will be able to spend time considering how their practice compares to the themes being discussed in the module. The tutor provides regular feedback to the student and marks it at the end of the module.
Reflective practice is a requirement for healthcare professionals for both professional re-validation and professional development.
The group activity is designed to stimulate and test the students’ ability to work as a team in taking the subject area forward. A group task is set, the group elects a leader using the online forum (designed to put leadership skills into practice) and the leader allocates tasks to group members.
The leader is responsible for managing, collating and submitting the activity (online) at the end of the module. The tutor provides formative guidance part way through the module and marks the assessment at the end.
Examples of individual activities might include either a written assignment, poster, blog or social media project.
All students must complete the same assignment for each module that is predetermined by the programme Leader before the modules commence. Students are not provided with an option to choose.
Case problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination with multiple-choice ‘single best answer’ questions directly test the reasoning and knowledge objectives of the module. The online examination is marked automatically.
Entry requirements
Since our Addiction Medicine programme is conducted entirely online, it is accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare or management field.
Registered healthcare professionals working in the healthcare field, without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on admissions@diploma-msc.com for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Course Fees
Option 1: Upfront Payment in full. Option 2: Interest free payments every other month for the duration of the course.
| Date | Instalments | Up-Front Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | £850 | £2,550 |
| 1st May 2025 | £850 | |
| 1st July 2025 | £850 |
† Deposits are non-refundable
†† Prices are subject to review following each intake
Option 3: Lower your monthly payments by spreading the cost for between 2 and 8 years with a loan from our lending partner Lendwise*.
*Subject to eligibility criteria.
Learna | Diploma MSc has a partnership with Lendwise which is a leading private student loan provider, to help UK students fund their course fees should they require financing. Lendwise is a UK-based education finance platform through which candidates can fund their postgraduate and professional qualification studies at leading educational institutions.
A Lendwise loan comes with a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan (between 2 and 8 years) and no early repayment penalties. The interest rate offered will depend on the overall applicant profile and the application process is entirely online.*
*Other sources of funding are available.
Learna | Diploma MSc does not offer financial advice, recommend or endorse any financial product. You should always check the suitability of the product that is of interest to you. If you are in any doubt as to its suitability, we suggest that you seek independent professional advice.
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We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online diploma courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Our courses are some of the most affordable of their kind, providing value for money without compromising on quality. We also don't apply an international surcharge. No fixed timetable means you can log in & learn on the go, at your convenience.
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