Addiction and Mental Health - MSc

Program Overview

Through a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research experience, graduates are equipped to pursue careers in clinical psychology, social work, addiction treatment, research, and public health.

Program Outline

Outline:

Year 1 Modules:

• Addiction Psychology (20 credits): This module explores various definitions, prevalence, theories, models, and treatments of addictive behaviors.
Students will critically examine different types of addictive behaviors, evaluate major psychological theories, analyze various treatment interventions, and consider the comorbidity, contextual, and social justice factors associated with addiction.
• Introduction to Skills Based Practice (20 credits): This module equips students with essential academic and professional skills to conduct research at the postgraduate level.
It focuses on developing critical thinking, written and oral communication, effective data management, numeracy, and reflective skills.
• Neuroscience of Addiction and Pharmacotherapy (20 credits): This module delves into the biological and pharmacological aspects of addiction.
It examines the action of substances in the brain, explores the use of animal and human studies in addiction theory, analyzes the neural mechanisms involved in addiction and its treatment, and investigates the contribution of genetics to addiction vulnerabilities.
• Psychopathology (20 credits): This module introduces core concepts in psychopathology and clinical practice, covering the diagnosis and treatment of various mental health conditions and neuropsychological disorders.
It explores the biological, social, behavioral, and cognitive perspectives on mental health, addresses the experiences of mental health service users, and equips students with the ability to diagnose and assess mental health disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
• Research Design and Analysis for Psychology (20 credits): This module provides students with a broad understanding of research methods and data analysis techniques.
They will learn how to design and conduct psychological studies, collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data, utilize appropriate software for data management and analysis, and critically evaluate research findings.
• Research Project (60 credits): This module guides students through the process of conducting independent research in psychology.
They will choose a research topic, develop a research proposal, collect and analyze data, and write a comprehensive research report in line with professional publication standards. The module also emphasizes the ethical considerations and scientific rigor required for conducting research.
• Treatment Interventions (20 credits): This module focuses on evidence-based interventions used in mental health services, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other approaches for addressing substance misuse, psychological distress, trauma, and other client needs.
Students will learn about the theoretical frameworks, research evidence, and ethical considerations associated with these interventions.

Assessment:

The Addiction and Mental Health MSc program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and professional skills development. These methods include:

• Essays: Students will write essays on various topics related to addiction and mental health, demonstrating their understanding of key concepts, theoretical frameworks, research findings, and critical analysis skills.
• Critical Reviews: Students will critically review academic literature and research articles, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the studies, analyzing the methodologies, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
• Case Studies: Students will analyze and discuss real-world case studies of individuals with addictive behaviors and mental health conditions, applying their knowledge of diagnosis, assessment, and intervention strategies to specific scenarios.
• Oral Presentations: Students will prepare and deliver presentations on their research findings, demonstrating effective communication skills, clarity of thought, and the ability to present complex information in an engaging and informative manner.
• Research Project: The research project will be assessed based on the quality of the research proposal, the rigor of the research methodology, the accuracy of data analysis, the clarity of the research report, and the student's ability to demonstrate critical thinking and independent research skills.

Teaching:

The Addiction and Mental Health MSc program employs a diverse range of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and foster an engaging learning environment. These methods include:

• Lectures: Experienced faculty members deliver lectures on key topics, providing students with a solid foundation in the theoretical and conceptual aspects of addiction and mental health.
• Seminars: Interactive seminars allow students to engage in discussions, debate different perspectives, ask questions, and clarify their understanding of the material.
• Workshops: Hands-on workshops provide students with practical experience in conducting research, analyzing data, using statistical software, and developing professional skills like critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.
• Guest Lectures: Invited experts from the field of addiction and mental health deliver guest lectures, sharing their real-world experiences, insights, and perspectives on current research, clinical practice, and emerging trends.
• Independent Study: Students are encouraged to engage in independent study and research, explore their areas of interest, and deepen their understanding of specific topics related to addiction and mental health.
The program's faculty comprises experienced academics, researchers, and practitioners with expertise in addiction, mental health, psychology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and other relevant fields. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience, fostering critical thinking, and supporting their academic and professional development.

Careers:

Completing the Addiction and Mental Health MSc program opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in diverse fields, including:

• Clinical Psychology: Graduates can pursue careers as clinical psychologists, working with individuals and families struggling with addiction and mental health issues, providing therapy, developing treatment plans, and conducting assessments.
• Social Work: Graduates can work as social workers in various settings, supporting individuals with addiction and mental health challenges, providing case management, advocacy, and connecting them with resources and community support.
• Mental Health Services: Graduates can work in mental health services, such as hospitals, clinics, and community-based organizations, providing direct care, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and contributing to the overall well-being of individuals with mental health conditions.
• Addiction Treatment Centers: Graduates can work in addiction treatment centers, providing individual and group therapy, conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and supporting individuals in their recovery journey.
• Research: Graduates can pursue research careers in academia, government agencies, or private research institutions, conducting studies on addiction and mental health, contributing to the development of evidence-based interventions and policies, and advancing the understanding of these complex issues.
• Public Health: Graduates can work in public health organizations, developing and implementing programs to prevent addiction and promote mental health, advocating for policy changes, and contributing to community-based initiatives.
The program also prepares graduates for further academic pursuits, such as pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology, neuroscience, or related fields.

Other:

• The program offers opportunities for students to engage in professional development activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and networking events.
• The program emphasizes the importance of ethical practice in working with individuals with addiction and mental health issues, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the necessary ethical awareness and decision-making skills.
• The program is designed to be flexible and can be completed on a part-time basis, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments or other personal responsibilities.