Program Overview

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Addictions MSc

Key information

Delivery mode: Classroom & Online, In person Study mode: Full time, Part time Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90 Application status: Open Start date: September 2025

Course essentials

Our Addiction course is designed for students and professionals interested in the conceptualisation, treatment and prevention of addictive behaviours. It provides a widely recognised qualification with an integrated multi-disciplinary teaching and learning approach to the problems of use, dependence on alcohol, nicotine and other psychoactive drugs, and other addictive behaviours.

Base campus

Denmark Hill Campus, Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

International applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view the equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

• English language band: D
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Selection process

• Applications must be made online using King’s online application portal and a non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
• Selection is made upon the basis of the application and references. An interview may be required based upon the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Personal statement and supporting information

• Personal Statement: Yes, A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
• Previous Academic Study: Yes, A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained.
• References: Yes, One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Other: Yes, Please include a full CV (Resume) including employment dates and details of any clinical experience.

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

• MSc Format: You will be taught through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Module name	Lectures (hours)	Seminars/tutorials (hours)	Field/lab/studio/supervised learning (hours)	Self-directed study (hours)	Total (hours)
Introduction to Addiction Science and Theory	20	15	5	260	300
Psychopharmacology of Drug Action and Addiction	10	10		130	150
Research Methods, Critical Appraisal & Statistics	15	15	15	255	300
Policy - optimising the impact of evidence to reduce addictions	15	15		120	150
Addiction Treatment and Practice	25	25	40	210	300
Research Project	2	8	10	580	600

Location

• Our course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Denmark Hill Campus.

Assessment

• Written Examinations
• Coursework
• Presentations

Regulating body

• King's College London is regulated by the Office for Students.

Careers

Employability

• Our graduates follow a variety of careers, including clinical specialist/director, positions in local or national organisations requiring understanding of policies and dissemination at local, state, national and/or international level, manager of addictions services, drug worker, substance misuse nurse specialist, psychology assistant, research assistant, or undertake further study, such as PhD or the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Destinations

• Recent graduates have found employment within the following job roles and companies:
  • The Priory Hospital
  • High View Care Services
  • Lifeline Project
  • Clinical Commissioning Group

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK: Full time: £16,950 per year (MSc 2025/26), Part time: £8,475 per year (MSc 2025/26)
• International: Full time: £40,000 per year (MSc, 2025/26), Part time: £20,000 per year (MSc 2025/26)

Deposit

• If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
• The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

Additional Costs

• In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
  • Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
  • DBS checks.
  • Library fees and fines.
  • Society membership fees.
  • Stationery.
  • Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
  • Graduation costs.

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.

SSA Bursary

• The Society for the Student of Addiction (SSA) offer bursaries to facilitate training in the addictions field for individuals experiencing difficulty in funding a course of study.

IOPPN Postgraduate Taught Scholarships

• Scholarships of £5000 are available for this programme for 2025/26 entry, to support students with the financial commitments of postgraduate study. The scholarships are available for all full-time Home and International fee status students, with a deadline to apply of Friday 21 February 2025.