MA Comparative Drug and Alcohol Studies

Overview & facilities

This course is designed for those who want to expand their knowledge and understanding of drugs and alcohol issues, policies and interventions within a comparative context. It offers a high quality Masters course relevant to policy makers and practitioners, and to students and researchers working in, associated with, or preparing to enter, the field of alcohol and drug use-problem use-addiction.

The course was developed with a grant from the EU Lifelong Learning Programme in collaboration with universities in Denmark, Slovenia and Italy. It is also supported by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).

This course is designed for those who want to expand their knowledge and understanding of drugs and alcohol issues, policies and interventions within a comparative context. It offers a high quality Masters course relevant to policy makers and practitioners, and to students and researchers working in, associated with, or preparing to enter, the field of alcohol and drug use/problem use/addiction.

The use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco has become a major concern for most governments throughout the world. This has resulted in increasing international and European collaboration to devise policies and approaches to address problems related to substance use. There has also been a considerable expansion in research, data gathering and scientific publishing in many countries and various action plans and strategies have been produced.

This MA is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to investigate and analyse drugs and alcohol use/problem use/addiction and their responses from a multi-disciplinary and cross-national perspective. The Masters is being run jointly by four universities: Middlesex University (England), Aarhus University (Denmark), Ljubljana University (Slovenia) and the University del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogardo” (Italy). Students on the Masters will have access to a group of European teachers and students, thus will have opportunities to share research findings as well as experiences and personal knowledge about their own countries. They will also have opportunities to study in partner universities or undertake placements in Europe and International Agencies, should they wish to do so.

The programme is taught primarily through distance learning methods complemented by some face-to-face intensive tuition. The ‘Introduction to drug and alcohol studies’ module  is delivered as a 4 ½ day face-to-face intensive study block at one of the partner institutions.  It brings together staff and students from the other countries delivering the programme. Travel and accommodation expenses are self-funded.   Students have the option to study in partner universities or undertake placements in European and international organisations.  There are also opportunities for career development through utilising work-based learning approaches and internships.

Download the course flyer.

Content & modules

The programme is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to investigate and analyse drugs and alcohol use-problem use-addiction and their responses within a European and international context. It combines a number of core modules and optional modules (including the option for work-based learning and internships). All students complete a 12,000 word dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff on their topic of choice.

Modules are assessed via a range of coursework including essays, research proposals, portfolios, reflective accounts, and reports.

Modules

• Year 1

  Dissertation in Drug and Alcohol Studies (60 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop a detailed and advanced understanding of a particular aspect of drug and/or alcohol policy and practice. Students will define their own topic area, write a proposal for their dissertation work, conduct a comprehensive review of existing knowledge on the subject, formulate a methodology for conducting their own enquiries and write an in-depth report of the findings of their research. Alternatively, students may choose to conduct a theoretically oriented piece of work involving the systematic analysis of an issue or area of policy/practice

  Evidence Based Practice Applied to Prevention and Treatment (20 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to enable students to take decisions on the bases of scientific evidence in order to tackle the different aspects of substance use and addiction problems.

  Introduction to Drug and Alcohol Studies (20 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to introduce students to the content and requirements of the programme and of this module, to the lecturers in the partner universities, and to an international group of students; to emphasise the European and multi-disciplinary nature of the programme; to introduce them to sources of information and to provide guidance in selecting and using evidence and information from research or other sources; to provide an introduction to main concepts, theories and issues to be addressed in the programme; to provoke a critical appreciation of the problematic and complex nature of drug and alcohol studies; and to lay the foundations for students to work collaboratively with others in partner universities.

  Research Methods for Drug and Alcohol Studies (20 Credits) - Optional

  This module aims to familiarise students with major approaches to research; develop skills in designing a research proposal; enhance their skills in qualitative and quantitative methods; enhance their critical appreciation of research; and ensure students are able to apply relevant approaches and methods to their own research project or extended literature review at master s level.

  Substance Use and Addiction Theories (20 Credits) - Compulsory

  Using a life course approach, this module aims to develop skills in the interpretation of different steps in the course of substance use and addiction through an examination of drug use patterns and addiction theories. It also aims to enable students to critically evaluate the different theoretical approaches and develop the abilities in applying them to policy, strategies and interventions.

The programme is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to investigate and analyse drugs and alcohol use/problem use/addiction and their responses within an international context.   It combines a number of core modules and optional modules (including the option for work-based learning and internships).  All students complete a 12,000 word dissertation under the supervision of a member of staff on their topic of choice.

Most modules are delivered via distance learning and e-learning techniques, but there are opportunities for on-campus teaching, ‘master classes’ and intensive ‘block’ teaching.  Some modules combine more than one delivery method.

Modules are assessed via a range of coursework including essays, research proposals, portfolios, reflective accounts, and reports.

Modules:
All students have to take the following modules:

• Introduction to drug and alcohol studies (core) (20 credits) (distance learning and intensive teaching week) - CRM 4080
• Substance use and addiction theories (core) (20 credits) (distance learning) - CRM 4081 
  
• EITHER: Research methods for drug and alcohol studies (core) (20 credits) (distance learning) -CRM4082
  OR
  Evidence-based practice applied to prevention and treatment (core) (20 credits) (distance learning and intensive teaching week) - CRM 4088
• Drug and alcohol policies in Europe (core) (20 credits) (distance learning) - CRM4083
• Dissertation in drug and alcohol studies (core) (60 credits) (distance learning) - CRM4981

Students choose two of the following option modules:

• Drugs and crime in Europe (option) (20 credits)  (distance learning) - CRM 4084
• Harm reduction with drug users(option) (20 credits) (distance learning and intensive teaching week) - CRM 4085
• User perspectives in drug and alcohol treatment (option) (20 credits) (distance learning) - CRM 4086
• Cultural and social aspects of drug and alcohol use (option) (20 credits) (distance learning) - CRM 4087
• Internship (option) (20 credits) - CRM 4089
• WBL (option) (20 credits) - CRM 4980

Links to further information on modules:

CRM 4080 Introduction to drug and alcohol studies (core) (20 credits) (distance learning and intensive teaching week)
This module aims to introduce students to the content and requirements of the programme and of this module, to the lecturers in the partner universities, and to an international group of students; to emphasise the European and multi-disciplinary nature of the programme; to introduce them to sources of information and to provide guidance in selecting and using ‘evidence’ and information from research or other sources; to provide an introduction to main concepts, theories and issues to be addressed in the programme; to provoke a critical appreciation of the problematic and complex nature of drug and alcohol studies; and to lay the foundations for students to work collaboratively with others in partner universities.

CRM 4081 Substance use and addiction theories (core) (20 credits) (distance learning)
Using a ‘life course’ approach, this module aims to develop skills in the interpretation of different steps in the course of substance use and addiction through an examination of drug use patterns and addiction theories.  It also aims to enable students to critically evaluate the different theoretical approaches and develop the abilities in applying them to policy, strategies and interventions.

CRM4082 Research methods for drug and alcohol studies (core) (20 credits) (distance learning)
This module aims to familiarise students with major approaches to research; develop skills in designing a research proposal; enhance their skills in qualitative and quantitative methods; enhance their critical appreciation of research; and ensure students are able to apply relevant approaches and methods to their own research project or extended literature review at master’s level.

CRM 4088 Evidence-based practice applied to prevention and treatment (core) (20 credits) (distance learning and intensive teaching week)
This module aims to enable students to take decisions on the bases of scientific evidence in order to tackle the different aspects of substance use and addiction problems.

CRM4083 Drug and alcohol policies in Europe (core) (20 credits) (distance learning)
This module aims to develop a critical approach to analysing how policies are developed, implemented and evaluated at European, national, and local levels. Students will draw on a range of European policies on alcohol, drugs and tobacco to explore and critique the relationship between European and national policy. They will compare and contrast policy approaches to prevention, harm reduction and treatment across a number of countries and analyse the importance of different cultural, social and political contexts on policy formulation and implementation.

CRM4981 Dissertation in drug and alcohol studies (core) (60 credits) (distance learning)
This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop a detailed and advanced understanding of a particular aspect of drug and/or alcohol policy and practice.  Students will define their own topic area, write a proposal for their dissertation work, conduct a comprehensive review of existing knowledge on the subject, formulate a methodology for conducting their own enquiries and write an in-depth report of the findings of their research.  Alternatively, students may choose to conduct a theoretically oriented piece of work involving the systematic analysis of an issue or area of policy/practice

CRM 4084 Drugs and crime in Europe (option) (20 credits)  (distance learning)
This module aims to develop skills in the application of criminological theories and concepts in relation to drugs, drug use, and drugs control and in critically analysing the relationship between drugs and crime.  Students will critically evaluate the laws, policies and institutions of drugs control and their social, political and economic contexts and compare and contrast the role of the criminal justice system in responding to drugs in various European countries.  The module also aims to foster a critical interest in the reform of drugs control policy and institutions.

CRM 4085 Harm reduction with drug users(option) (20 credits) (distance learning and intensive teaching week)
This module aims to introduce students to the concept of harm reduction in the field of drugs and alcohol, and to identify ways in which harm reduction approaches work in practice. The module will develop student’s awareness of the individual health risks linked to drugs misuse such as HIV harms, as well as the social risks such as housing and employment vulnerability, and the nature of social network drug contacts. The broader societal risks related to drugs use and misuse will also be considered. These will address the impact on public health and the economic costs of tackling drugs health and social problems. From this learning, students will consider appropriate styles of drugs harm reduction delivery for individual drug users. 

CRM 4086 User perspectives in drug and alcohol treatment (option) (20 credits) (distance learning)
This module aims to critically assess and reflect upon central aspects of employing a user perspective in both drug and alcohol services and academic research.  In terms of service provision, this perspective enables the student to challenge existing practices towards users and to re-examine ideas about motivation, goals, and outcomes in drug and alcohol treatment processes. In research, a user perspective will help students to shift their focus away from abstract and objective estimations of use towards a focus on power relations and the life-worlds of alcohol and drug users.

CRM 4087 Cultural and social aspects of drug and alcohol use (option) (20 credits) (distance learning)
This module aims to enable the students to critically assess the differences and similarities among societies and historical periods in alcohol and drug use patterns. Students will be able to recognize different use value through diverse sources, research in the field but also the images offered by literature, art and music, including the pleasure that individuals seek through alcohol and drug consumption.

CRM 4089 Internship (option) (20 credits)
This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to work in an organisation which offers an alternative or new  experience relevant to their professional career aspirations for a period of 24 days. To develop and apply relevant skills and concepts from the academic programme to this different practical workplace experience. To gain experience in a new area of work, demonstrate a professional approach in the workplace and make a tangible contribution to the work of an organisation. To demonstrate an ability to reflect critically on personal development, to identify personal strengths and weaknesses in the workplace and to develop a personal action plan for addressing weaknesses. 

CRM 4980 WBL (option) (20 credits)
To permit students to maximise academic value from their everyday employment by allowing them to make explicit links between university and workplace activities, particularly relating theory to practice. The module will enable the student to enhance the value of both university and work  by focussing on relevant areas of knowledge and developing these through a reflective review of learning in their normal everyday work setting.  Specific aims and rationale will be incorporated into a negotiated learning agreement.
Students are expected to organise their own learning to reflect the nature of their work-based situation, its constraints, the goals to be achieved and their personal work and learning style. This will involve reading, negotiating, research and relevant practical activities. 

Entry & applying

We welcome applications from graduates with a good honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an appropriate subject.  We also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications and individuals with a minimum of three years’ work experience.  Those without formal qualifications need to demonstrate relevant work experience and the ability to study at post-graduate level.

Qualifications accepted
For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements.

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all four components) or TOEFL paper based 575 (no less than 4.5 in test of written English) or TOEFL internet based 90 (with no less than 19 in each component) Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks, depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. For details of other equivalent English language requirements that Middlesex accepts see international entry requirements.

Applying

Applications for postgraduate study should be made directly to the university. You will need to fill in an application form and return it to the appropriate admissions office. UK and EU students should apply directly to the London office. Non-EU international students can apply to our international admissions office in London, or use our network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application. Apply now

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for MA Comparative Drug and Alcohol Studies for the academic year 2012/13 is as follows:

UK/EU Students

Part-time students: £50 per taught credit (120 credits over two years)

Find out about our flexible payment plans for UK/EU students, and how they can help you spread the cost of your course.

International Students

Part-time students: £93 per taught credit (120 credits over two years)

Careers & placements

The addictions field is multi-disciplinary and entrants will come from a range of different educational and professional backgrounds including nursing, social work, probation, research, and management.  The MA Comparative Drug and Alcohol Studies will be a valuable asset to developing and furthering a career in the drug and alcohol field either in the UK or abroad.  There are a number of career options in research, public or government services, voluntary organisations, and non-governmental organisations.  Students will be able to develop careers in research and practice within the field of drug and alcohol practice, education and research, both nationally and within the wider international context.

The Masters provides opportunities for career development for those interested in pursuing links with European and international agencies, by offering work-based learning approaches, and organising work in the field in relevant agencies and in providing possible progression to PhD level studies.