MSc Public Health (Addictions)
- Entry year:
- 2025/26
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- City
About this course
This Public Health Addictions MSc from LJMU's Public Health Institute examines the evidence base of harms/risks relating to addictions and ways to reduce them.
- Study on this ground-breaking course, unique in the north west
- Explore the evidence base of addiction harms and risks and the policies used to reduce them
- Discover course content informed by key research in alcohol and drug addiction
- Benefit from support and guidance for placement learning opportunities
One of only a handful of courses in the UK, Public Health (Addictions) turns its back on the treatment of addiction as a behaviour and looks at its wider social and political aspects. The issues relating to addiction continue to be major public health challenges facing communities around the world, with wide ranging consequences for the individual concerned, their families and society as a whole.
This MSc in Public Health (Addiction) builds on the Public Health Institute's extensive research portfolio of primary research, evaluation, evidence review and intelligence systems, covering the areas of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds including nursing, psychology and criminology, many have also worked in drug or alcohol support capacities.
This education programme enables you to work with leading academics in the field, providing specialist knowledge and insights into a wide range of addiction issues. Additionally, the Public Health Institute is able to call on the experience of an established network of practitioners and policy makers to make a unique educational experience.
Zoe's story
With a Literature undergraduate degree from LJMU, Zoe returned to study for a Masters in Public Health Addictions.
"I already knew that I liked John Moores from my first degree and being keen on the Addictions side of Public Health, I found both the modules and the staff lecturing on the course a big draw.
I have studied alongside a really good group of people and the staff have been excellent – their doors are always open if you want feedback or just a chat. I was also lucky enough to get an internship working with my programme leader.
Postgraduate study was much harder but much more rewarding than undergraduate study. It is the best thing I have ever done. Working alongside my studies has been hard going at times but it is do-able if you organise yourself well.
Liverpool is a great city to study in – a diverse place with lots going on. There are student discounts at the theatres and loads of great bars and restaurants when you want to socialise.
If I had to summarize postgraduate study I’d say it is hard work but rewarding. You’ll get out of it what you put in, so it’s important to work hard."
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Optional modules
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Full-time students attend university for teaching on two full days (Tuesday and Wednesday). Part-time students normally attend one day/week: Tuesday in the first year of study and Wednesday in the second year
Teaching methods
You will learn via lectures, tutorials and workshop related activity. The programme requires a significant amount of independent learning through the library, off campus and the virtual learning environment.
On joining the course you will be appointed a personal tutor who will provide academic and pastoral support. You will also have at least one supervisor for the duration of your dissertation module.
Applied learning
This programme enables you to gain work related experience in an applied health setting including the Public Health Institute, LocalNGOs/charity sector and local authority. Research can also be undertaken in collaboration with these sectors through negotiated agreement.
Many students conduct their research project in applied health settings such as the NHS and charity sectors. Your studies enable you to build real experience in the working environment and create professional relationships outside of the university setting.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
On this course there are few written exams as most assessments involve essays and reports, with poster presentations and, of course, the dissertation.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
The Public Health Institute is located in the City Campus where you'll find the Avril Robarts Library, IT Zones, high quality teaching facilities and lecture theatres plus a range of cafes and social spaces.
Course tutors
Dr Ivan Gee
- Programme Leader
Teaching, research supervision and scholarly activity are the most rewarding aspects of my position. Whilst I enjoy developing and refining academic programmes and managing an enthusiastic programme team; teaching students and watching them develop and graduate is the most satisfying area of my role.
Teaching, research supervision and scholarly activity are the most rewarding aspects of my position. Whilst I enjoy developing and refining academic programmes and managing an enthusiastic programme team; teaching students and watching them develop and graduate is the most satisfying area of my role.
Ivan Gee is a Principal Lecturer in Public Health responsible for our MSc Public Health, MSc International Public Health and MSc Public Health Addictions programmes. His teaching on these programmes focuses on Health Protection, Epidemiology and Research and he also contributes to undergraduate teaching, research projects, and PhD supervision. Ivan's research interests have focussed on environmental impacts on health. He has particular expertise in tobacco and vaping related research. He has conducted work that supported the development of the Smokefree 07 legislation in England and informed national advertising campaigns. Ivan is also interested in the impact of other environmental exposures on health, particularly air pollution and the increasing public health problems associated with alcohol.
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Professor
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
As a graduate of this course you will probably go on to work in areas improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations, taking up a role in the voluntary or private sectors. Many Public Health graduates go on to work in the NHS or for local authorities. You may, however, choose to advance your research career or undertake further study to PhD level.
Tuition fees and funding
- Home fee:
- £8,390
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your university life
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.