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.

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

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

From accommodation and academic support to clubs and societies. Find out what LJMU has to offer.

Talk to our students

Connect with a current LJMU student for advice and guidance on university life, courses and more.

See what our students are saying

At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us via the following websites:

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.

Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.