The Masters in Drugs & Alcohol Studies aims to enhance and develop your knowledge and skills in the field of substance misuse. The programme is suitable for people from a wide variety of backgrounds – already working in this field or looking to work within the field – who are interested in advancing their understanding of drug and alcohol theories, approaches and practice.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgDip 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
• PgCert 12 months part-time

You will take four core courses and choose two from a list of options. For the MSc there is also a dissertation on a specialised topic. The taught component will be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and group project work.

Core courses

• Drug and alcohol theory and policy
• Drug and alcohol assessment and interventions 
• Drug and alcohol integrated practice study 
• Introduction to educational and social research.

Optional courses

• The impact of drug and alcohol misuse on children and families
• Mental health: substance use 
• Motivational interviewing with drug and alcohol use
• Leading people
• Leading organisations.

Career prospects

You will graduate with an extensive, up-to-date knowledge of drug and alcohol issues. It is designed to enhance your skills and attributes for current practice in the drug and alcohol field.

Academic entry requirements

Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc

PgDip

PgCert