University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This short postgraduate qualification covers core topics in alcohol and other drug (AOD) practice, drawing on public health, clinical and social perspectives. Typical subject areas include:

• Foundations of substance use: patterns and determinants of alcohol and drug use, epidemiology and social context.
• Pharmacology and effects: basic pharmacology of major substance classes and their acute and chronic health effects.
• Assessment and screening: evidence‑based screening tools, assessment frameworks and brief intervention techniques.
• Treatment models and relapse prevention: psychosocial and pharmacotherapy approaches, case planning and continuity of care.
• Harm reduction and public health approaches: principles of harm minimisation, community interventions and overdose prevention strategies.
• Comorbidity and integrated care: recognition and management of co‑occurring mental health conditions and complex needs.
• Policy, program design and evaluation: program planning, service delivery models and basic evaluation methods relevant to AOD services.
• Special populations and cultural contexts: culturally safe practice, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, young people and other priority groups.

Delivery is typically flexible and may include on‑campus and online study, with a focus on applied skills and contemporary evidence. Practical components emphasise clinical reasoning, client engagement and collaboration across health and community sectors.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a recognised bachelor degree or equivalent qualification, or have substantial relevant professional experience in health, social work, community services, counselling, law enforcement or related fields. Professional registration where relevant (for example, nursing or allied health) can support an application. International applicants must meet the University’s standard English language requirements.

Selection may consider work history, a statement of purpose outlining professional goals and, for some applicants, supervisor or employer support when study is undertaken as continuing professional development.

Career prospects

Graduates use this qualification to improve practice and career mobility within alcohol and drug services and related sectors. Common roles and pathways include:

• AOD counsellor or caseworker in government, non‑government and community organisations.
• Clinical or program coordinator in treatment services, withdrawal or rehabilitation settings.
• Health promotion officer or community education practitioner focusing on substance use prevention and harm reduction.
• Policy or program officer developing and evaluating AOD responses in health departments and NGOs.
• Support for progression to further postgraduate study (for example, postgraduate diplomas or master’s degrees) or research assistant roles in health services research.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide has an established reputation in health and medical education and provides multidisciplinary teaching that integrates clinical, public health and social science perspectives. The programme is informed by local service needs and contemporary evidence, with links to health services and community providers in South Australia to ensure relevance to practice.

Students benefit from experienced teaching staff, workplace‑relevant coursework and flexible study options compatible with working professionals. The Graduate Certificate offers a practical, accelerated pathway to strengthen skills for frontline AOD work or to build a foundation for further postgraduate study.