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Code MAAAHU

Addiction Studies Major

Creative thinkers made here.

Creative thinkers made here.

Why study at ECU?

About this Major

Provides students with an understanding of the use and problems associated with alcohol, tobacco and other psychoactive drugs.

Students investigate fundamental concepts about drug use and drug users, psychoactive drug use, the nature of addiction and dependency and behaviour change. Australian and international approaches to drug policy, intervention initiatives, alcohol and other drug counselling skills, and evidence-based approaches to reducing harm are also covered.

Code MAAAHU

Availability & Campus

Location Availability
Joondalup
Mount Lawley
South West
Online
= Available

Details

Structure

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ADS1151Addiction Studies: Fundamental Concepts15
ADS1252Addiction Studies: Psychoactive Drugs15
ADS2253Addiction Studies: Processes of Change15
ADS2356Addiction Studies: Intervention Initiatives15
ADS3355Addiction Studies: Social Action15
ADS3252Addiction Studies: Counselling Skills 115
ADS3351Addiction Studies: Counselling Skills 215
ADS3458Addiction Studies: Preventive Practice15

For more detailed unit information for this Major take a look at our Handbook. To organise your life for next semester visit the Teaching timetable.

Student handbook

Notes

Important notes

  • Two units within this major require students to attend on-campus classes. Students who are unable to attend classes may, with the permission of the Course Coordinator, substitute two online counselling units from the School of Arts and Humanities.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical Health Science situations.
  2. Think critically to analyse, interpret and conceptualise complex Health Science problems.
  3. Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate discipline specific solutions/responses.
  4. Use digital technologies and literacies to access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from multiple sources.
  5. Communicate disciplinary knowledge and values in professional and public contexts.
  6. Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for cultural diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.
  7. Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values.
  8. Demonstrate autonomy, accountability and judgement for own learning and professional practice.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities

There are interesting and dynamic addiction studies career pathways available in a range of health promotion agencies, not-for-profit organisations, research centres, welfare agencies, corrective services and the justice sector.

Possible future job titles

Community Health Officer, Drug Rehabilitation Officer, Youth Worker, Child Health Officer, Health Care Officer, Health Promotion Officer, Health Officer, Drug Policy Worker, Quit Smoking Project Officer, Healthy Lifestyle Coordinator, Research Officer, Health Project Coordinator

This Major can be studied in the following courses

Experiences

Student stories

  • Nicole Wickens

    Nicole Wickens

    ECU Addiction Studies and Health Promotion student

    I wanted the skills to implement and evaluate health promotion and public health programs

    I decided to study Health Science at ECU, as I wanted to become a health care professional and help improve the lives and wellbeing of others within a community. I have a strong passion for working with people and an interest in the field of Alcohol & Other Drugs, which led me to choose the health promotion and addiction study majors, as they go hand-in-hand. The lecturers have been so friendly and welcoming and I love ECU's facilities, in particular, the library resources and all the cafés.

  • Dana Pringle

    Dana Pringle

    ECU Psychology and Addiction Studies graduate

    I felt as though I had a huge advantage.

    The counselling skills units involved learning fundamental concepts such as building rapport and practicing empathy. Upon graduating, I went on to study psychology honours, where I realised how valuable these units were. I felt as though I had a huge advantage over my peers who were learning this content for the first time.

The Important Things

Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.

Course Entry

There's more than one admission pathway into an ECU course. It depends on what you've studied already, or your work or life experience.

Fees & Scholarships

Course tuition fees can change, but we can give you an estimate of your costs. If you're eligible, a scholarship or student loan can help too.

Applying

Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.

ECU Experience

Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.