Addiction and Mental Health

MSc

A specialist masters level study offering a path to a potential rewarding career, giving you specialist knowledge to support people with mental health conditions, behavioural addictions, and substance use disorders.

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements
Duration

One year

Start date

Course overview

The Aston Addiction and Mental Health MSc is a new programme for 2025.  With a growing demand for workers with specialist knowledge to support people with addiction and mental health conditions, this programme provides specialist knowledge of how to understand and support patients with health conditions related to addiction and mental health.

The programme investigates addiction behaviour, how this impacts mental illness, and how to care for people with potentially long-term conditions. You will develop the knowledge to understand these behaviours in order to develop caring support to promote recovery.  This could provide you with a stepping stone to a vital and rewarding role in a variety of areas such as providing counselling and therapy, developing treatment plans for those who are recovering from addiction, and working in environments such as social care organisations, clinics, hospitals, private practice, or in research.

Richard_Tunney_2025_2

"This programme offers a unique opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field. Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for impactful careers in healthcare, social services, and academia. We provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment, fostering connections with professionals and peers who share a passion for mental health. You will engage in cutting-edge research projects, contributing to advancements in the field and making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities affected by addiction and mental health issues.”

Prof. Richard Tunney
Dean of School of Psychology

Why study Addiction and Mental Health at Aston University?

Social Mobility - graph showing increase
Career Prospects
A stepping stone to potential career development in specialist area
Student satisfaction
Research-active academics
Study alongside active research staff from a broad range of specialist psychology areas
ref
Internationally recognised research
100% of our health and life sciences research environment has been ranked as being at least internationally excellent, with 50% being world-leading

Course description

Addiction and Mental Health MSc

Our Addiction and Mental Health MSc at Aston University will equip you with the skills, insights, and confidence required to understand the complexities of mental health and addiction issues in patients, in order to provide specialist support.

arrow icon

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you, fantastic facilities that will bring your course to life through hands-on, practical experience and years of close industry collaboration that is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs. 

user icon

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understanding that intelligence and success come from applying yourself. You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

graduate cap icon

What skills we teach
You will learn the skills to work as a competent specialist in the area of addiction and mental health, gaining an understanding of the theory underpinning this area of psychology. In the final dissertation stage, you will build your knowledge of advanced research methodology, and the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data to carry out independent work and conduct your final research project in a relevant specialist topic of your choosing.

signpost icon

Career prospects
This is a new course for 2025. Career prospects include roles in health and life sciences sector such as mental health counsellors, or therapists, addiction counsellor, or clinical psychologist.

How you will learn

Our teaching style is modern and innovative, with a hands-on approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice. This enables you to apply your skills as you progress through your course, marrying your learning with practical examples, all designed to prepare you for the world of work.

This programme is full-time and delivered by a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, practical sessions, tutorials, seminars, and a research project. All lectures take place on campus two days per week. Everything else can be organised to fit your personal circumstances.

What you will learn

By studying Addiction and Mental Health MSc at Aston, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the theory underpinning addiction and mental health. In the addiction component of the course you will learn about theories and approaches to working with addictions. This includes biological, psychodynamic, family based, cognitive and behavioural approaches. The course gives an overview of the application of these psychological theories to a selection of different addictions by practitioners. In the mental health component of the course you will learn about psychopathology and clinical practice that includes extensive descriptions of treatments for a range of mental health issues. You will learn about research methods in health psychology and about health inequalities.   

Facilities

Students have access to a range of specialist facilities that reflect the hands-on learning within the field. In these settings, you gain practical experience alongside like-minded students, with workshops and lectures guided by industry professionals.

Cutting-edge facilities and equipment

  • Psychology laboratories
  • Feeding laboratory
  • Observation suite (with covert audio-visual recording)
  • Experiment and testing rooms
  • Larger labs for focus groups and audience-based experiments
  • Neurophysiological equipment (e.g. electroencephalography)
  • Eye-tracking, and face and emotion recognition equipment
  • Electrodermal recording
  • We are also closely linked with the Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment and their on-campus facilities and clinics.

Course objectives

  1. Critically evaluate a variety of psychological research designs and methodologies.
  2. Use a wide range of basic and advanced descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative methods, for analysing data appropriately. 
  3. Communicate advanced, critical understanding of historical and contemporary theories and concepts in core areas of addiction and mental health, and of how these link to practice. 
  4. Synthesise and critically evaluate different psychotherapeutic, concepts, theories, and research evidence, and to question received wisdom.
  5. Convey a strong understanding and application of formal academic communication styles in their own work. 
  6. Create and present sustained arguments, backed up with evidence that reflects contemporary understanding of the field. 
  7. Articulate, explain, and reflect critically upon their own employability skills and attributes, and be able to map these against possible graduate career pathways. 
  8. Identify a research question and hypothesis, and thereupon design, execute, and report a sustained and independent empirical research project, with clear consideration of ethical practice. 
     

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In your taught stage, you will study the following core modules:

Module TitleCredits
Addiction30
Mental Health30
Health Inequalities and Public Heath (HIPH)30
Advanced Research Methods in Health Psychology30
Total120

Dissertation stage modules

In your dissertation stage, you will study the following core module:

Module TitleCredits
Research Project60
Total60

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course web pages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

A 2:2 or above in any subject discipline.

See international student information below for international equivalent information.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students to many of our postgraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

coursepage_productdesign_students

Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Tuition fees:£11,200

International students
(2025/26)

Tuition fees:£22,500

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Assessment

The programme will be assessed through a combination of written examinations, class tests, and individual coursework projects.

Career prospects

Our Addiction and Mental Health MSc could provide you with the opportunity to work in a variety of rewarding careers, as it will equip you with specialist knowledge and skills to support patients struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Graduates of the course could pursue roles such as:

  • Mental health counsellor or therapist
  • Clinical psychologist
  • Psychiatric nurse practitioner (for those with a nursing background)
  • Social worker
  • Care worker

Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped to work in environments such as hospitals, private practice, specialist clinics, education, rehabilitation centres, or social services agencies.

Alumni

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Frequently asked questions

Why study Addiction and Mental Health MSc at Aston University?

Throughout your time at Aston, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand key patient behaviours, promote general wellness, assist patients with their emotional and psychological needs as well as caring for those with chronic conditions.

With teaching delivered by passionate research active academics, access to a range of specialist facilities and equipment, this could be the right choice for you.

How is the course delivered?

The course is full-time, and delivered through a combination of lectures, group work, workshops and independent study. All lectures happen on campus on two days per week. Everything else can be organised to fit your personal circumstances.

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

  • Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
  • Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
  • World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
  • Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
  • Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
  • Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

Say Hello to students at Aston University

Hello - What would you like to ask us?

Hello! We are a team of current Aston University students from various parts of the world, studying a wide range of postgraduate subjects.

Ask us anything about studying at Aston University.

Chat to our students

 

Register your interest