Course summary

This is a specialised masters level programme which offers a path to a potential rewarding career, giving you specialist knowledge to support people with mental health conditions, behavioural addictions, and substance use disorders. The Addiction and Mental Health MSc programme at Aston University is designed for those who want to make a real difference in people’s lives. With the growing need for professionals trained to support individuals experiencing addiction and mental health conditions, this programme equips you with the specialist knowledge and practical skills to work confidently in this vital field. You will explore the science of addiction behaviours and how they relate to mental illness, the impact of long-term mental health conditions and how to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, and strategies to support recovery and well-being through counselling, therapy, and treatment planning. You’ll gain the expertise to pursue rewarding careers in: • Mental health services (NHS, private practice, community care). • Addiction counselling and recovery programmes. • Social care organisations, clinics, and hospitals. • Policy, education, or academic and clinical research. Whether you’re looking to advance your current career or take the next step towards becoming a specialist in mental health and addiction, this master’s degree will prepare you to meet the growing demand for skilled, compassionate professionals. What you will learn You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of the theories and practices that shape this field. In the addiction component, you will explore key approaches to working with addictions, including biological, psychodynamic, family-based, cognitive, and behavioural models. You’ll also examine how practitioners apply these psychological theories to different types of addiction in real-world contexts. In the mental health component, you will study psychopathology and clinical practice, with detailed insights into treatments for a wide range of mental health issues. You’ll also strengthen your expertise in research methods in health psychology and deepen your understanding of health inequalities and their impact on patients and communities. 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.