Addiction Recovery
This programme enables learners to develop expertise in Addiction Recovery principles and practice.
| Award Name | Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 9 NFQ |
Duration
1 Year Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time. Available at our Dublin and Limerick Campuses.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements & Selection Criteria
• A minimum of a Second Class Honours (2:2) award in a relevant Human Science Degree at Level 8 on the NFQ – or equivalent.
• Those who have completed other relevant education programmes or have relevant professional experience etc., where Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) and Acquired Prior Learning (APL) can be applied, may apply for admission to the programme by submission of programme content, qualification and assignments
equivalent to an appropriate Second Class Honours (2:2) award at Level 8.
• The minimum English language proficiency requirement for this programme is B2+ in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5.
• All applicants will be required to attend for interview to ascertain their suitability for the Programme.
• Garda Vetting is a requirement for all successful applicants.
Careers / Further progression
Where Can I progress to on completion of the course?
On successful completion of the MA in Addiction Recovery, students will be qualified to access Level 10 Programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
Careers
The Masters in Addiction Recovery is targeted at those who wish to enhance their employability and career progression prospects in statutory, community and voluntary sectors and Addiction Service environments. It is targeted at learners seeking to critically evaluate institutionalised practices and values, and act as agents for challenge and change in their professional contexts. The programme will address the needs of graduates who wish to develop their professional competence in areas of Addiction Recovery principles through advanced study and research, develop personal and professional capacity and collaborative problem solving skills, underpinned by evidence-based practice and reflection.
Further information
Start Date: Sept 2025
M.A. in Addiction Recovery
The programme is designed for graduates who wish to enhance their own professional skills and capacity and contribute to the wider community of addiction services through evidence-based knowledge and research. This programme enables learners to develop expertise in Addiction Recovery principles and practice. It is designed for graduates in health and human sciences and in particular graduates of counselling and psychotherapy related programmes as well as disciplines such as, nursing, social care, social work, psychology and programmes in cognate areas who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of the human condition and the contribution of theoretical and applied perspectives at advanced level to addiction recovery.
Who is this course for?
This course will be of interest to those who have responsibility for delivery and implementation of addiction services. The MA in Addiction Recovery is designed to provide high quality educational training to health and Social care practitioners who are driven by a desire to gain advanced knowledge of addiction recovery in order to act as leaders and agents for change across the range of ecological interactions. This implies a recognition of the special contribution made by professional addiction practitioners using a range of scientifically established paradigms and approaches to support recovery and the difference this can make to individuals, their families and communities. The programme envisages wellbeing holistically and systemically with recovery viewed at policy and preventative levels within the context of how public health models can most effectively enrich the lives of individuals and communities.
How can I complete this Course?
This course is available on a Full-Time basis where students complete their studies over three academic semesters (1 year) or on a Part Time basis over 5 academic semesters (2 years). This course is taught using a combination of classroom/skills based learning and blended learning technologies for theoretic elements of engagement. It thus allows the learner to access classes in person or online to allow for a better work/life/study balance.
Structure of Course:
The Programme is divided into 9 modules each of which has Educational Credits (ECTS) associated with them (please see a list of the individual module titles and the associated credits below). Each Module may also be taken on a standalone basis. It is also important to note that learners who complete 60 ECTS and who wish to exit the programme without completing their Dissertation may be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Counselling.
Learners on the MA in Addiction Recovery are required to complete 90ECTS (as outlined above) over one academic year (Full Time) or two academic years (Part Time) and are required to take one elective module from the list above. further details on brief module aims can be found here.
This programme has been structured to provide learners who wish to study Addiction Recovery principles and practices through a more inter and transdisciplinary perspective. It also provides an opportunity to study material which addresses both the principles and ethos of recovery-orientated practices, as well as psychotherapeutic approaches to supporting individuals on a ‘wellness’ journey. The programme envisages wellbeing holistically and systemically with recovery viewed at policy and preventative levels within the context of how public health models can most effectively enrich the lives of individuals and communities.
Who Awards My Qualification?
On successful completion of the programme, your qualification is awarded by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). QQI is one of the principal Irish awarding bodies for 3rd level education in Ireland and sets the standards for awards on the NFQ. Because this programme is both validated and awarded by QQI, the Award you receive is recognised in Ireland and internationally. See www.qqi.ie for further information.
The course covers a range of subjects that are structured to develop competent professional practitioners. The subjects covered are designed to be both practical and theoretical as per the table below:
Masters in Addiction Recovery
Module Name Credits
Understanding Addiction 5 ECTS
Skills & Competencies in Addiction Counselling 5 ECTS
Contemporary Evidence Based Interventions in Addiction Recovery 10 ECTS
Research Methodologies & Design 10 ECTS
Community Reinforcement Approach & Family aspects in Addiction 10 ECTS
Comorbidity & Trauma Informed Care 5 ECTS
The Recovery Model in Addiction 5 ECTS
Elective 10 ECTS
Dissertation 30 ECTS
Total Credits 90 ECTS
Elective (students must choose one of the following)
Behavioural & Process Addictions
Substance Use Disorders & The Recovery Model
Gambling Addiction & The Recovery Model
Neuropharmacological Aspects of Substance Use Disorders
Learners on the MA in Addiction Recovery are required to complete 90ECTS (as outlined above) over one academic year (Full Time) or two academic years (Part Time) and are required to take one elective module from the list above.
Contact our Admissions team at 061 216288 or info@ichas.ie