Master of Science in Addiction Studies

MQF Level

Duration and Credits

6 Semesters

90 ECTS

Mode of Study

Part-time Evening - Taught and Research (Mainly Taught)

Given the multifaceted, transdisciplinary nature of addiction, the programme of study explores the phenomenon of addictive behaviour from a number of disciplinary positions. The programme recognizes that while addictive behaviour has clear biological foundations, it manifests itself in culturally and socially contingent ways, is subject to different constructions in different societies and is also subjectively experienced as a psychological experience. The programme of study will therefore explore a number of conceptual models that have been developed to examine the phenomenon of addiction and will trace the evolution of the social logic and history of the term addiction. You will explore addiction as a biological, social, psychological construct and also engage with rational choice positions and the influence of human agency. The common cognitive neurological basis of addictive behaviour will be explored in detail.

This programme is offered as an interfaculty programme of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

The course will also go beyond the examination of chemical dependency to explore behavioural or activity addictions. Today it is recognized that addiction may exist even in the absence of the ingestion of substances. This increases the scope of the study of addictive behaviour. The programme of study will also engage significantly with advances in evidencebased policy prevention and intervention and examine both national and international legal provisions in the area. The programme will also allow you to follow areas of interest through the selection of electives and through the dissertation. The programme will also be geared towards developing your research skills and producing high quality publishable research projects in the area.

This programme is offered as an interfaculty programme of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

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Information for International applicants

Applicants must be in possession of:

Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications

The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of a first cycle degree, obtained with at least a Second Class classification, in an area of study deemed relevant by the board.

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You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.

You can compare your national qualifications to the local requirements by visiting our qualifications comparability webpage. Access more information about our admission process and English language requirements.

The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.

Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.

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Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

PHB5405	Cognitive Neuroscience of Addiction	10 ECTS
PSY5100	Conceptual Models of Addiction	10 ECTS
PSY5111	Researching Addictive Behaviour	10 ECTS


Semester 1

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

PHB5406	Advances in Evidence Based Policy, Prevention and Practice	5 ECTS
PSY5104	Gender and Addiction	5 ECTS
PSY5112	Behavioural Addictions	5 ECTS


Semester 2

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

LAW5081	National and international Legal Provisions Impacting Addictive Behaviour	5 ECTS
PHB5407	Special Topics in Addiction Studies	5 ECTS
PSY5105	Adolescent Substance Use and Addictive Behaviour	5 ECTS


Year (This/these unit/s start/s in Semester 1 and continue/s in Semester 2)

Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)

PSY5016	Dissertation	30 ECTS

This programme of study is governed by the General Regulations for University Postgraduate Awards, 2021 and by the Bye-Laws for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Addiction Studies - M.Sc. - under the auspices of the Faculty for Social Wellbeing and the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery.

At the end of the M.Sc. Addictions Studies you should be able to:

become familiar with a specialised area of addiction studies through immersion in the subject matter while writing a dissertation.
develop a research agenda and more specific research questions and locate your research agenda within a research paradigm.
critically engage with the strengths and weaknesses of different research paradigms.
discuss key ethical issues in conducting research in your chosen area within the field of addictive behaviour.
demonstrate a critical attitude to research.
design and implement a study effectively.
use the existent literature effectively.
collect and analyse data in a scholarly manner.
arrive at evidence-based conclusions.
write a dissertation that may be adapted for publication.
adhere to ethical principles at all stage of the research project.

Non EU Applicants:

Total Tuition Fees: Eur 13,400
Yr 1: Eur 6,700 - Yr 2: Eur 6,700 - Yr 3: NIL

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As a graduate of the programme, you will be geared for the exciting diversity of the addictions field. The M.Sc. will also foster eligibility as a potential PhD candidate in the area of addictions.

https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/pmscadcpet9-2026-7-o/