MSc Public Health (Addictions) (PG Cert, PG Dip)
- Entry year:
- 2026/27
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- City
About this course
This Public Health Addictions MSc from LJMU's Public Health Institute examines the evidence base of harms/risks relating to addictions and ways to reduce them.
- Study on this ground-breaking course, unique in the north west
- Explore the evidence base of addiction harms and risks and the policies used to reduce them
- Discover course content informed by key research in alcohol and drug addiction
- Benefit from support and guidance for placement learning opportunities
One of only a handful of courses in the UK, Public Health (Addictions) turns its back on the treatment of addiction as a behaviour and looks at its wider social and political aspects. The issues relating to addiction continue to be major public health challenges facing communities around the world, with wide ranging consequences for the individual concerned, their families and society as a whole.
This MSc in Public Health (Addiction) builds on the Public Health Institute's extensive research portfolio of primary research, evaluation, evidence review and intelligence systems, covering the areas of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Students come from a wide range of backgrounds including nursing, psychology and criminology, many have also worked in drug or alcohol support capacities.
This education programme enables you to work with leading academics in the field, providing specialist knowledge and insights into a wide range of addiction issues. Additionally, the Public Health Institute is able to call on the experience of an established network of practitioners and policymakers to make a unique educational experience.
Zoe's story
With a Literature undergraduate degree from LJMU, Zoe returned to study for a Masters in Public Health Addictions.
"I already knew that I liked John Moores from my first degree and being keen on the Addictions side of Public Health, I found both the modules and the staff lecturing on the course a big draw.
I have studied alongside a really good group of people and the staff have been excellent – their doors are always open if you want feedback or just a chat. I was also lucky enough to get an internship working with my programme leader.
Postgraduate study was much harder but much more rewarding than undergraduate study. It is the best thing I have ever done. Working alongside my studies has been hard going at times but it is do-able if you organise yourself well.
Liverpool is a great city to study in – a diverse place with lots going on. There are student discounts at the theatres and loads of great bars and restaurants when you want to socialise.
If I had to summarize postgraduate study I’d say it is hard work but rewarding. You’ll get out of it what you put in, so it’s important to work hard."
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Public Health Essentials: From Theory to Practice
20 credits
20 credits
This module introduces MSc students to the core principles and practices of public health, linking foundational concepts and theories with contemporary issues and practical skills, ensuring MSc students are equipped for real-world public health challenges. It covers key concepts such as social determinants of health, epidemiology, health systems, policy, and interventions, using contemporary research and case studies. A central theme is addressing health inequalities - critically analysing causes, consequences and solutions aimed at improving health and reducing inequalities. The course is designed for both home and international students, incorporating global perspectives on public health challenges and solutions.
Improving and Protecting Health
20 credits
20 credits
This module encourages you to develop knowledge and competence in the area of health improvement and health protection. It aims to provide knowledge on a range of risk factors at individual, community and national level and develop theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to effectively plan, implement and evaluate projects, regulatory measures and programmes to protect and improve the health and well-being of populations.
Understanding Research
20 credits
20 credits
Introduction to qualitative, quantitative and systematic review research approaches, including:
- The contribution of different methods to different aspects of public health practice
- Quantitative methods: epidemiological methods, surveys, trials, sampling, data collection and analysis
- Qualitative methods: interviews, focus groups, sampling, data collection and analysis
- Systematic reviews: systematic review approaches for qualitative and quantitative reviews, searching, screening, quality assessment and synthesis
- Developing research ideas and aims
- Writing a research proposal
- Ethics in public health research
Dissertation
60 credits
60 credits
The dissertation module offers you an opportunity to explore in-depth an area of personal or professional interest that relates to your programme of study. In doing this, you will expand your research skills and apply what you have learned in the earlier modules to your research project. It enables you to:
- develop your skills necessary to plan and execute a research project that is relevant to your area of study
- effectively communicate research outcomes to an appropriate audience
You can choose your own topic and methodology but the topic must be relevant to public health and aligned to your route specialism. Your research project will be presented as a 7000 word journal article and includes an oral assessment (30 minute viva voce).
Informing Public Health
20 credits
20 credits
Epidemiology and Public Health Intelligence are core public health disciplines that share some key approaches and methods. Epidemiology and public health monitoring provide essential data which are used to determine appropriate public health strategies. This module will explore these key areas, the relationships between them, and the integration of data from these with a range of other sources of information (such as qualitative research). It will explore how data and information from research studies and public health monitoring can be used to inform health protection and health improvement in a global context.
Addictions: Health Improvement and Health Protection
20 credits
20 credits
This module enhances your knowledge and understanding of health improvement and health protection in relation to substance use and addictive behaviours. It introduces key concepts, such as models of addiction and models of behaviour change. It considers drugs prevention activity as a key area of health improvement and examines harm reduction as part of wider health protection. It will also examine how policy and interventions are designed to improve public health outcomes.
Addictions: Evidence and Intelligence
20 credits
20 credits
This module enhances your knowledge and understanding of substance use or as a public health issue. It will also look at risk factors and morbidity or mortality, and the links to social determinants of health. The module will focus on alcohol, nicotine and illicit substances such as heroin and crack cocaine and consider these as public health issues. It will also introduce other addictive behaviours such as gambling. It will consider substance use at the individual and population level and will particularly focus on the relationship between substance use and inequalities. It will examine the evidence base for interventions.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Full-time students attend university for teaching on two full days (Tuesday and Wednesday). Part-time students normally attend one day/week: Tuesday in the first year of study and Wednesday in the second year
Teaching methods
You will learn via lectures, tutorials and workshop related activity. The programme requires a significant amount of independent learning through the library, off campus and the virtual learning environment.
On joining the course you will be appointed a personal tutor who will provide academic and pastoral support. You will also have at least one supervisor for the duration of your dissertation module.
Applied learning
This programme enables you to gain work related experience in an applied health setting including the Public Health Institute, Local NGOs/charity sector and local authority. Research can also be undertaken in collaboration with these sectors through negotiated agreement.
Many students conduct their research project in applied health settings such as the NHS and charity sectors. Your studies enable you to build real experience in the working environment and create professional relationships outside of the university setting.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
On this course there are few written exams as most assessments involve essays and reports, with poster presentations and, of course, the dissertation.
Where you will study
The Public Health Institute is located in the City Campus where you'll find the City Campus Library, IT Zones, high quality teaching facilities and lecture theatres plus a range of cafes and social spaces.
Postgraduate research opportunities
At LJMU, you can take the next step in your academic journey with a PhD or MPhil, available on a full-time or part-time basis. International students also have the option to study remotely.
- PhD duration: Up to 4 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time
- Funding options: Choose between funded projects (with supervisors already in place) or self-funded study
Our Doctoral Academy is here to support you every step of the way—from your first enquiry through to successful completion—working closely with Schools, Faculties, and Professional Services.
For more details on postgraduate research and full details on how to apply, visit the Doctoral Academy website.
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
As a graduate of this course you will probably go on to work in areas improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations, taking up a role in the voluntary or private sectors. Many Public Health graduates go on to work in the NHS or for local authorities. You may, however, choose to advance your research career or undertake further study to PhD level.
Tuition fees and funding
- Fee:
- £8,740
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
- Full-time per year:
- £17,250
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations such as the British Council and Chevening.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
A good honours degree (minimum grade 2.2) in any discipline or
Relevant professional qualifications (e.g. in Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work, Youth and Community, Health Promotion or Environmental Health) and experience
Alternative qualifications considered
Non-standard entry: For applicants not in possession of a good honours degree, the programme leader will take into account relevant professional qualifications (e.g. Nursing Registration, Qualification in Social Work, Environmental Health qualification) and experience. The programme team will consider the relevancy of experience on a case-by-case basis.
Any participant who does not have a first degree must satisfy the programme team of their ability to study at Master's level through presentation of a strong portfolio to demonstrate appropriate equivalent skills in the work place. For these applicants, individual assessments of their suitability for post graduate level study will be arranged and conducted by the programme team. The team may require evidence to be submitted as part of the assessment process e.g. a portfolio of written and other work; papers presented at conferences, publications; reports and research proposals.
Further information
- Extra Requirements
-
RPL
RPL and R(P)EL: The programme welcomes students with both prior certificated learning and or application for experiential learning credits. Students who have completed the PG Dip Public Health or Public Health (Addictions) at Liverpool JMU can apply for up to 100 PG credits. Prior learning will be mapped against the programme and/or module outcomes on a case by case basis.
International requirements
IELTS
IELTs score of 6.5 or above (minimum 5.5 in each component)
Further information
- Extra Requirements
-
RPL
RPL and R(P)EL: The programme welcomes students with both prior certificated learning and or application for experiential learning credits. Students who have completed the PG Dip Public Health or Public Health (Addictions) at Liverpool JMU can apply for up to 100 PG credits. Prior learning will be mapped against the programme and/or module outcomes on a case by case basis.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
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