The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Medicine (PgDAM) is designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced knowledge and clinical skills in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of substance use disorders and behavioural addictions. This postgraduate diploma addresses the increasing global demand for highly qualified specialists who can lead evidence-based interventions, provide holistic patient care, and contribute to public health strategies.
Addiction medicine is a growing field that requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical expertise with psychology, public health, and social care. This postgraduate diploma equips learners with in-depth knowledge of addiction science, neurobiology, pharmacological and psychosocial treatments, and the integration of public health and policy frameworks into clinical practice.
The programme provides a rigorous academic and practical framework for professionals who aim to specialise in addiction medicine. Learners will explore the complexities of substance misuse, behavioural addictions, dual diagnosis, and the social determinants of addiction. The course also emphasises ethical decision-making, patient-centred care, and research-based practice, ensuring graduates are prepared to work at advanced levels in healthcare systems worldwide.
Choosing the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Medicine provides learners with the opportunity to make a significant impact on individual lives and society as a whole. The qualification enables professionals to develop advanced competencies in treating complex addiction cases, lead multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to policy and prevention strategies at national and international levels.
Graduates of this programme can progress towards senior clinical, academic, or leadership roles in addiction services, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, research institutions, and public health organisations. The diploma also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue doctoral research or further specialist training in psychiatry and behavioural sciences.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Medicine (PgDAM):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Medicine (PgDAM), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27234- 1 | Advanced Principles of Addiction Science and Neurobiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27234-2 | Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Dual Disorders in Addiction Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27234-3 | Pharmacological and Psychosocial Interventions in Substance Use Disorders | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27234-4 | Management of Behavioural Addictions and Emerging Trends | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27234-5 | Public Health Approaches, Policy, and Ethics in Addiction Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27234-6 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Addiction Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Medicine (PgDAM):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment
Educational Background:
- An undergraduate degree in medicine, nursing, psychology, pharmacy, social work, public health, or a closely related health or life sciences field
Experience:
- Relevant clinical, counselling, or professional experience in addiction services, mental health, or healthcare is recommended, particularly for applicants without a direct medical background
Language Proficiency:
- Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or higher, or an accepted equivalent, to ensure engagement with postgraduate-level study and research
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Medicine (PgDAM):
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Addiction Science and Neurobiology
- Analyse the neurobiological mechanisms underlying substance use and behavioural addictions
- Evaluate the role of genetics, neurochemistry, and brain pathways in addiction
- Critically appraise theories of addiction from medical, psychological, and social perspectives
- Apply scientific principles to clinical case analysis and intervention design
Unit 2: Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, and Dual Disorders in Addiction Medicine
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients with substance use and behavioural disorders
- Interpret diagnostic criteria using international classification systems such as DSM-5 and ICD-11
- Recognise and manage co-occurring mental health and physical health conditions
- Develop patient-centred care plans based on complex clinical presentations
Unit 3: Pharmacological and Psychosocial Interventions in Substance Use Disorders
- Evaluate the pharmacological treatments available for substance use disorders
- Integrate psychosocial therapies, including cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing
- Design holistic, multi-modal treatment strategies for diverse patient populations
- Critically assess the effectiveness and limitations of various therapeutic approaches
Unit 4: Management of Behavioural Addictions and Emerging Trends
- Identify and classify behavioural addictions such as gambling, gaming, and internet use
- Apply evidence-based strategies to manage non-substance-related addictions
- Explore the impact of emerging trends in addiction and their implications for healthcare practice
- Formulate prevention and treatment plans tailored to behavioural addiction cases
Unit 5: Public Health Approaches, Policy, and Ethics in Addiction Medicine
- Analyse the role of public health frameworks in addiction prevention and treatment
- Evaluate national and international policies addressing addiction and substance misuse
- Apply ethical principles to complex cases involving confidentiality, consent, and harm reduction
- Develop strategies for advocacy, community engagement, and health promotion
Unit 6: Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership in Addiction Medicine
- Critically review current research and clinical evidence in addiction medicine
- Apply advanced research methodologies to addiction-related studies
- Demonstrate leadership skills in managing multidisciplinary addiction services
- Develop strategies to promote evidence-based practice in clinical and public health settings
The Course is ideal for ;
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Medicine (PgDAM) is designed for healthcare and allied health professionals who aspire to specialise in the treatment, management, and prevention of substance use and behavioural addictions. It is suitable for:
- Medical doctors, psychiatrists, and general practitioners seeking advanced expertise in addiction medicine
- Psychologists, counsellors, and therapists working in mental health and substance misuse services
- Nurses and allied health professionals engaged in rehabilitation, harm reduction, or community health programmes
- Public health practitioners and policymakers focusing on addiction prevention and health promotion
- Social workers and rehabilitation specialists supporting individuals and families affected by addiction
- Academic researchers and educators aiming to expand knowledge and evidence in addiction science
- Professionals working in NGOs, rehabilitation centres, or governmental organisations addressing addiction challenges
To deliver the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Addiction Medicine (PgDAM), approved centres must meet the following standards:
- Qualified Faculty: Centres must employ suitably qualified tutors, lecturers, or clinical educators with postgraduate-level expertise in addiction medicine, psychiatry, psychology, or related healthcare disciplines.
- Learning Resources: Centres should provide access to up-to-date academic texts, journals, case studies, and digital resources relevant to addiction medicine, treatment, and public health.
- Clinical and Practical Support: Where possible, centres should establish links with healthcare institutions, rehabilitation centres, or community services to support applied learning and case-based training.
- Facilities: Centres must have appropriate teaching and learning facilities, including classrooms, seminar spaces, and access to online learning platforms for blended delivery.
- Assessment Standards: Centres must apply rigorous academic assessment processes, ensuring learners are assessed through research projects, case studies, reflective practice, and evidence-based assignments.
- Quality Assurance: Centres must comply with QualCert’s internal and external quality assurance processes to maintain consistency, fairness, and integrity in delivery and assessment.
- Learner Support: Centres should provide academic guidance, research supervision, and pastoral support to ensure learner wellbeing and progression.