The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM) is a specialist qualification designed for healthcare professionals who wish to advance their expertise in the assessment, management, and treatment of addictive disorders. This diploma is not intended for fresh learners but is aimed at experienced practitioners seeking to expand their knowledge, enhance clinical skills, and strengthen their career prospects within addiction medicine and related healthcare fields.
Addiction medicine plays a critical role in understanding and addressing substance use disorders, behavioural addictions, and associated mental health conditions. Through this diploma, learners will develop advanced competencies in clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions, pharmacological management, and evidence-based approaches to patient care. The programme also emphasises the importance of ethical practice, multidisciplinary collaboration, and leadership within clinical settings.
This qualification supports professionals committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), enabling learners to remain up to date with emerging research, best practices, and innovative treatment strategies. Completing this diploma equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed, patient-centred decisions, improve treatment outcomes, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Centres delivering the Level 6 Diploma in Addiction Medicine must maintain high standards of teaching and learner support. This includes employing competent and qualified staff with relevant clinical and academic experience, providing access to comprehensive learning materials, and ensuring suitable resources and facilities for practical and theoretical learning. By adhering to these standards, centres ensure that learners receive the guidance, tools, and environment necessary for successful completion of the diploma.
The programme offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to progress in their careers, gain specialist expertise, and make a meaningful impact in the field of addiction medicine.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM) consists of a structured set of study units designed to provide learners with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge. The qualification includes a total of 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT), 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and awards 120 credits.
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC27191- 1 | Advanced Neuroscience, Behavioural Science, and Addiction Pathophysiology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27191-2 | Diagnostic Methods and Clinical Assessment in Addiction Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27191-3 | Clinical Management of Substance Use and Behavioural Addictions | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27191-4 | Pharmacological, Therapeutic, and Interventional Approaches in Addiction Treatment | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27191-5 | Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Addiction Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC27191-6 | Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Addiction Medicine | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM):
Minimum Age
Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment, reflecting the maturity and professional experience required for this level.
Educational Background
Applicants should hold a recognised Level 5 qualification or equivalent in medicine, nursing, psychology, counselling, or another relevant healthcare discipline. Postgraduate study or advanced professional certifications will also be considered.
Professional Experience
This diploma is intended for experienced professionals who have relevant clinical or therapeutic experience in addiction medicine, mental health, or healthcare practice. Learners should be able to apply theoretical knowledge in practical, real-world settings.
Language Proficiency
As the programme is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. Non-native speakers should provide evidence of English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or higher, or an equivalent qualification.
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Learners should demonstrate a clear commitment to CPD, showing motivation to enhance clinical knowledge, treatment skills, and leadership capability within addiction medicine.
Access to Required Resources
Learners must have access to appropriate academic and clinical resources, including research materials, case studies, digital tools, and, where applicable, clinical practice environments to support applied learning and assessment.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM):
Advanced Neuroscience, Behavioural Science, and Addiction Pathophysiology
- Analyse the neurological and behavioural mechanisms underlying addictive behaviours
- Evaluate the physiological and psychological processes involved in substance use and behavioural addictions
- Explain the impact of genetic, environmental, and social factors on addiction development
- Apply advanced knowledge to support clinical assessment and intervention planning
Diagnostic Methods and Clinical Assessment in Addiction Medicine
- Demonstrate understanding of diagnostic criteria and assessment tools for addiction disorders
- Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments, including screening and risk evaluation
- Interpret patient history, behavioural patterns, and laboratory findings to inform diagnosis
- Apply assessment results to guide personalised treatment strategies
Clinical Management of Substance Use and Behavioural Addictions
- Develop evidence-based management plans for patients with substance use and behavioural addictions
- Apply multidisciplinary approaches to optimise treatment outcomes
- Integrate psychosocial, behavioural, and medical strategies in patient care
- Evaluate the effectiveness of clinical interventions and modify plans accordingly
Pharmacological, Therapeutic, and Interventional Approaches in Addiction Treatment
- Analyse pharmacological treatments for substance use disorders and their mechanisms of action
- Apply therapeutic interventions, including counselling, behavioural therapies, and rehabilitation strategies
- Evaluate interventional techniques and emerging treatment modalities in addiction medicine
- Integrate pharmacological and therapeutic approaches to deliver safe and effective patient care
Research, Evidence-Based Practice, and Clinical Decision-Making in Addiction Medicine
- Critically appraise research evidence relevant to addiction medicine
- Apply evidence-based practice principles to inform clinical decision-making
- Develop skills to conduct, evaluate, or interpret addiction-related research
- Integrate research findings with clinical expertise to enhance patient outcomes
Professional Practice, Ethics, and Leadership in Addiction Medicine
- Demonstrate ethical and professional responsibility in addiction medicine practice
- Apply leadership and management skills within multidisciplinary teams
- Evaluate ethical dilemmas and implement appropriate solutions in clinical care
- Develop communication, teamwork, and leadership competencies to support high-quality patient care
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM) is designed for experienced healthcare professionals who wish to advance their expertise in the assessment, management, and treatment of addictive disorders. This qualification is not intended for fresh learners but for practitioners aiming to enhance their knowledge, improve clinical skills, and expand career opportunities in addiction medicine and related healthcare fields.
This diploma is particularly suitable for:
- Medical doctors, psychiatrists, and clinical practitioners specialising in addiction treatment
- Nurses, advanced nurse practitioners, and physician associates involved in addiction care
- Psychologists, counsellors, and therapists working with individuals affected by substance use or behavioural addictions
- Healthcare professionals managing patients with co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders
- Practitioners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and aspiring to leadership, research, or specialist roles in addiction medicine
Completing this diploma equips learners with advanced clinical, research, and leadership skills, enabling them to provide evidence-based, patient-centred care, lead multidisciplinary teams, and contribute effectively to improving treatment outcomes in addiction medicine.
Centres delivering the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Addiction Medicine (Dip AM) must uphold the highest standards of teaching, resources, and learner support to ensure successful outcomes and professional development.
1. Qualified and Experienced Staff
- Centres must employ tutors, trainers, and assessors with recognised qualifications and practical experience in addiction medicine, psychiatry, psychology, or related healthcare fields.
- Staff should possess appropriate teaching and assessment credentials and demonstrate the ability to deliver advanced-level instruction.
- Internal quality assurers must be competent and experienced to maintain consistent and fair assessment practices.
2. Learning Resources and Materials
- Centres must provide access to current textbooks, clinical guidelines, research journals, and digital learning platforms relevant to addiction medicine.
- Case studies, practical exercises, and research materials should be available to support applied learning, clinical decision-making, and evidence-based practice.
3. Facilities and Infrastructure
- Centres must offer suitable classrooms, virtual learning platforms, and, where possible, simulation or clinical practice environments.
- Technology and equipment should support interactive learning, presentations, and online assessments.
- Secure systems must be in place for learner records, assessment submissions, and communication.
4. Learner Support and Guidance
- Centres must provide academic, clinical, and pastoral support, including mentoring and guidance throughout the course.
- Clear instructions for assessments, feedback, and progression must be provided to all learners.
5. Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Centres must implement robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure fairness, consistency, and adherence to QualCert policies.
- Continuous monitoring and improvement processes must be maintained to uphold high standards in teaching, assessment, and learner outcomes.
By meeting these requirements, centres ensure that learners receive comprehensive support, practical knowledge, and professional guidance to succeed in advanced addiction medicine practice.