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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.
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)
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
You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.
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.
Every effort has been made to provide information that is current and accurate. However, as the content is being constantly updated, users are advised to verify the details contained in these web pages with the relevant University office or authority before making decisions based on the published information.
Hello there. We noticed that you are searching from an overseas country. Do you possess any overseas qualifications?
Hello there. We noticed that you are searching from outside the European Union.
