Queen's University Belfast campus

Health Sciences

MSc Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders at Queen's University Belfast

Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom

Programme overview

A multi-disciplinary online programme for substance use professionals, mental health workers, social workers, nurses and allied health and social care workers, covering substance use disorders including definitions, UK and international contexts and the application of theory in practice. The MSc builds on the PG Certificate and PG Diploma stages and develops critical thinking, reflective analysis and interdisciplinary team working.

Faculty: Social Sciences, Education and Social Work  |  Duration: 3 years part-time  |  Intake: September 2027 (no 2026 entry)  |  Study mode: part-time  |  Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The PG Certificate and PG Diploma modules (six 20-credit modules in total) followed by a supervised thesis on a chosen project, covering aims and objectives, literature appraisal, data collection and analysis, and presentation of findings and recommendations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent, in a relevant subject (equivalents include the pre-2007 Post-Qualifying Award in Social Work). Non-social workers need two years' experience working with clients who have experienced substance use or mental health issues. Social workers must be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC), hold an Honours Degree in Social Work (2.2 or equivalent), Diploma in Social Work, CSS, CQSW or predecessor equivalent (those trained outside NISCC jurisdiction need a letter of comparability or verification), and have completed the Assessed Year in Practice or have at least one year of post-qualifying experience if they graduated before it was introduced. Applicants not meeting these but holding an equivalent approved professional qualification or work experience are considered case by case. Online course. Closing date for 2027 entry: Friday 30 July 2027 at 4pm (late applications may be considered). English language for international applicants: IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in any component (taken within the last 2 years), or equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 7,700 a year (2026/27). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland rate; part-time Source

International applicants: GBP 23,000 a year (2026/27). International and EU Other rate; part-time (course is not eligible for a Student route visa) Source

Intake: September 2026

Duration: 3 years part-time

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