The aim of this course is to provide participants with a broad overview of key theoretical frameworks in relation to substance misuse and dependence, and to enable them to develop basic helping and intervention skills. This course focuses on introducing participants to current debates on addiction. On completion, participants will have become familiar with contemporary addiction theory as well as prevention and treatment strategies. They will have explored associated issues such as public policy, factual information on substance misuse, gender issues and community drug prevention issues to name but a few. The course will provide participants with adequate knowledge and skills to respond effectively and positively to addiction-related issues as they arise at work or in the community. Many students who complete this course progress onto the NUI Diploma in Addiction Studies level 8.
A Fee Easy Payment Option is available upon request.
Part time students who are on courses at levels 6 to 10 on the framework of qualifications may be eligible to for the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) to help with the associated costs of attending a university course such as Travel, Childcare, Utilities, Materials etc. You should first consult: SAF Guidelines to see if you qualify and then e-mail student.budget@mu.ie to make further enquiries.
| College | Maynooth University |
| Course ID | 102483 |
| Course Location | Maynooth, Kildare |
| Course Type | Classroom Based |
| Course Qualification | NUI Cert. Level 7 |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| Awarding Body Details | NUI Certificate in Addiction Studies |
| Course Start Date | 6th October 2026 |
| Course End Date | 12th May 2026 |
| Course Duration | 100 hours One evening per week x 3 hours plus 3-4 Saturdays over the year. |
| Course Time | Maynooth University Campus Tuesdays 7.00-10.00 |
| Course Fee | €1400 |
| Entry Requirements | Participants need to be 21 years of age or over on 1st January of the year in which the course commences. As courses are delivered in keeping with adult education practice, participants will be expected to: be willing to engage with group activities and group learning; be willing to learn through dialogue and reflection on experience; have a level of literacy that is sufficient to complete the assessment requirements. Please Note: All applicants are required to submit a short essay (approx. 300–500 words) describing their reasons for applying for the course. Applicants who apply to On Line venues should complete this essay in the Personal Statement section. |
| Career Path | This course focuses on introducing participants to current debates on addiction. On completion, participants will have become familiar with contemporary addiction theory as well as prevention and treatment strategies. They will have explored associated issues such as public policy, factual information on substance misuse, gender issues and community drug prevention to name but a few. This course will provide participants with adequate knowledge and skills to respond effectively and positively to addiction-related issues as they arise at work or in the community. It constitutes part one of the NUI Diploma in Addiction Studies (Level 8) Programme and students who successfully complete this course may apply for progression to the Diploma course. PLEASE NOTE: This course is available nationwide as well as on the NUI Maynooth campus. |
| Course Code | AD1 |
This course provides advanced training in economic and financial risk analysis, and the opportunity for a work placement in this area.
This Creative Writing for Publication course will give participants a practical grounding in the writing of fiction and and creative non-fiction> The course allows students to work with professional writers who will act in a mentoring capacity.
This course seeks to build the capacity of those working (paid & non-paid) in the community sector.
The MSc in Computer Science (Applied) offers students with degrees that include three years of Computer Science a personalised programme of advanced CS modules to enhance their knowledge and fit their strengths.
