Graduate Certificate in
Substance and Behavioural Dependence

Graduate Certificate in Substance and Behavioural Dependence

Advance your knowledge and skills to prevent harm and improve community health.

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Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTICINTERNATIONAL

This course is not available to international students.

Bachelor's degree or 2 + years work experience in allied health

See entry requirements

SATAC

Direct application only

CRICOS

Duration

0.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Indicative Fees

2027 : $4,940 (CSP)

Delivery mode

Online
also available in-person

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

Why study Substance and Behavioural Dependence at Flinders?

Advance your skills in working with people, communities and populations experiencing substance use and behavioural dependence. In this Graduate Certificate, you'll develop the expert knowledge and practical skills needed to promote positive change for people and communities living with substance use, gambling and other behavioural dependencies. Along the way you will your advance your career in health, counselling, community services or social work. Designed for working professionals and delivered 100% online you can apply what you learn directly to your workplace.

Evidence-informed teaching

Explore public health theory to inform policy, advocacy, and prevention in the context of substance use and behavioural dependence.

Up to 80% off fees

Government subsidies offer Domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Supported Places. Offer subject to change.

Learn from research experts

Draw on Flinders’ public health research and develop the skills to translate from practice to evidence-informed policy.

Create meaningful impact

Develop strength-based approaches to work with rural and remote communities, including First Nations peoples.

What you will study

You’ll complete four core topics, building a strong foundation in Public Health while exploring prevention, harm minimisation and stigma reduction across areas including alcohol and other drugs, nicotine, vaping, gambling and maladaptive online behaviours.

Course handbook

Core Topics

Introduction to Substance Use and Behavioural Dependence
Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing
Health Promotion in Public Health
Public Health Policy, Equity, and Advocacy

Your career

Broaden your opportunities across sectors responding to substance use and behavioural dependence. This qualification can support careers across health, community and social services, law enforcement, corrections, clinical and allied health, as well as roles in policy, program development and research.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Expected salary
$120,000^*

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Expected salary
$120,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Expected salary
$120,000^*

Expected salary
$100,000^*

Expected salary
$120,000^*

Potential employers

Government health departments
Hospitals and health services
Research organisations and universities
NGOs and health charities, such as Preventative Health SA, Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) or Neami National
Primary Health Networks (PHNs)

Connect with industry

This course is informed by leading addiction researchers and industry partners working across health, mental health, community and social services settings, including the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute (FHMRI), the International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing (iPOCT), the Poche SA+NT Centre for Indigenous Health, and the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA)

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally

Top 150 in the world for Public Health**

Gain practical skills through industry-simulated projects

Flexible online study - anywhere, anytime

_{*THE World University Rankings 2023

**2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects}

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.

Dr Amy Hickman

Course Coordinator

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Lecturer in Public Health, teaching Health Promotion within the Master of Public Health. Her work focuses on equity, health communication, and inclusive teaching, with a strong interest in reflexivity, health literacy, and qualitative research.

Dr Joshua Trigg

Lecturer

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Expertise in health risk behaviours, tobacco control, and alcohol consumption. His research explores attitudes and motivators that shape risk behaviours, as well as the effectiveness of health promotion messaging.

Dr Cheryl Shelbach

Lecturer

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Teaching specialist in Public Health, who is involved in both postgraduate and undergraduate programs. She is interested in ensuring that curricular strategies relating to AI (Artificial Intelligence).

Your pathway to Masters

The Graduate Certificate in Substance and Behavioural Dependence is a 12-month part-time program that can lead into the Master of Public Health*. It gives you the flexibility to upskill in stages, taking the next step in your career when the time is right.

*You’ll need to apply and be admitted into the Masters degree, with credit available for topics already completed.

4 topics

over 12-months of part-time study complete the
Graduate Certificate in Substance
and Behavioural Dependence

12 topic

Study over 2 years full-time
(1.5 years accelerated option also available)
to earn the Master of Public Health

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this course, applicants must meet the following entry requirements:

hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification or;
have minimum 2 years professional work experience in the field of allied health (with approval from Dean Education)

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What is Substance and Behavioural Dependence?

Substance and behavioural dependence can encompass a range of behaviours and substances that can negatively affect individual and community health. In this course, you’ll explore areas including alcohol and other drugs, nicotine, vaping, gambling, and maladaptive online behaviours through a public health and prevention lens.

Who is this course for?

The course is designed for current and future professionals interested in preventing and reducing the harms associated with substance use and behavioural dependence. It is particularly relevant to those working across health, welfare, community and social services, law enforcement, corrections, clinical and allied health sectors.

What is the difference between CSP and FFP?

Some courses have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available for domestic students, which means the course is subsidised by the Commonwealth Government. A CSP student will pay this subsidised fee as their student contribution.

Alternatively, a full-fee-paying (FFP) place refers to a course that is not subsidised by the Commonwealth Government, or a course that has filled all available CSP places. A FFP student will pay this fee in its entirety.

Some courses may have both CSP and FFP places available.

What types of dependence will I study?

The course takes a broad approach to dependence, including alcohol and other drugs, nicotine, gambling and maladaptive online behaviours.

Does the course focus on prevention or treatment?

The course has a strong public health and prevention focus. You’ll explore contemporary approaches to prevention, harm minimisation and stigma reduction, as well as how research can inform programs, policy and community-level interventions.

Will I learn about working with different communities?

Yes. You’ll develop skills in designing and co-designing strength-based strategies with priority populations, including rural and remote communities, First Nations peoples, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 2 March 2026 – Applications close 27 February 2026

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.