Graduate Certificate in
Substance and Behavioural Dependence

Enquire now

How to apply

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

2GC216

CRICOS

Duration

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

Start Dates

March

July

Annual Indicative Fees

2027 : $4,940 (CSP)

Delivery mode

None

Practical experience

Not available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

* Course must be completed part-time over one full year

Overview

Overview Program of study Careers Scholarships FAQs How to apply

Enquire now

Why study Substance and Behavioural Dependence?

Designed for professionals working in health, social services and related fields, this course explores the complex factors that influence addictive behaviours, including alcohol and other drugs, nicotine, vaping, gambling and problematic online behaviours. Develop your understanding of prevention, harm minimisation and stigma reduction, to improve outcomes for individuals, families and diverse communities.

Up to 80% off fees

Government subsidies enable Flinders to 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’ established addiction research strengths and develop the skills to translate public health research into practice and evidence-informed policy.

Create meaningful impact

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

World-leading expertise

Learn from respected educators and researchers in alcohol and other drugs, supported by Flinders’ strong collaborations with industry and government.

Build your career step by step.

We recognise that committing to a few full years of study can be overwhelming. 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 topics

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

What will you 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

On completion of this course, you will be able to:

Analyse the social, political and structural factors that contribute to substance use and behavioural dependence.
Evaluate policies and strategies for addressing substance use and behavioural dependence.
Apply public health approaches to prevent dependence, reduce harm and address stigma.
Use research skills to inform policies and responses to substance use and behavioural dependence.
Communicate specialist knowledge to advocate for policies that improve community health outcomes.
Apply reflective practice to support culturally safe addiction prevention, community engagement and personal wellbeing.

Your career and future pathways.

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^*

Connect with industry.

Flinders University collaborates with leading health partners and research institutes, 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).

Discover South Australia.

Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.

Discover South Australia

_{Photo credit: SATC}

Learn from the experts.

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

Dr Amy Hickman

Senior Lecturer

See full profile

Dr Amy Hickman (she/her) is a Senior 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 Josh Trigg

Lecturer

See full profile

Dr Josh Trigg (he/him) is a Lecturer in Public Health with 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. He is particularly interested in tobacco and vaping cessation, wellbeing, and community-based approaches to public health.

Cheryl Shelbach

Lecturer

See full profile

Dr Cheryl Schelbach is a teaching specialist in Public Health, who is involved in both postgraduate and undergraduate programs. Beyond the logistics of (teaching) delivery, she is interested in ensuring that curricular strategies relating to AI (Artificial Intelligence) as well as equity and inclusion, are reflective of contemporary needs.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally.

Top 150 in the world for Public Health.

78% reported salary increase within 2 years of graduating.

4 in 5 students employed full-time while studying.

Get support.

Need support?

International Student Services (ISS) is the first point of contact for international student support. The university also offers everything from cultural, health, and wellbeing services, to academic support.

Get support

Campus tours

Take a virtual tour of our campuses, guided by your fellow international students.

Discover our campuses

FUSA

Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you'll find out about events, club memberships, and extracurricular activities.

Learn more

Accommodation.

Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation.

Explore accommodation

Scholarships.

Flinders University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to support international students pursue their educational and career goals.

View Scholarships

Get support.

Need support?

From course advice, recognition of prior learning assessments, to study skills and financial support, we’re here to help.

Get support

Industry and professional networks

Connect with Flinders alumni and industry partners through discipline-specific networks, seminars, and career events designed for postgraduate students.

Explore professional networks

Campus facilities

Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with library spaces, study and chill areas, ample parking and more.

Explore our campuses

Scholarships.

Flinders University offers a wide range of postgraduate scholarships to support students pursue their educational and career goals.

Find a scholarship

Frequently asked questions.

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

What types of dependence does the course cover?

The course explores both substance-related dependence and behavioural dependence, helping you understand the different factors that contribute to these challenges and how they affect individuals, families and communities.

How will this qualification help my career?

The course can help you build specialist knowledge to support people experiencing substance use and behavioural dependence. You'll develop skills in evaluating policies, understanding complex contributing factors and applying public health approaches to prevention and harm minimisation.

Will I learn about prevention and harm minimisation?

Yes. You'll explore public health frameworks and strategies that support the prevention of substance use and behavioural dependence, reduce associated harms and address the stigma experienced by affected individuals and communities.

Is this course available to study online?

Yes. You can enrol to study the Flinders Online version of this course and study the same course content, in your own time, so you can balance work, life and study. You'll just need to apply directly through Flinders Online and be accepted into this separate course.

Can I study this course as a pathway to further postgraduate study?

A graduate certificate can provide a foundation for further postgraduate study. Check the relevant Flinders course rules for information about credit and progression into related qualifications.

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.

Unable to find your answers?

Ask Flinders

Frequently asked questions.

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

What documents do I need for my international application?

The type of documents you will need for your international application depends on what course you are applying for and which country you are a citizen of. Course requirements are stated on each course webpage. Examples of documentation you might expect to provide for your international application include a copy of personal identification, academic transcripts or a resume.

When should I apply for my student visa?

Once you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter from Flinders University, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible as visa processing times can vary. You will receive your CoE letter after you have applied to study at Flinders, accepted your offer and paid the semester tuition fee.

Apply for a visa

Can I study part-time?

No. Part-time study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.

Can I study online?

No. Online study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.

What if I don’t meet English language requirements?

If you don’t meet our English language or academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through our on-campus pathway provider Flinders University Academy. Alternatively, you can improve your English language proficiency through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

English language pathways

How do I apply?

You can apply to study as an international student directly through Flinders University or an authorised agent in your country.

If you are from one of the countries listed here, you are required to apply via an education agent. If you reside onshore in Australia, you will not require an agent even if you are from the countries listed above.

Apply now

Find an agent

Can I work while studying in Australia?

Yes. As a student visa (subclass 500) holder, you and your dependents (family members) can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study is in session. If you have started a master degree by research or doctoral degree, this rule does not apply to you and working hours are not restricted.

Learn more

What support services are available for international students?

Our dedicated International Student Services (ISS) team provide a range of programs supporting your enrolment, study and social life, as well as a referral service to facilities on campus and within the local community.

Explore International Student Services

Unable to find answers? Get in touch with us.

Contact Us

Entry requirements

Applicants must normally hold a degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution and have their candidature approved by the Dean (Education).
Applicants who have relevant experience in the sector but no official degree can still be eligible. Please submit any supporting employment experience in your application.

Academic program pathways

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

Find out more

How to apply

Select your preferred course.

Check entry requirements.

Check individual course entries on SATAC for information on important dates.

Apply online at SATAC.

Apply directly via SATAC

2GC216 (Bedford) (CSP)

Flinders students can apply to transfer to this course internally. Visit: www.flinders.edu.au/internaltransfer for more information.

After you apply

Receive your offer

SATAC will notify you of an offer on behalf of Flinders University by emailing the offer letter. Offers will be made to the highest preference for which you are both eligible and sufficiently competitive.

Accept and enrol

Accept via SATAC or your offer email, then complete enrolment through the Enrolling @ Flinders portal.

Check individual course entries on SATAC for information on important dates.

If you want to change your preference, you can update your application via SATAC.
If you are unsure about your next steps, talk to us about your study options.

Entry requirements
Application options

Entry requirements

English language requirements

Before commencing study to become a registered nurse, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) requires you to demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency.

To do this, applicants must do one of the following:

Declare English is your primary language and before the course start date, you will have satisfactorily completed at least six years of schooling in English in one of the following countries: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, United States, Canada, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom. At least two of the six years must be at a secondary school level, OR
Undertake an approved English language proficiency test no more than two years before the course start date and achieve specified minimum test results as indicated in the English language skills registration standard of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
Example: minimum of Academic IELTS 7.0 overall and 7.0 in Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening.
Acceptable tests are: Academic IELTS, OET, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OR
Declare you hold current registration as an enrolled nurse with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency – Nursing and Midwifery (AHPRA).

When you graduate and apply for registration as a registered nurse in Australia, you will also need to meet the English language skills registration standard of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

Please note, a test is required as evidence of English language proficiency even if an English language program has been completed. Tests accepted are Academic IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and OET.

Find out more

Academic program pathways

If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.

Find out more

Inherent requirements

The Inherent Course Requirements statement is designed to help prospective students make informed decisions about whether they will be in a position to complete the requirements of the Bachelor of Nursing and/or the Bachelor of Midwifery. Prospective students who intend to enrol in this course should carefully check the requirements listed in the document below to determine whether they are able to meet them.

View inherent requirements

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

Application options.

Apply online

Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.

Start application

Find an agent

Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.

View the full list of countries requiring agent assistance.

Find an agent

Contact us

Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.

Contact us

Don't meet academic requirements? Don't worry. We'll help you get there.

Preparatory courses

If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.

Learn more

Flinders University Academy

If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.

Learn more

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisors about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.

1300 354 633

Book a chat

Apply