Drug use: Theories and Comparative Policies

A minimum of a second-class honours degree or equivalent.

Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.

For further info contact: wendy.masterton@stir.ac.uk

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• TOEFL exams taken before 21 January 2026: 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in writing, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking.
• TOEFL exams taken from 21 January 2026: 4 overall with no less than 4 in any band.

After successful completion of the module you will be able to:

• compare and critically evaluate the main theories that have been proposed to explain drug use;
• demonstrate a critical understanding of core and specialized concepts and principles used in the drug use field and how these have informed the development of responses to the drug problem;
• apply knowledge, skills and understanding to evaluate key empirical work in the area of drug use;
• compare and critically evaluate major international policy responses to the drug problem;
• demonstrate awareness and reflective thinking of how language and imagery are used in constructing representations of the drug problem.

The module is delivered fully online, with weekly asynchronous lectures (i.e. do in your own time) and live seminars delivered on MS Teams. Each week, there is a different topic of focuses related to drug use, topics include, the history and contemporary views on drugs and drug use, treatment and harm reduction approaches, UK and international policy, decriminalisation and legislation and specific populations effected by drug use (e.g. women, young people etc.). 

The module is delivered fully online, with weekly asynchronous lectures (i.e. do in your own time) and live seminars delivered on MS Teams. There are two assessments for this module, both account for 50%. 

Dr Wendy Masterton

This module provides skills and knowledge that is relevant to a range of different careers, these include:

• Policy and advocacy: roles working on the development and or promotion of policies aiming at addressing substance use issues, locally, nationally or internationally.
• Government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs): roles that focus on contributing to, and designing, the implementation of public health strategies and programmes.
• Public services: roles providing direct support to individuals with problem substance use.
• Third sector organisations: roles in the non-profit sector that provide support to people with problems substance use.
• Research and academia: role working in research developing an evidence based for substance use policy, treatment and services.