Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs - CHC53215

VOCATIONAL

This diploma is ideal for current community workers. Enrol now. 

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

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Next intake:
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Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

Are you currently working in the alcohol and other drugs sector (AOD)?

The Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs has been designed to suit the needs of team leaders and staff within the community services sector who would like to enhance their skills through further study.

Throughout your studies, you will be equipped with high level specialist knowledge in regards to the laws affecting your clients, the services available to them, and the health issues linked to alcohol and drugs use and misuse.

Learning through a combination of workshops and field trips, you will be taught to assess the needs of your clients, and how to provide interventions and develop and review their treatment plans. You will learn to work with diverse groups of people with co-existing needs, and provide services and care to people with mental health issues and other traumas. You will develop into a well-rounded professional with the expertise and skills to work legally, ethically and collaboratively with both colleagues and clients in your care.

Why study alcohol and other drugs at RMIT?

Mental first aid

Accredited training in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) forms part of this diploma.

Industry input

The community services sector is involved in design, development, delivery and assessment.

Professional recognition

This qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

Classes include a combination of work-related learning, simulated workplace tasks and assessments, role-plays and oral presentations. Guest lecturers will provide relevant and up-to-date industry information.

Formal training in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is short, accredited training included within this diploma. 

Assessment methods

Assessment occurs through a variety of methods including:

  • simulations
  • written reports
  • class participation
  • class activities
  • online discussion.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT works closely with its industry partners to ensure that this program is consistent with industry needs.

This course maintains strong links with the community services sector through course design, development, delivery and assessment.

Our teaching staff are experienced professionals currently working in the AOD and complex care sector. Once graduated, you might gain work in a range of contexts including community mental health and AOD organisations, residential rehabilitation services and outreach services.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

If you are not already working within the AOD sector, you will need to participate in a self-sourced industry project or placement.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this diploma and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

To successfully obtain the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs, you will complete sixteen core subjects and six electives.

Your subjects will help you develop the required skills to assess and work with clients with alcohol and other drugs issues, co-existing issues including mental health, provide trauma-informed care, and develop treatment plans and strategies for relapse prevention and management. You'll also gain the knowledge to facilitate recovery with clients, family and carers, and coordinate complex case requirements.

Additionally, you will learn how to provide interventions, systems advocacy services, and first aid. 

Further, you will develop professional skills including reflecting on and improving your professional practice, working legally and ethically, professional and client relationship management, working with diverse people, and how to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

Through these subjects, you will build the essential skills required to thrive in roles supporting your community. 

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs
Program code: C5346
National curriculum code: CHC53215

Career

With the current shortage of skilled workers in the community services AOD sector, RMIT graduates are highly sought after for a wide range of positions, including those in:

  • detox and rehabilitation services
  • psycho-social support services – including residential, day program and outreach
  • recreational programs
  • justice
  • housing
  • local government.

Successful completion of this course may provide pathway opportunities into undergraduate and postgraduate studies in social work, youth work and psychology.

Job titles include:

  • case manager
  • community support worker
  • drug and alcohol clinician
  • intake and assessment worker
  • outreach worker.

If you are working in the AOD sector, this program may assist you to advance to team leader or coordinator roles, or work in specialist AOD services. If you are not working in the AOD sector, completion of the Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs can assist you in gaining employment.

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This nationally recognised vocational education qualification has been validated by the community services and health industry.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

You must have:

  • successfully completed the Certificate IV in Mental Health

OR

  • successfully completed the Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs

OR

  • a related qualification with relevant work experience

OR

  • significant relevant work experience

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application:

  • a CV
  • a personal statement that details your experience.

Additional information

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You will be required to hold a valid National Police Record Check and a valid Working With Children Check prior to undertaking practical placements.

Working With Children Check*

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Victorian Working with Children (WWC) Check (valid for 5 years) prior to undertaking professional placement as part of this program.

Note: For placements undertaken interstate a valid WWC Check is required for that state.

Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check*

Applicants will be required to hold a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, formerly known as a Police Check, for professional placements as part of this program. Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks must be current and have no disclosable outcomes.

Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of the RMIT Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs with a GPA of 3.0 or higher gain guaranteed entry (subject to certain criteria) and are eligible for exemptions:

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$6,750* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$18,250* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information