This advanced course run by the International Drug Policy Academy is designed for professionals who work as managers or senior team members in the area of drug policies and addictions. The course covers all key competency areas required for performing managerial duties related to drug policy development, implementation and evaluation.

 Course content

The Drug Policy Executive Course is a comprehensive, three-module course spread over a 12-month period, with both in-person and distance learning components.

 Module 1 - Competency Area Science: Substances, Behaviour, Addictions

 Module 2 - Competency Area Policy: Health, Safety, Human Rights

 Module 3 - Competency Area Practice: Monitoring, Evaluation, Communication

Upon successful completion of the course, participants are awarded the “Certificate in Advanced Drug Policy Management” by the International Drug Policy Academy, which is validated with 120 contact hours. The certification issued by the International Drug Policy Academy is designed in accordance with international substance use professional development and credentialing bodies.


 Learning format

Each module includes a 4-day residential seminar. Between modules, participants work on a research assignment under the mentorship of a designated supervisor. The working format during seminars is highly interactive and the course language is English. The venue of each module is determined according to the thematic focus of each session.


 2023 Drug Policy Executive Course

The registration for the 2023 Drug Policy Executive Course is closed.

Information concerning new editions of the course will be published when becomes available.