COURSE CURRICULUM

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of trauma-informed practice and equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to support children, young people, frontline professionals, carers, and communities affected by trauma and adversity. Students explore the experiences of frontline workers such as teachers, social workers, youth workers, foster carers, adoptive parents, police officers, healthcare professionals, mental health practitioners, criminal justice staff, and those working with homeless populations. The programme examines the emotional and psychological impact that working with traumatised individuals can have on these professionals, particularly those with their own trauma histories, while also exploring how organisations and workplaces can create supportive and trauma-informed environments. A strong focus is placed on adverse childhood experiences and their effects on children's physical health, mental wellbeing, educational achievement, behaviour, and long-term life opportunities. Students study theories of child development and investigate how different forms of trauma influence social, emotional, and cognitive growth, with particular attention given to relational trauma, developmental trauma, toxic stress, and the functioning of the stress response system. The course also explores practical approaches to supporting traumatised children and young people, helping them manage emotions and behaviours, improve wellbeing, build resilience, and achieve positive outcomes in education and later life. Psychological, educational, and physical interventions are examined and applied within family, school, and community settings. In addition, students develop expertise in trauma-informed research methods, ethical research practices, and critical enquiry, preparing them to undertake independent research projects. The programme culminates in a dissertation that allows students to investigate a specialist area of trauma-informed practice or social science through an original research project. By the end of the course, graduates possess advanced knowledge, research skills, and professional capabilities to contribute effectively to trauma-informed services, organisations, and communities.