Trauma Studies (PGCert) – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Students will be required to complete two 30 credit modules:

1. Traumatic stress: Theory, issues, and contexts (Convener, Professor Stephen Joseph, School of Sociology and Social Policy).

The first module is concerned with key issues in contemporary theory and practice. This module will introduce the student to the theory of and knowledge in trauma studies. Historical perspectives and theoretical models will be reviewed. It will consider the major resilience and vulnerability factors that influence how people respond to trauma, and that may impact on the process of recovery. Literature on treatment and intervention with groups and individuals will be reviewed. Literature on recovery, and growth following adversity will be reviewed.

2. Traumatic stress: Integrating theory and reflective practice (Convener, Belinda Harris, School of Education).

The second module is concerned with developing reflective skills as a professional in the field of trauma, deepening understanding of methods of working in particular contexts as well as the ethical, moral and legal issues involved in trauma work. Central to the role of professional work with trauma is a high degree of self-awareness, emotional resilience and maturity and sound communication skills. This module sets out to create a working environment in which students are able to work with others to develop their self-awareness, self-knowledge and understanding of process issues. The skills of reflective journal and case study writing will be explored.

Course Structure
The Postgraduate Certificate consists of 60 credits in total. The course involves ten full days attendance broken up into two-day blocks. Further details are on the website.
Modules
Traumatic Stress: Theory, issues and contextsThis module will introduce the student to the theory and knowledge in trauma studies. Historical perspectives and theoretical models will be reviewed. It will consider the major resilience and vulnerability factors that influence how people respond to trauma, and that may impact on the process of recovery. Literature on treatment and intervention with groups and individuals will be reviewed. Literature on recovery, and growth following adversity will be reviewed. The module therefore considers issues of Trauma interventions Debriefing Emotional, practical, and cognitive coping Contexts of trauma Children, adolescents, and families Resilience and vulnerability Theoretical models Historical perspectives Abuse self harm and suicide Grief, loss and transition Substance use Recovery, hope, and growth Professional issues Cross-cultural issues Assessment Traumatic Stress: Integrating theory and reflective practiceCentral to the role of the professional working with trauma is a high degree of self-awareness, emotional resilience and maturity and sound communication skills. The process of self reflection and critical self-analysis by the helping professional is central to the development of an effective working alliance between helping professionals and their clients.

This module sets out to create a working environment in which students are able to work with others to develop their self-awareness and self-knowledge. This process is facilitated through an in-depth exploration of the nature and effect of difference on self, other and relationship and the phenomenology of trauma. Particular attention will be paid to the application of advanced interpersonal skills to support the intrapersonal and interpersonal healing of self and others. The skills of reflective journal and case study writing will be explored.

The module therefore considers issues of

* self-concept
* identity formation
* narrative
* shame
* enculturation
* reflective practice
* group work
* counselling skills
* vicarious traumatisation
* self-care