Course overview
The impact of trauma on physical and mental health affects us all, directly or indirectly. You gain a comprehensive understanding of this topic which can be applied in practice to a variety of workplaces and settings making you a confident, critical, creative, adaptable, articulate and aspiring professional.
The course takes a strengths-based approach that is grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma. This emphasises the physical, psychological and emotional safety for everyone, creating opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.
Content includes early childhood development and how this is impacted by adversity and trauma, ways in which we can mitigate this, and opportunities to apply this knowledge through topical and relevant practice-focused assessments.
* Subject to University approval
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Supporting Frontline Workers and Carers
You consider what it means to be working with, or caring for, children and young people who have experienced adversity and trauma. The impact on teachers, social workers, youth workers, foster carers and adoptive parents, police, health care workers, those working in mental health, the criminal justice system and with the homeless is discussed.
Trauma-informed Research Methods
You study trauma-informed research methods, philosophies and procedures and explore the nature of enquiry to inform your own ideas for research. You also consider the broader ethical parameters required in research planning and development. This will form the basis of a research plan for the development of your dissertation.
Understanding Childhood Trauma
You consider how adverse childhood experiences impact children and young people’s physical and mental health, educational outcomes and life chances. You explore typical and atypical child development and examine the impact of trauma on children and young people's social and emotional development and behaviour, with a focus on relational and developmental trauma.
Working with Traumatised Children
You consider what steps need to be taken to help children and young people cope with adverse childhood experiences, manage their emotions and behaviours, improve their physical and mental health and well-being, develop resilience and other strategies to thrive.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You learn through asynchronous lectures, then actively explore these concepts in live workshops and seminars. Independent study forms an essential part of the course, with support to investigate areas that interest you. You also collaborate with others through the virtual learning environment, which provides extra resources, guidance and spaces for discussion.
How you are assessed
You are assessed through online written assessments.
Detailed information about assessments will be provided at the beginning of each module.
Entry requirements
A 2.2 degree and experience of working with children, young people or adults.
If you can demonstrate suitable significant experience and/or further study, you may be considered for the programme and asked to attend an informal interview. A written record of the interview will be kept to provide evidence of recommendations.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
This course is designed for practitioners in education, health, social care and justice who seek to expand their expertise and make a greater impact - without the time commitment of a full master’s degree. Completing this diploma can strengthen your impact in your current role and act as a pathway to the master’s, unlocking opportunities for specialist and leadership positions.
Learning platform
Our virtual learning environment (VLE) is the platform you use to access your online course
Teesside University online learning courses are delivered through the Brightspace Learning Environment.
Here are some of the benefits.
- You can use it on your smartphone, tablet and computer.
- And you can use it anytime, so that you can plan your learning to fit your own schedule.
- It's easy to use and navigate.
- Modules are set out by topics and themes. You can use the progress bar to understand where you are in your modules, and appreciate your achievements.
- We support you to become familiar with your VLE, helping you to start learning quickly.
- You get feedback, help and guidance from tutors throughout your course through the VLE, and you can ask questions at any time.
- Our tutors use a live activity feed to keep you updated about your course.
- You can create a student profile, collaborate with other students and take part in online discussion forums.
