Program Overview

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Introduction to the Psychology and Trauma (Adult) MSc

The Psychology and Trauma (Adult) MSc is a distance learning programme offered by the University College London (UCL). This innovative and flexible programme is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore the latest research evidence and applied practice related to the psychological impact of trauma in adulthood.

Course Overview

The programme is taught by leading academics at UCL's Division of Psychology and Language Sciences and is studied entirely online, either full-time or part-time. The course takes a multi-perspective approach, spanning neuroscience, cognitive and behavioural theories, and systems theories. It considers important systemic, cultural, and global contexts and explores trauma and psychology across varied lenses and sectors, such as public health, education, and social care.

Entry Requirements

This course is specifically aimed at professionals working in sectors such as psychology, mental health, healthcare, social care, education, community, criminal justice, or public health. A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. Alternatively, a lower second-class honours degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard will be considered if there is evidence of sufficient professional experience in a relevant setting.

English Language Requirements

The English language level for this course is Level 2. UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL.

Equivalent Qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website. International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list of countries.

Course Structure

The programme includes a range of compulsory modules, including:

• Public health and organizational understanding of trauma responses in adulthood
• Trauma, adult physical health, and wellbeing
• Psychosis and common types of PTSD co-morbidities
• Interventions for PTSD and trauma-related problems in adulthood
• Trauma-informed care across adult-facing sectors
• Research Skills in Psychology
• Foundations of Trauma Studies: A Lifespan Perspective
• Dissertation: Adult

Teaching and Learning

The programme is undertaken entirely online, with the majority of the week's learning completed at a time and place to suit the student. This includes lectures, readings, activities, and forum discussions. Students also have weekly virtual synchronous points of connection with each other and course staff in live seminars, workshops, and peer tutorials.

Assessment

The programme includes a wide range of assessments to help develop and reflect a range of student strengths. This includes essays, presentations, student participation, oral discussions, group work, and projects.

Career Prospects

Graduates will be equipped to pursue impactful roles in professions such as mental health services, education, social care, and public health, where trauma-informed practice is increasingly recognized as essential. The programme also provides a strong foundation for careers in non-governmental and humanitarian organizations, as well as corporate environments, where trauma-informed approaches are becoming integral.

Employability

Students on the programme will develop a robust set of career-enhancing skills that are applicable across a range of professional contexts. These include advanced critical thinking and the ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge from psychology, neuroscience, and systems theory to address trauma-related challenges.

Networking Opportunities

The programme supports students to build connections as a cohort, with regular synchronous activities and workshops to support this. Students are also welcomed into the wider learning community at UCL and can connect with a range of activities, including UCL's Changemakers projects, and partake in UCL's scientific community through talks and career events.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the programme are:

• UK students: Ł16,800 (full-time), Ł8,400 (part-time)
• International students: Ł22,000 (full-time), Ł11,000 (part-time)

Additional Costs

There are no programme-specific additional costs for this programme, although students are advised that they will need suitable technology and web access to engage with their study.

Accessibility

The department will endeavor to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences, and mental health conditions. Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.