Program Overview

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Violence and Abuse Studies PgCert

Overview

Violence and Abuse Studies is a course designed for people already working within the violence and abuse field, or those who wish to work in sectors around violence and abuse. This includes those working with victims, perpetrators, communities and other professionals and our approach is all about how different forms of violence and abuse intersect – including violence against people, against the self, and against non-humans.

You will explore theory and practice and how they inter-relate, hear from researchers doing cutting-edge research, and practitioners making innovative changes. You will explore your own, and your organisations’ practices and think about how things could be done differently to make positive change.

The course is delivered entirely online except for a welcome weekend for people to meet and orientate themselves within the course. The online elements are delivered using Microsoft Teams for live teaching sessions, as well as via the University’s online learning platforms for preparation work and discussion-based activities.

Study Style

You’ll study four modules – each supported by researchers and practitioners with cutting-edge expertise in the field. These will be timetabled on one day per week, allowing you to fit the course around work and other commitments. The four modules you will study are:

• Critical Approaches to Violence, Abuse, Vulnerability and Resilience
• Listening to Minoritised Voices
• Evaluating Policy and Interventions
• Rapid Evidence Assessment

You’ll have a Personal Tutor to support you in your learning and assessment. Through a mix of collaborative discussion, lectures, seminars and contributions from experts from across the world, you’ll reflect on and develop your ideas and practices.

You will have a variety of assessment types, all designed to reflect practical tasks within the violence and abuse sector.

Entry Requirements

• Typical offers:
  • A 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline, professional experience within the violence and abuse sector or a combination of these. Professionals without a degree are encouraged to apply on the basis of their professional experience.
• Informal interview:
  • We may ask to have a conversation with applicants before deciding on their application – this is so we can get to know you better.
• Additional requirements:
  • Applicants should be looking to develop their broader thinking on practice and approach more generally.
• International students:
  • Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.

Course Modules

You're viewing course modules for the Part Time (1 years) course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course modules.

Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).

Module information is not available for this programme.

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• Level 7 (Postgraduate)

You can choose from the following modules:

• Critical Approaches to Violence, Abuse, Vulnerability and Resilience (NS7540) The module introduces the basis for studying violence and abuse as phenomena, key debates within the field and key theoretical approaches to its understanding. Students will explore and debate different approaches understandings and insights into ideas around violence, abuse, risk, vulnerability and more. Learning and Teaching Activities
  Scheduled Contact Hours: 24
  Independent Learning Hours: 126 Assessment
  001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 4,000 words
• Evaluating Policy and Interventions (NS7541) The module aims to assist students to explore the ways in which a range of policy and interventions engage with and try to resolve the issues of violence and abuse. Students will critically read and discussion local, national and international policies and explore different ways of working by individuals and organisations seeking to respond to issues of violence and abuse. Learning and Teaching Activities
  Scheduled Contact Hours: 24
  Independent Learning Hours: 126 Assessment
  001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 4,000 words
• Listening to Minoritised Voices (NS7542) This Module aims to engage students with the complexities of whose voices and experiences are prioritised in discussions, research and responses to violence and abuse. It will explore whose voices are, and are not, heard in discussions, lobbying, policy and practises around violence and abuse. Learning and Teaching Activities
  Scheduled Contact Hours: 24
  Independent Learning Hours: 126 Assessment
  001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 4,000 words
  002: 0% Assignment: Individual: 1,000 words (Contribution & Engagement to Group Work)
• Rapid Evidence Assessment (NS7543) This module introduces students to the systematic evaluation of secondary evidence using a Rapid Evidence Assessment Methodology. It will engage students in critiquing the evidence-base for research and its methods. Learning and Teaching Activities
  Scheduled Contact Hours: 16
  Independent Learning Hours: 134 Assessment
  001: 100% Assignment: Individual: 4,000 words

Fees and Costs

You're viewing fees for the Part Time (1 years) course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Students usually support themselves through a postgraduate loan, private savings, family support or sponsorship from an employer. For advice and guidance on your funding options, contact the Money Advice team at or call .

UoG graduates receive 15% off postgraduate tuition fees. Terms apply.

Start date | Location | Course code | Fee (UK)
Total fee | Fee (international)
Total fee
---|---|---|---|---
Sep 2025 | Online | — | £3,280 | £5,980
Sep 2026 | Online | — | TBC | TBC
International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. | Find out more

Careers

This postgraduate course is enriched by the extensive experience of our teaching team who collaborate closely with police forces, government agencies, and charities to elevate practices around violence and abuse issues. This ensures that our curriculum is not only research-led and current but also focused on real-world perspectives and external expertise.

You’ll graduate ready to pursue a career where you can make a significant contribution to the violence and abuse sector, whether you choose to work in the charity sector, support services or within the police force.

You’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to drive change, and support communities effectively, making a tangible difference in the field.

Teaching Staff

Academic Course Leader

Dr Louise Livesey

Academic Course Leader for Violence and Abuse Studies

Visit academic course leader's profile

View all teaching staff for this course

Join Our Vibrant Postgraduate Community

You will be part of our vibrant and welcoming community of staff and postgraduate students and invited to join School Research Seminars which are held in a hybrid format.

Extensive Collection of Resources

Our library has an extensive collection of e-books and e-subscriptions of academic journals – ideal for remote learning.

Work with Industry Experts

Members of the course teaching team have led on the creation of staff-student research innovations, including the Sexual Violence Research Group led by Dr Louise Livesey, and the Homicide Research Group led by Professor Jane Monckton-Smith.

PGCert students are invited to join one or more of these groups, which, as well as research, has led to students gaining publications and conference presentation experiences. Participation in these groups will be possible for remote learners via MS Teams.

Push Your Possible with a Master’s Degree

Increase your pay potential, specialise in a subject you love, or pursue your passion and switch careers.

UoG alumni can benefit from a postgraduate scholarship discount of 15% off tuition fees.

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Gain new skills and develop innovative projects using cutting-edge facilities, labs and suites. Work with expert lecturers and professionals from across the industry.

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UoG Career Promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study , but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers

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