Program Overview
The Masters in Trauma Studies is a part-time program, offered in partnership with Wave Trauma Centre, Belfast, that enhances your understanding of trauma's implications on individuals and society. You'll gain a theoretical foundation and practical skills through a blended learning approach, preparing you for careers in research, clinical practice, policy, and education. The program emphasizes engaging with the lived experiences of those affected by trauma and provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of career paths related to trauma.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Masters in Trauma Studies is a part-time program designed for individuals seeking to enhance their academic understanding of trauma. It focuses on both the individual and societal implications of trauma, exploring key academic concepts and their real-world manifestations. It is offered in partnership with Wave Trauma Centre, Belfast, and taught by a combination of academics and practitioners. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging with the lived experiences of those who have experienced, responded to, and survived trauma.
Outline:
The program is structured over three years, with each year consisting of two semesters.
Year 1:
- CR6801 Trauma and Victimology: Key issues, methods and structures (5 credits): This module explores the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and frameworks related to trauma and victimology.
- CR6802 Research Methods (5 credits): This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies relevant to trauma studies.
- CR6803 Trauma and Addiction: Key issues, methods and structures (10 credits): This module delves into the complex relationship between trauma and addiction, examining key issues, methods, and structures.
- CR6804 Trauma and Post-traumatic Growth (10 credits): This module explores the concept of post-traumatic growth, examining how individuals can experience positive transformations following traumatic experiences.
Year 2:
- CR6807 Public Health Challenges in Post Conflict Societies (10 credits): This module focuses on the public health challenges faced by post-conflict societies, particularly in relation to trauma.
- CR6808 Trauma and Frontline Workers (10 credits): This module explores the experiences and challenges faced by frontline workers who engage with individuals experiencing trauma.
Year 3:
- CR6809 Advanced Research Methods (10 credits): This module builds upon the research methods foundation established in Year 1, providing students with advanced skills and techniques.
- CR6810 Dissertation in Trauma Studies (20 credits): This module culminates in the completion of a dissertation, allowing students to conduct in-depth research on a chosen topic within trauma studies.
Assessment:
The program is fully assessed through continuous assessment.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online tutorials, masterclasses, and self-directed learning. Students attend an hour-long online tutorial once a week and a 2-hour masterclass every second week throughout the program. In Year 3, semester two, students engage in scheduled meetings with their dissertation supervisor(s), small group meetings, and continue attending masterclasses. The program is taught by a team of academics and practitioners, providing students with a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.
Careers:
The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of career paths related to trauma, including:
- Research: Conducting research on trauma and its impact on individuals and societies.
- Clinical Practice: Working as therapists, counselors, or social workers specializing in trauma-informed care.
- Policy and Advocacy: Developing and implementing policies and programs to address trauma at the community and societal levels.
- Education and Training: Teaching and training professionals in trauma-informed practices.
Other:
- The program is not a practice-based course but addresses issues that some participants may find upsetting and triggering. Students are advised to be mindful of the potential impact of engaging with certain topics on their well-being.
- The program is delivered in partnership with WAVE Trauma Centre Northern Ireland, a grassroots organization supporting individuals affected by violence and trauma.
- The program emphasizes the importance of understanding and engaging with the lived experiences of those who have experienced, responded to, and survived trauma.
- Students must achieve at least a second-class honors grade 1 in Year 2 to be eligible to continue into Year 3.
- From 2024/25, a one-year option will be available for graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma Studies.
- Applicants may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.
- The program is the only MA in Trauma Studies offered in Ireland.
€2,250 per annum. On application, students pay 50% of the fees. The remainder is due by January 31st.
University College Cork
Overview:
University College Cork (UCC) is a public research university located in Cork, Ireland. It is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland (NUI). UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
Student Support:
UCC provides a range of support services for students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.Library:
The Boole Library offers extensive resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Campus Life:
UCC offers a vibrant campus life with numerous student clubs, societies, and sports teams.Accommodation:
UCC provides on-campus accommodation options for students.International Office:
The International Office supports international students with visa applications, cultural adjustment, and other services.Adult Continuing Education:
UCC offers a variety of programs for adult learners, including evening classes and online courses.Continuing Professional Development:
UCC provides professional development opportunities for working professionals.Micro-credentials:
UCC offers micro-credentials in various fields, allowing students to gain specific skills and knowledge.Scholarships and Prizes:
UCC offers a range of scholarships and prizes to support students financially.Transition-In Programme:
UCC provides a transition-in program for students who are new to higher education.Graduate Attributes:
UCC focuses on developing graduate attributes such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCC offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including sports, clubs, societies, and events. The campus is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.
Key Reasons to Study There:
World-class Education:
UCC is renowned for its high-quality education and research.Strong Academic Programs:
UCC offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.Vibrant Campus Life:
UCC provides a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.Beautiful Location:
UCC is located in a beautiful setting, with easy access to the city of Cork.International Reputation:
UCC is a globally recognized university with a strong international reputation.Academic Programs:
UCC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
- Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
- Business and Law
- Engineering and Science
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Education
- Music
Other:
- UCC is committed to sustainability and has been recognized as the world's first green campus.
- UCC is a member of the National University of Ireland (NUI).
- UCC has a strong research focus and is home to a number of research centers and institutes.
- UCC is a popular choice for international students, with a large international student population.
Entry Requirements:
- Academic Qualifications: Candidates must hold an honours (NFQ level 8) primary degree with a minimum 2H2 in a relevant discipline. Relevant disciplines include, but are not restricted to psychology, sociology, criminology, social work, counselling, conflict studies, women's studies, epidemiology, medicine and nursing.
- Recognition of Prior Learning: Candidates without an NFQ level 8 award are eligible to apply, subject to the approval of the programme Academic Director if they can demonstrate at least three years professional experience in a related field. Examples include (but are not restricted to) therapeutic practice, community work/engagement experience, government/policy experience and medical/para-medical experience.
- English Language Requirement: Please see PG English Language Entry Requirements.
- Technical Requirements: To access and interact with the course content, assignments and assessments etc. students will require access to at least a PC/ Laptop running Windows 7 or later and Mac OSX 10.7.4. Common plug-ins such as Microsoft Silverlight, Java, and Flash will also be required. They must also have access to a modern standards-compliant web browser. UCC recommends either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Students will require a webcam and microphone, either internal or external. To engage productively and successfully with the content, basic technical computer skills such as familiarity with word processing, web browsing, and email are recommended.
- Progression to Year 3: Students must achieve at least a second-class honours grade 1 in year 2 in order to be permitted to continue into year three. Students who do not achieve this result must exit the programme with the Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma Studies. Exceptions to this rule can only be made by the Programme Committee.