Master in Trauma Studies MSc

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.