MA Trauma Informed Practice *
* subject to final UWE Bristol approval
This course is open for applications
Develop specialist knowledge of trauma informed practice and learn how to create safer, more effective environments for individuals, communities and professionals. Study flexibly while building skills valued across criminal justice, health, social care and related sectors.
About
Why study this course?
Awareness of trauma is growing across criminal justice, health, social care, education and community services. Understanding how trauma affects individuals, families and communities is increasingly important for professionals working in frontline roles.
MA Trauma Informed Practice explores how trauma influences behaviour, wellbeing and life outcomes. You'll develop specialist knowledge and practical skills for applying trauma informed approaches in professional settings, while gaining a deeper understanding of offending, victimisation, rehabilitation and harm reduction.
Whether you're already working in practice or looking to develop expertise in this growing field, you'll graduate with the confidence to create safer, more effective environments for the people and communities you support.
Why UWE Bristol?
This multidisciplinary course draws on expertise from areas including policing, social work, education, occupational therapy and public services, giving you a broad understanding of trauma informed practice.
You'll explore trauma from multiple perspectives and consider its impact on individuals, communities, organisations and professional practice. The course is aligned with trauma-informed approaches being adopted across frontline services and communities, including in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire region.
Flexible full-time, part-time and CPD study options help you fit study around existing commitments.
Where can it take me?
The course can help you enhance your professional practice, progress within your current field or move into new opportunities across criminal justice, health, social care, education and the voluntary sector.
You'll develop practical approaches for supporting people affected by trauma, alongside the skills to influence services, organisations and communities. The course can also provide a foundation for doctoral study and research careers.
Entry
Entry requirements
We're unable to accept applications from international/EU students who require a Student Route visa.
You'll have:
- a 2:2 Bachelor's degree with honours.
If you don't meet the entry requirements but have relevant work experience or other qualifications we'll consider your application on an individual basis. You may, in some circumstances, be contacted to discuss how your skills, experience and/ or knowledge would enable you to succeed on the programme.
Personal Statement
Please describe why you're interested in developing a Trauma Informed Approach and how this relates to your future aspirations or goals.
Deferred Entry
We accept deferrals for this course.
English Language Requirement
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. To find details of acceptable tests and the required grades please visit our English language requirements section.
If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.
Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.
How to apply
Read more about postgraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email: Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
Structure
Content
The structure and content of this new course is currently under review and subject to final UWE Bristol approval. It will be published here as soon as possible.
Learning and Teaching
This course is delivered through a blend of face-to-face and online learning designed to support both full-time students and working professionals. Teaching methods include workshops, simulations, group activities, professional discussion and guided independent study.
A distinctive feature of the course is its trauma informed approach to teaching. Through reflective practice, discussion and collaboration, you'll learn in a supportive environment designed to promote psychological safety and professional growth. The course recognises that discussions around trauma may connect with students' own experiences, creating a respectful and supportive space where personal perspectives can be shared if individuals choose to do so.
Drawing on expertise from multiple disciplines, you'll explore how theory can be applied to real-world practice.
See our glossary of teaching and learning terms.
Study time
You can study MA Trauma Informed Practice full-time over one year or part-time over two years. The course is designed to fit around professional and personal commitments.
Learning includes face-to-face teaching, online activities and independent study. Teaching may be delivered in concentrated study periods, including some weekend sessions, helping you balance study with work and other commitments. Selected modules may also be available as standalone CPD study options.
Assessment
Assessment is designed to help you demonstrate both academic understanding and professional application.
You'll complete a range of assessments that may include professional discussions, presentations, written reports and a research project. These are designed to reflect the realities of professional practice and encourage you to apply trauma informed principles to real-world situations.
Throughout the course, you'll develop research, critical thinking and reflective practice skills. Your final project will allow you to investigate an area of trauma informed practice relevant to your professional interests or career aspirations.
Learn more about our assessments.
Fees
Full time course
Part time course
Supplementary fee information
Features
Study facilities
You'll use specialist simulation facilities that support practical, applied learning, including environments used across policing and professional practice programmes. These spaces help bring real-world scenarios into the learning experience.
You'll also benefit from UWE Bristol's extensive library resources, digital learning tools and study spaces to support your independent study and research.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's campus and facilities.
Take a personalised virtual tour of Social Sciences and explore what studying at UWE Bristol could be like for you.
Careers
Careers / Further study
MA Trauma Informed Practice is relevant to professionals working across criminal justice, policing, probation, prisons, health, social care, education, community services and the voluntary sector.
You'll develop the knowledge and practical skills to apply trauma informed approaches in professional settings, helping you support individuals and communities more effectively.
The course can help you progress within your current role, move into new opportunities, or prepare for further study at doctoral level.
Our award-winning Careers Service can help you develop your employment potential through career coaching, a vacancy service for internships, placements, jobs, global opportunities, volunteering and community activity plus support for entrepreneurial activity, and access to employer events.
Learn more about our graduate destinations.
Life
Postgraduate support
Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.
Bristol
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Sports, societies and activities
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Health and Wellbeing
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Campus and facilities
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