Psychology and Trauma, MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert (Child and Adolescent) – remote

About this programme

This programme is led by staff at Anna Freud in London, a world-renowned centre for research, training and clinical practice in the field of child mental health. This innovative and flexible programme is studied entirely online, either full or part-time, at PG Certificate, PG Diploma or Masters level.

Psychology and Trauma equips students with an up-to-date evidence base in trauma theory and practice. Foundational modules focus on key theories in the field, refining your understanding of how exposure to traumatic events shapes an individual’s experience over the lifespan.

What you will learn

In this programme, you will learn about:

• the potential mental health consequences of trauma, including behavioural difficulties

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• complex PTSD and personality disorders

• evidence-based practice for prevention and intervention for trauma with children and families.

The course takes a multi-perspective approach spanning neuroscience, cognitive and behavioural theories, and systems theories. The programme also 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.

Students will benefit from access to world-class teaching and learning opportunities, from a range of professionals across UCL and beyond. This includes teaching from expert academics and from front-line professionals who work with trauma-exposed individuals. The voice of those with lived experience is central to the programme. The child and adolescent route sits within the UCL-Anna Freud partnership, also benefiting from the clinical, schools, and research expertise of Anna Freud, a leading child mental health charity.

Who should apply?

Those with an interest in the psychology of trauma, including students who wish to continue to deepen their understanding of psychology, and professionals seeking to upskill their learning in this area, including those working in education, mental health, social care and medical settings. The distance-learning model is designed to benefit students who seek a flexible approach to their studies and to be open to students globally.

Virtual information events

UCL will be hosting virtual information events for the Psychology and Trauma programme (covering both the Adult route and this Child and Adolescent route).

Please view our Upcoming Events for further information or to book.

Career prospects and opportunities

As this is a new programme, we do not yet have data on alumni destinations. However, the skills and expertise acquired on the Psychology and Trauma MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert are designed to support a wide range of career pathways.

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 recognised as essential. This programme also provides a strong foundation for careers in non-governmental and humanitarian organisations, as well as corporate environments, where trauma-informed approaches are becoming integral.

For those interested in academic or research careers, this programme provides an excellent platform for further study, through a PhD in psychology, mental health and/or trauma studies. Whilst this is not a clinical training programme, Psychology and Trauma will provide a solid foundation for further applied training in psychotherapy, psychology, or counselling.

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. Graduates will gain expertise in trauma-informed practices and cross-cultural awareness, enabling them to work effectively in diverse and global contexts. The programme also cultivates strong communication and advocacy skills, empowering students to share complex ideas with a variety of audiences and influence trauma-informed policy and practice. Additionally, students can build research and data analysis capabilities.

Further information

For more information about the Psychology and Trauma programme (both the Adult route and this Child and Adolescent route) including content, eligibility, structure and fees or to make an application, please visit the UCL website.

For information regarding the Asquith Mature Student Bursary, for which this course is eligible, please see our Bursaries and Scholarships page.

Contact

For all enquiries related to this programme, please contact the Programme Officer.