Exceeded what I hoped for from an online format.
Psychology and Trauma, MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert (Child and Adolescent) – Distance Learning
Taught by leading academics and clinicians at Anna Freud, this flexible online distance-learning programme explores cutting-edge research and practice related to the psychological impact of trauma in childhood.
Key information
Course type: MSc / PG Dip / PG Cert
Delivery mode: Online
Study mode: Full-time or part-time (PG Cert full-time only)
Duration: 1 year (full-time) / 2 years (if part-time offered)
Application status: Open
Applications close: 30 June 2026
Start date: September 2026
Location: Online
Funding available
Programme overview
This programme equips students with an up-to-date evidence base in trauma theory and practice. You will learn about the impact of trauma on children and across the lifespan, and the potential mental health consequences of trauma. You will also learn about evidence-based practice for prevention and intervention for trauma with children and families.
The Psychology and Trauma MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert (Child and Adolescent) takes a multi-disciplinary approach spanning neuroscience, cognitive and behavioural theories, and systems theories. The programme also explores trauma and psychology across various sectors, such as public health, education and social care.
About this programme
The course is delivered entirely online, with most learning completed at a time and place to suit you. The course includes lectures, readings, activities and forum discussions. Students also have weekly virtual contact where they connect with each other and course staff in live seminars, workshops and peer tutorials. The programme’s innovative design fosters a supportive and engaging learning experience, helping you to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges.
One of the key strengths of the programme lies in its global perspective, fostering an exploration of trauma through cultural, systemic and international lenses. This is supported by the cohort-based model of study, in which the experiences of a global cohort of students provides opportunities to best understand how trauma is understood across settings and contexts. This ensures that graduates emerge with both advanced theoretical knowledge and the ability to adapt their expertise to varied cultural and systemic contexts.
The course sits within the UCL-Anna Freud partnership, benefiting from Anna Freud’s clinical, schools and research expertise. Teaching will be led by expert academics and frontline professionals who work with people affected by trauma. The voices of those with lived experience is also central to the programme.
Why you should study this programme
Flexible study options
Balance your studies with professional or personal commitments while engaging with interactive learning, peer collaboration, and networking opportunities with experts in the field.
Learn from leading academics and clinicians
Delivered in partnership with UCL, ranked best in the UK for Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience.
An innovative programme
Teaching is rooted in cutting-edge developments in trauma theory, research, and clinical practice.
A solid career foundation
Progress to further clinical training, research, or employment across a wide range of fields.
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard is required. Alternatively, a lower second-class honours degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard will be considered if there is evidence of sufficient professional experience in a relevant setting. Applicants will usually have a degree in Psychology, Mental Health, Public Health, Social Sciences, Child Development, Education, Social Work or related disciplines, but those with a degree in another discipline will be considered if there is evidence of sufficient professional experience in a relevant setting.
Information for overseas applicants can be found on the UCL prospectus page under ‘Equivalent Qualifications’.
Who should apply
The programme is relevant to 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.
Teaching and modules
Learning starts with a thorough introduction to the concept of trauma across time, contexts and developmental stages, exploring the impact of trauma exposure and developing an understanding of what trauma-focused interventions look like at individual and population levels.
Students then build their own learning journey through a range of specialist modules looking at the concept of trauma in childhood across a range of different settings, such as education, social care, and clinical practice.
Compulsory modules
All students on the course start their learning with the module Foundations of Trauma Studies – a Lifespan Perspective (30 credits).
Research Skills in Psychology (15 credits) is a compulsory module for MSc students, and optional for PG Cert and PG Dip students.
For MSc students only the Dissertation module is also compulsory (comprising 60 credits running across two terms).
Optional modules
Students can choose from six modules to make up their remaining credits:
Therapeutic Approaches in Childhood and Adolescence (15 credits)
Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Developmental Perspective (30 credits)
Common and Trauma-Related Mental Health Difficulties in Childhood and Adolescence (30 credits)
Working with Children and Adolescents on the Impact of Trauma (30 credits)
Trauma Informed Care in Education Settings (15 credits)
Trauma Informed Approaches in Children’s Social Care (15 credits)
Please note, this module list is indicative and subject to change.
Credit requirements by qualification:
MSc: 180 credits at Level 7 (of which 105 are compulsory)
PG Dip: 120 credits at Level 7 (of which 30 are compulsory)
PG Cert: 60 credits at Level 7 (of which 30 are compulsory)
Fees and funding
If studying part-time over two years, please note that UCL tuition fees are payable annually.
MSc:
UK students (2026/27): full-time £16,800, part-time £8,400
Overseas students (2026/27): full-time £22,000, part-time £11,000
PG Dip:
UK students (2026/27): full-time £11,200, part-time £5,600
Overseas students (2026/27): full-time £14,700, part-time £7,350
PG Cert (full-time only):
UK students (2026/27): £5,600
Overseas students (2026/27): £7,300
Further information on UCL’s fees (including fee status, fee increases, fee schedules and additional costs) can be found by reviewing the information on the relevant UCL prospectus page. To access the prospectus page search for ‘Psychology and Trauma’, along with your preferred route (e.g. Child and Adolescent) and degree pathway (PG Dip, PG Cert, or MSc) on the UCL graduate prospectus directory.
For more information on funding your studies, visit our bursaries and scholarships page.
Apply now
Careers
This programme gives you a strong, transferable skill set for a wide range of careers. You’ll develop advanced critical thinking and the ability to bring together insights from psychology, neuroscience and systems theory to understand trauma-related challenges.
You’ll gain expertise in trauma-informed practice and cross-cultural awareness, along with strong communication, advocacy and research skills to share complex ideas and influence policy and practice.
Graduates go on to work in mental health services, education, social care and public health, as well as NGOs, humanitarian organisations and corporate settings where trauma-informed approaches are increasingly important.
The programme also provides a strong foundation for further academic study, including PhD pathways, and can support progression into clinical training in psychotherapy, psychology or counselling.
How to apply
If you are interested in applying for this course, please apply on UCL's website.
This is a popular course, so applications may close early and ahead of the deadline indicated. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.
There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found on UCL's application fees page.
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Programme guide
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Take a closer look at the UCL programme, including course content, teaching structure and entry requirements.
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Bursaries and scholarships
Anna Freud are committed to training a new generation of researchers and practitioners who wish to pursue a career in the field of child mental health.
