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This module will enable students to develop and embed knowledge and understanding of the concepts of attachment, trauma, and mental health and to reflect critically on the impact of adverse childhood experiences on brain development, behaviours, and outcomes. They will have the opportunities to explore and critically analyse theories of attachment, trauma and mental health and associated research and perspectives. Throughout the module, there will be opportunities to apply and reflect on attachment, trauma and mental health needs and provision within their own practice.
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This module will provide opportunities for students to explore and evaluate attachment aware and trauma informed practice in a range of settings, including as appropriate, their own school or setting, reflecting critically on existing policies and research. Throughout the module, there will be opportunities to consider the positive benefits and challenges involved in developing attachment aware and trauma informed practice within the current context including, as appropriate, their own school or setting.
Attachment, Trauma & Mental Health - PG Cert
January 2025
This Postgraduate Certificate in Attachment, Trauma and Mental Health at Birmingham Newman University draws upon the latest research, case studies and guidance to support practitioners in developing a strong knowledge and understanding of the impact of adverse childhood experiences and the opportunities to critically reflect on practice within a supportive group.
Attendees can study one or both of the following modules:
- “Developing and Embedding Knowledge of Attachment, Trauma and Mental Health in Learning Relationships” (30 credits)
- “Supporting Transformation to Attachment Aware and Trauma Informed Practice” (30 credits)
Completion of both modules will result in being awarded a PG Cert in Attachment, Trauma and Mental Health (60 credits).
Each module has 6 sessions of 2.5 hours of online teaching and 2 networking sessions, which can take place face to face, or online. Teaching time slots will be 3.30pm – 6.00pm.
Each module runs over an academic year; for those wishing to complete both modules, this would be completed over 2 academic years unless student meet the threshold to start with Module 2.
By studying this course, students will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of attachment, trauma and mental health and have the space to critically reflect and take action to develop attachment aware and trauma informed practice.
Students will have the opportunity to develop connections with other practitioners with a shared interest in Attachment, Trauma and Mental Health and establish networks for collaboration and support.
Students will receive accreditation in the form of a PG Cert which can be used towards a Masters level qualification.
In Module 1, we will explore “Developing and Embedding Knowledge of Attachment, Trauma and Mental Health in Learning Relationships”. You will study the impact of adverse childhood experiences on brain development, behaviours, and outcomes, reflecting on the latest research around attachment, trauma and mental health. Throughout the module, there will be opportunities for you to critically reflect upon your developing understanding of attachment, trauma and mental health and apply this to your own practice.
In Module 2, we will focus on “Supporting Transformation to Attachment Aware and Trauma Informed Practice”. You will learn about recent developments and approaches to embedding Attachment Aware and Trauma Informed Practice, considering the challenges and advantages; and have opportunity to reflect on what this looks like in practice.
For each module, there is a single assessment that is specifically designed to be purposeful for you and the context in which you work.
For Module 1, you will be asked to design a presentation that you could use to share your knowledge and understanding of an aspect of attachment, trauma, or mental health.
For Module 2, you will be asked to produce a resource such as a school policy, development plan, training resource with a critical reflection.
Throughout the course, you will not only have access to support from module tutors but also our academic support advisors and librarians.
This module will support those who have a passion for supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma, insecure attachments and mental health difficulties. This would be suitable for those considering, or already holding a position working with vulnerable children, young people, parents and carers and external agencies. This could include, but not is exclusive to: virtual schools, foster carers, designated teachers, senior leaders and special educational needs coordinators. The course may also be useful for any professional working in sectors such as health, police, social and youth services.
If you would like to study only one of the Attachment, Trauma and Mental Health modules, we can offer these to you as a short course. You will not receive the PGCert, but upon successful completion you will receive a certificate confirming what you have studied. If you change your mind and wish to opt for the PGCert, you can transfer onto that course.
- Developing and Embedding Knowledge of Attachment, Trauma and Mental Health in Learning Relationships short course: apply here
- Supporting Transformation to Attachment Aware and Trauma Informed Practice short course: apply here
Modules
Please be aware that, as with any course, there may be changes to the modules delivered, for information view our Changes to Programmes of Module Changes page.
Completion of both modules will result in being awarded a PG Cert in Attachment, Trauma and Mental Health (60 credits).
Completion of one module will result in being awarded a certificate in the module title (30 credits).
For those who wish to start with module 2, who already have experience and a deep embedded knowledge of attachment trauma and mental health, there is an opportunity to undertake an assessment to submit a portfolio of evidence or engage in a recorded, academic conversation to determine your suitability.