Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma

Draw on industry-leading research from the Australian Centre of Child Protection and learn how to help the most vulnerable members of society with Adelaide University’s 100% online Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma. 

Designed to build on your knowledge and experience in the education, healthcare or social work sectors, this one-year part-time qualification will equip you with the in-demand skills to work effectively with affected children and their families. 

Learn how to identify, understand and respond to child trauma caused by abuse and neglect, along with career-relevant topics across neurodevelopment, attachment, case planning, trauma-informed care, assessment and reflective practice.  

Strengthen your understanding and knowledge with regular community of practice sessions, where you’ll connect with specialists and peers to examine course content in an interactive environment, sharing experience and reflecting on how concepts can be applied to practice.

Help to tackle one of Australia’s biggest social crises by gaining the critical skills to recognise and respond to child trauma with Adelaide University’s 100% online Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma - the first of its kind in Australia. 

You’ll engage with contemporary research at the forefront of industry practice, led by experts from Adelaide University’s Australian Centre for Child Protection. Develop valuable practical experience through interactive community of practice sessions where you’ll strengthen your learning through shared understanding, and deepen your knowledge of how to support those experiencing child abuse or neglect. 

Discover the evidence-based support frameworks available to young people and their families, and how to effectively respond to child abuse and neglect, harmful behaviours, and the impact of trauma on growth and development. 

Suited to professionals already working in education, healthcare, social work or other child-related fields, you’ll graduate ready to support young people and their families in a range of therapeutic, direct care or advocacy settings.

Recommended study pattern

Year 1 

UO Assessing Childhood Trauma (SOCI5005)

UO Foundations of Childhood Trauma (SOCI5006)

UO Principles of Responding to Childhood Trauma (SOCI5007)

UO Therapeutic Responses to Childhood Trauma (SOCI5008)

Award requirements

Complete 4 required subjects

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $13,150

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Adelaide University is Australia’s new major university, delivering an accessible, contemporary and future-focused teaching and learning experience. Adelaide University’s range of 100% online undergraduate and postgraduate programs is designed by experts and shaped by industry, with world-class research informing your learning. Experience flexible study, tailored student support when you need it, and on-demand learning resources. Join a vibrant community of online learners and launch your next move.

Learn more about Adelaide University.

Explore Adelaide University courses.

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

8

Completion of an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification from a recognised higher education institution in education, youth work, welfare, social work, psychology, social science or a related discipline; OR

Completion of one of the following UniSA Professional Certificates: Professional Certificate in Understanding Childhood Trauma, Professional Certificate in Assessing Childhood Trauma, or Professional Certificate in Responding to Childhood Trauma AND at least 2 years equivalent full-time work experience in a community sector organisation or relevant equivalent, in a role involving the self-directed application of knowledge, the exercise of judgement, and decision-making responsibilities, working with children, young people and/or families.

Completion of an Advanced Diploma (AQF level 6) or Diploma (AQF level 5), from a registered training organisation (RTO), in education, youth work, welfare, social work, psychology, social science or a related discipline AND have recent significant experience (minimum two years' full-time equivalent) working in a community sector organisation or relevant equivalent, in a role involving the self-directed application of knowledge, the exercise of judgment, and decision-making responsibilities, working with children, young people and/or families.

At least 3 years of work experience in a community sector organisation or relevant equivalent, in a role involving the self-directed application of knowledge, the exercise of judgment, and decision-making responsibilities, working with children, young people and/or families.

Applicants who do not hold a completed undergraduate or postgraduate degree or relevant completed UniSA Professional Certificate are asked to also provide a brief curriculum vitae.

English language entry requirements for International students only.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5

IELTS Reading 6.0

IELTS Listening 6.0

IELTS Speaking 6.0

IELTS Writing 6.0

All applicants are required to hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) or a National Police Clearance (valid within 12 months) or equivalent.