Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma

UniSA Online’s Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma draws on the Australian Centre for Child Protection’s pioneering research to equip professionals with the skills to identify and prevent child abuse and support victims of trauma.  

You’ll develop specialised knowledge of child abuse and neglect, harmful sexual behaviours, child development, and the impact of trauma on children, their families and communities. Learn how to work therapeutically with children, and explore critical topics including neurodevelopment, attachment, trauma-informed care, case planning, and reflective practice. 

Build on your knowledge with regular community of practice sessions, where you’ll collaborate with specialists and peers to work through course content in an interactive environment, strengthened by shared experience. 

Study the Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma On Demand with UniSA Online and take full control over your study. Access support seven days a week, plan your study to fit around your life, view learning resources 24/7, and log in to the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.

Designed to build on past study in a related field, or to enhance skills gained in your current child-related role, this 100% online qualification will equip you with an in-demand skillset applicable to a range of care and advocacy settings.

You’ll learn to apply critical thinking and reflection skills when understanding, assessing and responding to childhood trauma, and use evidence-based approaches to support those affected. Developed by experienced practitioners to meet national strategies for improving the prevention of child abuse and trauma, you’ll graduate with the expert knowledge to enhance your professional practice and make a meaningful difference.

Recommended study pattern

Year 1

Foundations of Childhood Trauma (WELF 5116)

Principles of Responding to Childhood Trauma (WELF 5117)

Assessing Childhood Trauma (WELF 5114)

Therapeutic Responses to Childhood Trauma (WELF 5118)

Award requirements

Students must complete 4 subjects

The University of South Australia (UniSA) is ranked as one of the best young universities in the world, and is the number one university in Australia for graduate employability. UniSA offers over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning, and is a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.

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• Hold an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in education, youth work, welfare, social work, psychology, social science or related discipline ; OR
• Hold an Advanced Diploma or Diploma qualification in community services, youth work, nursing, welfare, policing, criminology, or 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 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; OR
• Hold an Advanced Diploma or Diploma qualification in community services, youth work, nursing, welfare, policing, criminology, or related discipline.

Have a minimum of three years' experience 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.

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.

If you have previous work experience, or have studied before, you could fast-track your studies by reducing the time it takes to complete your degree.

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