Course Summary
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Trauma Studies is delivered by the Department of Criminology at UCC in conjunction with WAVE Trauma Centre in Belfast.
This course focuses on both the individual and societal implications of trauma and draws on examples and experiences from individuals who survived, and societies emerging from, violent political conflict; however, this is only one aspect of the curriculum that informs our approach.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must hold an honours (NFQ level 8) primary degree with a minimum 2H2 in a relevant discipline. Relevant disciplines include, but are not restricted to: psychology, sociology, criminology, social work, counselling, conflict studies, women's studies, epidemiology, medicine and nursing
Candidates without an NFQ level 8 award are eligible to apply, subject to the approval of the programme Academic Director if they can demonstrate at least three years professional experience in a related field – examples include (but are not restricted to) therapeutic practice, community work/engagement experience, government/policy experience and medical/para-medical experience
English Language Requirement; Please see here PG English Language Entry Requirements https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/
Technical Requirements: To access and interact with the course content, assignments and assessments etc. students will require access to at least a PC/ Laptop running Windows 7 or later and Mac OSX 10.7.4. Common plug-ins such as Microsoft Silverlight, Java, and Flash will also be required. Students must have access to MS Office or an equivalent suite of applications such as Libre Office. They must also have access to a modern standards-compliant web browser. UCC recommends either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
To engage productively and successfully with the content, basic technical computer skills such as familiarity with word processing, web browsing, and email are recommended.
Application Details
Important Notice: Course Registration Deadlines
Once the course has reached full capacity we will no longer be accepting applications.
We strongly recommend early application to secure your place on the course.
Start Date 2026 dates will be announced in early 2026
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.