University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This graduate certificate covers key theoretical and applied topics in childhood trauma, drawing on developmental, clinical and systemic perspectives. Typical unit themes include:

• Foundations of childhood trauma: developmental impacts of adverse experiences, neurobiology of trauma, attachment and resilience.
• Assessment and formulation: screening and assessment tools for children and families, risk formulation and culturally responsive practice.
• Intervention approaches: evidence-based therapeutic approaches for children and adolescents (including trauma‑focused cognitive behavioural approaches, parent-child interventions and play-based methods) and principles of trauma‑informed care.
• Family, systems and safeguarding: working with carers and families, child protection frameworks, interagency collaboration and ethical/legal considerations.
• Research and reflective practice: critical appraisal of the evidence base, outcome measurement and translating research into practice.

The program is compact and practice-oriented; units are typically delivered as coursework with applied assessments such as case formulations, practice plans and critical literature reviews. Delivery modes may include on-campus, online or blended learning to accommodate working professionals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually required to hold a bachelor degree (or recognised equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as psychology, social work, nursing, education or allied health, or to have substantial professional experience in child and family services. Applicants whose primary qualifications are in another field may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience and capacity to undertake postgraduate study. International applicants must meet the University’s English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates enhance their skills for a range of roles that support children and families affected by trauma. Typical career paths include:

• Child, adolescent and family mental health clinicians working in community health services, non‑government organisations or school settings.
• Social workers, family support workers and child protection practitioners applying trauma‑informed approaches in statutory and community settings.
• Educators and early childhood professionals implementing classroom and centre‑based trauma‑sensitive practices.
• Allied health professionals (e.g. speech pathologists, occupational therapists) seeking to integrate trauma‑aware assessment and intervention into practice.
• Professionals preparing for further postgraduate training (for example, a specialist master’s or clinical qualifications) or roles in program development, policy and service design focused on child wellbeing.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers postgraduate health and social science programs with a strong research base and connections to local health services and community organisations. Students benefit from interdisciplinary teaching that integrates psychology, public health and social work perspectives and from staff active in research on child and adolescent mental health and trauma‑informed practice. Flexible study options are designed for working professionals, and the University’s professional networks support applied learning and career development in the sector.