This micro-credential examines the diverse experiences of trauma and psychological distress, and resulting manifestations experienced by many individuals and communities. Students learn advanced concepts associated with trauma, psychosocial distress and adverse childhood experiences. Factors within physical, social and policy environments associated with trauma and psychological distress are also explored. Additional facilitated discussions include potential harms from common myths and stereotyping, case examples from various disciplines and factors associated with harms, healing and prevention. Students completing this course will be able to; 1) conceptualise, summarise, differentiate and critically discuss trauma, psychological distress, psychosocial stress, complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), childhood adversity and other key concepts, 2) synthesise evidence to develop a model illustrating the complex and interacting impacts of these concepts, and 3) describe and critically evaluate an appropriate case-study. This course incorporates a multi-disciplinary perspective to generate transferrable knowledge and skills.
This course is appropriate for those seeking to; 1) strengthen and extend their understanding of trauma and related concepts, 2) ensure proposed strategies /approaches are evidence-informed and strengths-based, 3) share multidimensional trauma-informed practice knowledge with colleagues/teams in a manner which is evidence-based and avoids unintended harms.  

 

Upon successful completion, you'll receive:

• Three PD Points - stackable for unspecified academic credit in award courses
• A Certificate of Achievement
• A UWA Plus Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials

Delivery mode

On campus

Course dates

01 February 2027 - 12 March  2027 [MC-1H]
19  July 2027 - 03 September  2027 [MC-3H]

Registrations will open in November 2026

 

Duration

Six weeks

Effort

Total 75 hours including: 
6 x in person 2.5 hours workshops. 
Personal study and assessments additional average of 10 hours per week for 6 weeks. 

 

Academic Lead

Professor Karen Martin

Cost

$1100 inc GST

 

Critical information summary

IHSTM501 Advancing Trauma-Informed Practice (Part A) [PDF 241KB]

 

  

Why study this course?

 There is growing demand for trauma-informed, responsive and preventive services and care across sectors. By completing both Advancing Trauma-Informed Part A and B micro-credentials, learners will be equipped with substantial knowledge to enable them to generate practical, evidence-informed strategies to help with planning the creation and sustaining of supportive environments for individuals and groups who are higher experiencing trauma and/or psychological distress.

This course goes beyond trauma-informed practice concepts; it provides deep contextual understanding of trauma and psychological distress using the latest research evidence. Social, environmental and physical causes and consequences of trauma and psychological distress are explored.

Aligning with current policy directions, this course will enhance sought after-professional capabilities in understanding, preventing and responding to trauma and/or psychological distress for multiple sectors and populations. 

Who should study this course?

The course is ideal for practitioners such as teachers (early childhood, school and tertiary), nurses, occupational therapists (and other allied health professionals) as well as leaders and policy makers working with children, adolescents, or adults in stressful settings.

This course suits those seeking deep knowledge about preventing and responding to traumatic stress and wishing to enhance their skills, educate others and to help embed trauma-informed practices in their organisation/community.

If you are passionate about advancing your knowledge about trauma, distress and adversity, learning more about trauma- informed practice, and appreciate the power of multidiscipline and cross-sector knowledge exchange, then this course is for you!

 

Recommended prior knowledge:

Students will need to be able to read and comprehend health and social research as well as basic policy and practice concepts. It is recommended students have an undergraduate degree (for example health, social work, education, psychology, public health, medicine, health promotion, social sciences, justice, policing or related discipline) or substantial industry experience. This will assist their understanding of the extended learning resources and assessment requirements needed of this course. Students are encouraged to liaise with the Unit Coordinator to establish if the course is suitable for
them.

What's next after this course?

Graduates can apply their learning in education, health, justice, and community sectors. This micro-credential may contribute to further study in related fields and supports professional development in trauma-informed leadership and policy. Further Trauma Informed Practice education can be gained through enrolling in the Micro-credential Advancing Trauma Informed Practice Part B.