Impact of Trauma on Mental Health (PGT)
Impact of Trauma on Mental Health Microcredential: Online distance learning
Duration: 10 weeks
Credits: 10 Academic Credits (PG)
Delivery: All course content is delivered on Moodle, our virtual learning platform. You will converse with the tutors and fellow students in online forums.
Timetable: Fully online and flexible, with no scheduled classes to attend.
Funding: You are eligible for a fully funded place on this course if you are Scottish-domiciled and/or work for an organisation based in Scotland.
College: College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences
School: College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences Graduate School
Trauma can happen to anyone at any time. It can come in the form of a life-changing medical diagnosis, the loss of a home and possessions due to a natural disaster, or the loss of a loved one to an illness. This course will give you the skills to deal with a wide range of traumatic situations and can be applied globally. It will also explore the link between trauma and psychological wellbeing, factors that increase the risk of negative psychological outcomes, and potential prevention methods. This course is perfect for healthcare professionals, individuals in teaching or caring roles, and anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of psychological wellbeing and the factors that can impact mental health.
Why this course
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Critically analyse scientific literature to identify and justify concerns about psychosocial adjustment after trauma;
- Evaluate scientific literature to recognise and identify psychological disorders;
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of various psychosocial support options for individuals and their loved one's post-trauma;
- Understand trauma, grief, and bereavement, describe different responses to traumatic events, and evaluate the impact of trauma throughout the lifespan;
- Distinguish between distress and mental disorders, understand traumatic stress in different environments, and recognise mental disorders associated with trauma;
- Discuss psychosocial interventions and apply the biopsychosocial model.
Please note: This course is an educational resource, not a therapeutic tool. If you are feeling distressed, in despair, or suicidal, it is important to tell someone. Visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention to find crisis centres around the world. We do not provide a treatment service or advice for those in crisis.
The course leads on this course are aligned to the Global Mental Health Masters Programme and Genetic Counselling Master's Programme.
Course structure
This course is designed to highlight links between trauma and psychological wellbeing. It covers the following topics:
Week 1: Course Introduction & Overview
Week 2: Introduction to Trauma
Week 3: Loss, Grief & Mourning
Week 4: Stress & the Biopsychosocial Model
Week 5: Distress or Disorder?
Week 6: Adjustment Disorders, Depression, PTSD & Anxiety
Week 7: Trauma Across the Lifespan
Week 8: Psychosocial Interventions
Week 9: Coping & Resilience
Week 10: Summary & Recap
By the end of this course, you will have a better understanding of the factors that influence how people respond to traumatic experiences, the mental disorders that can be exacerbated by exposure to trauma, the importance of coping and resilience in relation to trauma, and the various psychosocial support options available.
Assessment
Written response (30%) (Optional)
Learners will produce a 500-word two-part response. Part 1 requires an explanation, backed up by evidence, of why an event may result in trauma. Part 2 requires a synthesis and critical discussion about academic literature relating to biological, psychological, and social factors that impact elements of psychosocial adjustment after this aforementioned event. Due Week 5.
Analysis and response to case vignette (70%) (Optional)
Learners will engage with a case vignette and provide a 900-word respond to two questions. Question 1 asks learners to identify which trauma-related mental disorder(s) the individual in the case vignette may be experiencing, with reference to an appropriate diagnostic classification system. Question 2 asks learners to critically reflect on the evidence base related to psychological and psychosocial intervention options. Due Week 11.
Learners who choose to submit both assessments will be awarded 10 Academic Credits towards a relevant Master's degree at the University of Glasgow.
Meet The Team
This course is designed and delivered by Laura Sharp and Julie Langan Martin, with the support from a range of experts and academics with expertise in the topic.
Laura is a Senior Lecturer in the Digital Education team in the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences (MVLS). She supports the Global Mental Health Distance Learning MSc and the Genetic Counselling MSc at the University of Glasgow.
Julie is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Psychiatry, an Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist and the Director of the Global Mental Health MSc in the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow.
Course alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all courses as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a course. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Entry requirements
It is suggested that learners on this course are educated to at least Undergraduate level and have an IELTS equivalent of 6.5. Learners will not be asked to prove their academic or professional history.