Mental Health, Trauma and Attachment PGCert

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Part-time PG Education Online Information Event

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Course Summary

Our Mental Health, Trauma and Attachment course looks at the root causes behind the behaviours that we see. It outlines theory, investigates causality, and looks at trauma, attachment, and mental health in scrutinous detail. It asks the question “what really sits behind the actions of this individual,” and it teaches us how, as professionals, we can support the people who are affected. It's a course designed for those who have not only wondered “Why?” but have found themselves asking “How could I help?”.

Sitting within Chester's School of Education, the course investigates the impact of adversity, trauma, attachment and mental health difficulties and will not only highlight your role in mitigating this impact but will also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver support across all of the children, young people, and adult sectors. It is delivered by experienced Childhood, Education and Professional Development (CEPD) academics who have a range of educational backgrounds, and who are still firmly embedded within this rapidly evolving field.

All three of your modules will utilise theory to support your critical understanding of key research and current debates within society, and you will have regular opportunities to reflect on your professional practice and experiences. You will explore the role attachment has in developing a child's inner working model of themselves and how this influences their view of the world (including the relationships they have with others across their lifespan). You will discuss how traumatic experiences can affect brain development and consider how this may impact a person’s ability to learn. You will investigate how mental health and behaviour are impacted by attachment difficulties and traumatic experiences. And you will discover attachment-aware, trauma-informed practices, learning how they can be used to nurture positive relationships and safe, inclusive environments. Across all three modules, you will consider how these practices enable the development of resiliency skills to maximise the potential for positive outcomes.

Why You'll Love It

Learn alongside a passionate, diverse group of engaging individuals

Learn flexibly, to suit your needs

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Learn on a course that’s contemporary and research-informed

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What You'll Study

This on year course consists of three 20-credit modules. There are two entry points: September and January. Core themes are explored, enabling contextualisation for students.

Modules

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the theories and research surrounding attachment and trauma, their critical influence on human development, behaviour, and well-being. Students will examine underlying and contemporary theories of attachment, including the role of early attachment patterns and the effects of traumatic experiences on brain development and behaviour. Through an analysis of complex interactions between attachment, trauma, and neurobiological processes, students will gain a deeper understanding of how these factors intersect and influence behavioural responses across the lifespan.

In this module, students will also evaluate the impact of socio-economic and biological factors, cultural influences, and parental styles—on attachment patterns and trauma responses. An essential component of the module will involve critically reflecting on current trauma-informed practices in professional settings, incorporating recent research and insights into how professionals can apply trauma-informed approaches effectively in diverse settings.

This module explores the complex landscape of mental health and resilience, equipping students with the advanced theoretical and practical knowledge required to understand, evaluate, and influence mental health outcomes in diverse settings. Through a critical examination of key frameworks, theories, and models, students will explore the factors that contribute to both vulnerability and resilience, including risk and protective mechanisms that shape individual mental health trajectories.

By engaging with real-world case studies, research findings, and interactive discussions, students will analyse the impact of specific mental health challenges on individual outcomes. Furthermore, the module will address contemporary approaches to building and enhancing resilience, encouraging students to evaluate these strategies’ effectiveness. The role of professionals in supporting mental health and resilience will be a focal point, with an emphasis on self-care practices and the maintenance of professional boundaries as essential components of sustainable, ethical practice.

This module is designed for postgraduate students and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of inclusive practices within diverse professional and educational contexts. It offers a critical exploration of theories, models, and policies that underpin inclusive practices, equipping learners to address systemic inequities and barriers to participation.

Students will engage in reflective practice, drawing on their personal and professional experiences to identify strengths and areas for growth. Through critical evaluation of current research and case studies, participants will examine the effectiveness of inclusive practices and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.

The module emphasises advocacy, supporting students to develop strategies for promoting inclusive policies and practices in their own settings. By the end of the module, students will have the tools to drive meaningful change, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive environment for all.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

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PGCert Mental Health, Trauma and Attachment - University of Chester

How You'll Learn

You will participate in interactive lectures, which you can attend either on campus or online, allowing you flexibility in how you engage with core content and key theories. Small group tutorials and seminars will allow for in-depth discussion, critical thinking, and collaborative learning, where you can apply concepts and share insights with peers. Throughout the module, you will also engage in reflective practice, encouraging you to critically evaluate your own learning and experiences to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Additionally, guided independent study, online resources, and personalised feedback sessions will support your individual learning needs, helping you build confidence and mastery over the material.

You will be assessed through coursework, which will allow you to demonstrate your understanding and application of module concepts in practical situations. Assessments are designed to be authentic with an emphasis on practical application, enabling you to directly apply your learning to your current or future professional role.

Entry Requirements

2:2honours degree

Applicants should normally hold a Bachelor's degree, 2:2 or higher, in an area broadly related to Education / Mental Health, trauma or attachment.

Those with a degree in a different area or non-traditional qualifications but with experience of working in a setting with children, young people or adults with mental health, trauma and attachment difficulties will also be considered.

2:2honours degree

Applicants should normally hold a Bachelor's degree, 2:2 or higher, in an area broadly related to Education / Mental Health, trauma or attachment.

English Language Requirements

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Where You'll Study Exton Park, Chester

The location

Modern learning resources and library

Seaborne library, seating and reception area.

Fitness facilities

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Student Services

Chapel, chaplaincy and multi-faith spaces

Accommodation

Catering

Fees and Funding

£2,925for the full course (2025/26)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2025/26 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

TBC(2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £15,000.

Please note: For MSc programmes where a placement or project year is undertaken there will be an additional charge of £2,750 for the placement/project year (due at the start of the second year of the course).

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects

Students who have previously undertaken this course come from a wide range of backgrounds including education staff from early years to higher education, health care professionals, foster carers, professionals from the criminal justice system including police officers and youth offending teams. Additionally, some students chose this course to further their own personal understanding.

Others have secured leadership roles following completion of the PGCert.

Progression Options

A growing number of our students go on to complete a full Master's degree. The most common progression is the MA SEND or MA Education with research often in the field of mental health, trauma and attachment.

Some of our students are also able to APEL credits from other professional qualifications, or level 7 courses, into the MAs.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.

Mental Health, Trauma and Attachment PGCert

PGCert in Mental Health, Trauma and Attachment Info Event

Part-time PG Education Online Information Event

Course Summary

Why You'll Love It