Degrees Offered

• BSc (S) Psychol Trauma Studies

Contact Information

The Registry Office
School of Nursing and Midwifery
T: +44 (0)28 9097 5718/5719/5716
E: nur.registry@qub.ac.uk
W: http://www.qub.ac.uk/nur

Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have 120 credit points at Level 1 for entry onto the programme. Applicants who do not meet the entrance requirements should contact the School for advice.

The Subject

NOTE ALL CONTENT REFERS TO 2013 ENTRY

PLEASE CONTACT THE SCHOOL FOR 2014 ENTRY INFORMATION

The School of Nursing and Midwifery is located within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, and uniquely positioned to offer an innovative approach to interprofessional education.

This Honours degree in Psychological Trauma Studies aims to enable students to develop their knowledge and provide a context for the understanding of psychological trauma. It is designed to meet the needs of those from community groups and organisations and also health care professionals involved in the care and support of traumatised individuals and communities.

Course Content

The BSc (Hons) Psychological Trauma Studies degree programme can be completed over four academic years as a part-time course of study. The programme is managed collaboratively by the School of Nursing and Midwifery and WAVE Trauma Centre. WAVE Trauma Centre is a cross-community organisation, which provides therapeutic support and befriending services for those affected by the psychological trauma associated with the Northern Ireland troubles.

The programme comprises of five modules at Level 2 and five modules at Level 3.

Trauma Studies Modules (Provisional programme, subject to change)
Psychological Trauma Studies

Level 2 modules

Introduction to Trauma
This module explores the history of psychological trauma and the recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder as a mental health disorder.  The module also focuses on the symptoms, effects and consequences of psychological trauma in adults and children.

Research Methodologies
This module enables students to demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes evidence and how this informs practice; compare and contrast the use of descriptive and analytical research designs; explain the principles of data collection and analysis; discuss the importance of research ethics and the concepts of validity and rigour in research studies.

Use of Storytelling in dealing with the Traumatic past
This module explores the therapeutic benefits of storytelling. It also aims to explore the ethical issues involved in the hearing, telling and gathering of stories. The methodology and process behind designing a storytelling project will also be explored.

Trauma and Addiction
This module explores the effects of trauma on the individual and the relationship between the misuse of medication and addiction. The module also focuses on the impact of trauma and addiction on social and psychological development and the family circle

International Responses to Conflict
This module aims to introduce the student to international perspectives of psychological trauma and its aftermath.

Level 3 modules

Critical Appraisal of Trauma Studies
This module enables students to apply their knowledge of the research principles to critically appraise evidence; make informed decisions regarding the level and quality of evidence to guide practice; critically discuss standards of reporting and requirements of research governance and debate strategies for translating research into practice.

Transition from Victimhood
This module introduces the key components in the transition from victim-hood to survivor. The module provides the theoretical perspectives that underpin the essential elements to promote the recovery process.

Theoretical Aspects of Treatment modalities (also available as a stand alone module)
This module critically examines the benefits and limitations of treatment modalities in the treatment of trauma and explores the concept of self-care for the therapist/support worker.

Transgenerational Trauma (also available as a stand alone module)
This module introduces the concept of transgenerational trauma and explores the transmission of unresolved trauma from generation to generation.

Project Module
This module enables students to demonstrate an ability to deploy established techniques of analysis and enquiry.  It aims to skill students to critically appraise relevant evidence to answer questions to guide practice.

Click here for more information on modules

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BSc (Hons) Psychological Trauma Studies we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.   Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

• Lectures: introduce basic information about new topics as a starting point for further self-directed private study/reading.  Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments.
• E-Learning technologies:   Information associated with lectures and assignments is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online.  A range of e-learning experiences are also embedded in the degree through, for example:  interactive group workshops in a flexible learning space; podcasts and interactive web-based learning activities.
• Seminars/tutorials:  Significant amounts of teaching are carried out in this forum.  These provide an opportunity for students to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions of them and to assess their own progress and understanding with the support of peers.  Students should also expect to make presentations and other contributions to these groups.
• Self-directed study:  This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and research for assignment work is carried out.
• Personal Tutor:  Undergraduates are allocated a Personal Tutor who is available to students individually to support their academic development. 

• WAVE Partnership: The BSc (Hons) Psychological Trauma Studies is managed and delivered in collaboration with WAVE Trauma Centre, Belfast.  WAVEis a cross community, grass roots charity offering care and support to people bereaved, injured or traumatised as a result of the ‘Troubles’ in Northern Ireland.  This partnership enhances the subject specific expertise of the programme.

Assessment and Feedback

Assessment (general):  The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the learning objectives of each module.  Modules are assessed through project work, written assignments, presentations, written and online examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Module Handbook which is provided to all students at the start of each module.

Feedback (general):  As students progress through their course at Queen’s they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.  University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

• Feedback provided via formal written comments and marks relating to work that students, as individuals or as part of a group, have submitted. 
• Face to face comment.  This may include occasions when students make use of the lecturers’ advertised “office hours” to help address a specific query.
• Online or emailed comment.
• General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
• Pre-submission advice regarding the standards students should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid.  In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which students can review in their own time. 
• Comments and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once students have reviewed your feedback, they will be encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work. 

Careers

Studying for the BSc (Hons) Psychological Trauma Studies degree at Queen’s will assist you in developing a knowledge and insight into the impact of psychological trauma on individuals, families and societies that is valued by employers, organisations and academic institutions.  Graduates from this degree at Queen’s are well regarded by employers.

The majority of our graduates embed and advance their career in supporting those who have experienced a psychological trauma, including those who have experienced trauma as a result of the Northern Ireland ‘Troubles’.  The Prospects websiteprovides further information concerning the types of jobs that attract Graduates.

Other Career-related information: Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Degree Plusinitiative, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  See Queen’s University Belfast fullEmployability Statementfor further information.

Degree Plus and other related initiatives:  Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements and other work experiences (at home or overseas), Erasmus study options elsewhere in Europe, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports. 

Queen’s actively encourages this type of activity by offering students an additional qualification, the Degree Plus Award (and the related Researcher Plus Award for PhD and MPhil students).  Degree Plus accredits wider experiential and skill development gained through extra-curricular activities that promote the enhancement of academic, career management, personal and employability skills in a variety of contexts.  As part of the Award, students are also trained on how to reflect on the experience(s) and make the link between academic achievement, extracurricular activities, transferable skills and graduate employment. Participating students will also be trained in how to reflect on their skills and experiences and can gain an understanding of how to articulate the significance of these to others, e.g. employers.

Overall, these initiatives, and Degree Plus in particular, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies.  These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.

Special Features

The BSc in Psychological Trauma Studies at Queen’s is unique in that the School of Nursing and Midwifery works in collaboration with WAVE Trauma Centre in the management and delivery of this Honours degree.

Partial bursaries to support fees may be available through European funding secured by WAVE Trauma Centre, Belfast.  Please contact WAVE on (028) 9077 9922 for further information.