MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MA Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Sexual Violence: Trauma Informed Practice
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers a crucial MA Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Sexual Violence: Trauma Informed Practice, a program designed to address a significant gap in frontline service education. This master's degree focuses on building a trauma-informed understanding of how to identify, respond to, and support victims and survivors of domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual violence, while also supporting the staff who work with them. The program aims to foster better outcomes and a more sustainable sector by equipping students with essential transferable skills such as communication, resilience, and critical thinking. It draws on expertise from both academics and professionals working in frontline services and is one of few worldwide to include a CPD-certified stalking advocacy course.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Sexual Violence: Trauma Informed Practice delves into a range of critical topics. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of various forms of abuse, including stalking, coercive control, so-called 'honour' based abuse (HBA), sexual violence, technology-enabled abuse, and modern slavery. The program also covers relevant legislation and practical skills crucial for frontline services, such as conducting risk assessments, developing safety plans, and collaborating effectively within multi-agency settings. The curriculum emphasizes trauma-informed approaches, recognizing the profound impact of trauma on victims and survivors and incorporating strategies to support both those affected and the professionals working with them.
Research Focus: The program's research focus is deeply rooted in the practical realities and ongoing challenges within the domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual violence sector. It draws heavily on the expertise of the Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse at St. Mary's University. This centre is dedicated to producing high-quality applied research that informs policy and practice, with a particular commitment to improving survivor care and support, addressing issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency. Faculty involved in the program are 'pracademics' – academics with practitioner backgrounds in fields such as human trafficking, modern slavery, policing, and survivor interventions, ensuring the research is directly relevant to current frontline needs and challenges.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University demonstrates strong industry engagement within the MA Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Sexual Violence: Trauma Informed Practice program. The course is partly delivered by experts working in frontline services and benefits from partnerships with leading charities and support services in the domestic abuse and stalking sector, including Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service, The Cyber Helpline, the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames: One Stop Shop service, and the Alice Ruggles Trust. This direct collaboration with industry leaders ensures the curriculum remains current, practical, and aligned with the real-world demands of the sector. Additionally, the program offers students the unique opportunity to take the Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISAC) training upon completion, a CPD-certified course, directly preparing them for specialized roles.
Global Perspective: The MA Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Sexual Violence: Trauma Informed Practice inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing issues that are unfortunately prevalent worldwide. Domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual violence are global public health and human rights issues, and the principles of trauma-informed care are increasingly recognized internationally as best practice. The program explores the complexities of abuse within various cultural and social contexts, recognizing that responses and interventions need to be culturally sensitive and contextually appropriate. While the immediate focus might be on the UK's legal and support frameworks, the fundamental understanding of trauma, victim dynamics, and effective support strategies developed within the program is transferable and applicable to diverse international settings.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18450
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An MA in Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Sexual Violence: Trauma Informed Practice from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, is a highly specialized and crucial qualification for professionals committed to supporting victims and survivors of these profound forms of harm. This program uniquely focuses on a trauma-informed approach, equipping graduates with an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of abuse, the impacts of trauma, and effective intervention strategies. Taught by a combination of academics and frontline practitioners, and benefiting from strong partnerships with leading charities, the degree prepares individuals for impactful roles in providing direct support, influencing policy, and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable victim support sector. Graduates gain essential transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and resilience, which are vital in this challenging yet rewarding field.
Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) / Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA): Providing crucial advocacy, support, risk assessment, and safety planning for high-risk victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence, often working with police, social services, and healthcare providers.
Trauma-Informed Practitioner/Therapist: Working in counselling services, mental health settings, or private practice to provide trauma-informed therapeutic interventions and support for individuals affected by domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual violence. (Further specific clinical training may be required for regulated therapy roles).
Victim Support Worker/Case Manager: Offering practical and emotional support to victims and survivors, helping them navigate the criminal justice system, access housing, financial assistance, and other crucial services.
Police Liaison Officer (Domestic Abuse/Sexual Violence): Working within police forces or partner organizations to improve the police response to domestic abuse and sexual violence, often involving training, policy development, and direct support to victims.
Policy Officer/Analyst (Violence Against Women and Girls - VAWG): Working for government departments, charities, or think tanks to research, develop, and advocate for policies and legislation aimed at preventing and responding to domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual violence.
Safeguarding Officer/Lead: Ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals, particularly children and adults at risk, within various organizations such as schools, local authorities, or healthcare trusts, with a specialized understanding of domestic abuse and sexual violence contexts.
Charity Programme Manager/Coordinator: Leading and managing specific programs or services within domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual violence charities, overseeing delivery, funding, and strategic development of support initiatives.
Training and Development Officer: Designing and delivering trauma-informed training programs for frontline professionals across various sectors (e.g., healthcare, social services, police, education) to enhance their capacity to identify and respond to abuse.
Researcher/Evaluator: Conducting applied research or evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and services related to domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual violence for academic institutions, government bodies, or NGOs.
Advocacy and Campaigning Officer: Working for human rights organizations or specialist charities to raise public awareness, lobby for systemic change, and advocate for the rights of victims and survivors of domestic abuse, stalking, and sexual violence.
