Adelaide University
Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Develop the skills to understand, recognise and respond to signs of trauma in children caused by abuse and neglect.
Course overview
Gain the skills to help young people who have experienced trauma rebuild a sense of safety in our 100% online Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma.
The first of its kind in Australia, this entirely online qualification has been developed by experienced practitioners in child development and trauma. It’s been designed to align with national strategies for improving the prevention of child abuse and trauma. It is informed by contemporary research undertaken by our world-leading Australian Centre for Child Protection.
Best suited for professionals currently working in the education, social work or healthcare fields, the graduate diploma is designed for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of trauma and evidence-based supports available to support young people. Extend your understanding of child abuse and neglect and the evidence-based supports that are available to support young people. Increase your knowledge and skills in recognising and responding to child abuse and neglect, harmful sexual behaviours and the impact of trauma on child and adolescent development.
Gain the skills and confidence to work with young people and their families across a range of therapeutic, direct care and advocacy settings.
Key facts
June, 2026
What you will study
To complete the Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma, students must earn 24 units.
- UO Assessing Childhood Trauma
- UO Foundations of Childhood Trauma
- UO Principles of Responding to Childhood Trauma
- UO Therapeutic Responses to Childhood Trauma
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Completion of an Advanced Diploma (AQF level 6) or Diploma (AQF level 5), from a registered training organisation (RTO), in education, youth work, welfare, social work, psychology, social science or a related discipline AND have recent significant experience (minimum two years' full-time equivalent) working in a community sector organisation or relevant equivalent, in a role involving the self-directed application of knowledge, the exercise of judgment and decision-making responsibilities, working with children, young people and/or families.
Higher education study
Completion of an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification from a recognised higher education institution in education, youth work, welfare, social work, psychology, social science or a related discipline.
Completion of one of the following UniSA Professional Certificates: Professional Certificate in Understanding Childhood Trauma, Professional Certificate in Assessing Childhood Trauma or Professional Certificate in Responding to Childhood Trauma AND at least 2 years equivalent full-time work experience in a community sector organisation or relevant equivalent, in a role involving the self-directed application of knowledge, the exercise of judgement and decision-making responsibilities, working with children, young people and/or families.
Work and life experience
At least 3 years of work experience in a community sector organisation or a relevant equivalent, in a role involving the self-directed application of knowledge, the exercise of judgment and decision-making responsibilities, working with children, young people and/or families.
Applicants who do not hold a completed undergraduate or postgraduate degree or a relevant completed UniSA Professional Certificate are also required to provide a brief curriculum vitae.
Essential requirements
All applicants are required to hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC), a National Police Clearance (valid within 12 months) or an equivalent clearance.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Whatever your area of interest, career paths are available in a wide range of sectors including:
- Child Protection Agencies
- Education
- Family Support Services
- Foster Care and Adoption Services
- Healthcare
- Juvenile Justice Programs
- Research and Policy Development
- Victim Advocacy Services
- Youth Services.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual tuition fee in 2026: $13,500 (domestic full-fee paying place).
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual estimated first-year fee. It is based on a full-time study load of 24 units of study per year
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
