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1. Study
2. Adult Continuing Education
3. Study At ACE
4. Certificate
5. Trauma-informed Practice in Education - CPD Cert

Course Fact File

Code	CCPDTP
Duration	12 weeks
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	Cert
NFQ Level	Level 9
NFQ Award Title	Special Purpose Award
Fees	€1,125 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Closing Date	26 June 2026
Next Intake	September 2026
Venue	Online
Start Date	September 2026

Course Outline

This programme introduces students to trauma-informed practice in education across early years, primary and secondary education contexts.

The programme focuses on both developing understanding of the theoretical principles of the approach and its application to the educator’s specific role. The programme examines the theoretical base of trauma-informed practice in an accessible and applicable way with attention to the stress response system, attachment trauma, mentalising and resiliency theories. The programme also introduces students to implementing trauma-informed practice in the educational context. Students are supported in developing a toolkit of resources to implement the approach in their specific role. The programme also explores students’ critical thinking on the current debates about the implementation of trauma-informed practice in education settings and the impact of vicarious trauma on the educator.

This programme is not a counselling or therapy training. It supports upskilling and career development by developing educators’ capacity to provide trauma-informed practice in their role.

Year 1 Module

ED6079 Trauma-informed Practice in Education: An Introduction

 

Course Practicalities

Lecture Schedule:

• The programme will be delivered in a series of weekly 2-hour lectures over 12 weeks, all lectures will be delivered online via Microsoft Teams. 
• Live lectures will take place for a duration of two hours on Thursday evenings (6.30pm-8.30pm).
• See a provisional schedule here (this schedule is subject to change): CCPDTP (provisional Schedule)

 

Who Teaches this Course

All members of the lecturing team are experienced adult education lecturers, chosen for their ability to facilitate and develop positive learning environments with our adult learners. They have extensive professional practice experience and research in the field in which they teach and hold strong academic qualifications.   

• Dr Maria Lotty 
• Ms Orna Giblin 

 

Assessment

The programme is assessed through one mid-term 1,000-word reflective assignment and a further 3500–4000-word assignment to be completed at the end of the programme.

Why Choose This Course

This programme offers educators the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the effects of traumatising experiences on children and young people and introduce them to the application of trauma-informed practice across educational settings.

The programme supports educators to develop understanding of the impact and effects of traumatising experiences on child and adolescent development and its implications for educational settings. It explores the implementation of trauma-informed practice, supporting educators to build a toolkit of resources to implement trauma-informed practice in their specific role. It also gives educators an opportunity to reflect on these concepts and how they impact on their professional and personal experience.

Requirements

Programme Entry Requirements:

Applicants must hold:

• A primary degree and the Professional Master of Education (formerly the Postgraduate/Higher Diploma in Education) with a Second-Class Honours in one (OR its' equivalent)
• OR have a Second-Class Honours B.Ed. degree, (or its' equivalent)
• OR have a Second-Class Honours BSc (Education in Physical Sciences), (or its' equivalent)
• OR have a Second-Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) BA (Hons) Degree in Early Years & Childhood Studies (or its' equivalent)
• And possess a minimum of one year’s post teacher education professional teaching experience, or certified equivalent (e.g., research in schools, voluntary work with schools, working with school teams).

English Language Requirement: 

All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. See the UCC English language proficiency requirements. 

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

Applicants who do not hold an honours degree may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). See information on RPL here. 

To be considered, applicants should have at least five years’ professional teaching experience (beyond initial teacher education).

• If you wish to apply via RPL, you must select “Yes” to the RPL question when completing your application in UCC Apply.
• As part of the application, you will be required to submit:
• A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for applying and detailing relevant work or life experience.
• Any other relevant supporting documentation evidencing your prior learning - please refer to the RPL Learner Guide for details on appropriate evidence.

Fees and Costs

The programme fee is €1,125.

• This fee must be paid as part of the application. 
• It will be refunded to you if you are not accepted or if the programme does not run. 

For further information on fees and financial supports please click here. 

Sponsorship

If your fees are fully or partially covered by your organisation, this is called sponsorship. You will need to apply as a sponsored applicant. You can indicate that you are a sponsored applicant during your application on UCC Apply and there are additional steps that you and your organisation must take. You should read the sponsorship guides in full before you apply here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/helphub/ 

How To Apply

Applications are accepted in two rounds. Round 1 closes on 26 June and Round 2 closes on 28 August. Please note: if all places are filled by eligible applicants by the Round 1 deadline, the programme will not open for Round 2. For round 2, applications will remain open until the final deadline or until all places are filled, whichever occurs first. Early application is strongly advised.

Before you apply, check to ensure you have access to the following documents which you will need to upload:

• Proof of Identity (Birth Cert, Passport or Driver's Licence)
• Passport-style Photograph
• English Language Test Report (if applicable)
• Supporting documentation if required for RPL
• Up-to-date CV
• Transcript

Start Your Application

Create an account or login to UCC Apply (click the 'Apply' button below).

1. Start a new application
2. WHEN ASKED FOR APPLICATION TYPE - YOU MUST CHOOSE: ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION
3. During the application on the tab titled Academic Level, under Level Selection, select the following options:
   • Academic Level: Adult Continuing Education (ACE at UCC)
   • Course Type: ACE Part-time Courses
   • Academic Programme: Continuing Professional Development in Trauma-informed Care in Education

A step-by-step visual application guide for this specific programme is available – please email the Programme Coordinator. You can view a general application guide for all part-time programmes here: https://www.ucc.ie/en/ace/helphub/

Apply Now