Key Facts
Course Overview
This brand-new self-paced online Graduate Diploma in Trauma-Informed Care is an advanced, clinically focused qualification designed for busy professionals seeking additional training and skills in different trauma focused interventions, advanced trauma knowledge and in research analysis. By integrating intergenerational, relational and systemic models of trauma, this course is designed to equip professionals with fundamental skills and knowledge to implement trauma-informed practices effectively within various mental
health settings to enhance the competencies of mental health professionals, community leaders, and caregivers by integrating core principles of trauma-informed care into their work.
The programme consists of four core units, which provide foundational knowledge of trauma, core principles and frameworks, an interdisciplinary focus emphasising diverse groups, and ethical and regulatory understanding. To tailor the course to their specific interests, students can choose between four elective units, which offer in-depth explorations of trauma-informed approaches to FDSV, organisational leadership, research and practice as well as specific therapy modalities, including EMDR and TF-CBT.
With this comprehensive and flexible programme, graduates will be well-equipped to excel in their chosen career path, drive meaningful change, and contribute to the overall well-being of the communities they serve.
Please note: Cairnmillar’s courses are subject to minimum and maximum group numbers. Courses may be cancelled or postponed if minimum numbers are not achieved by the start date of the course. Courses may close prior to the start date if the maximum numbers are reached. In that situation, eligible applicants will be offered a place in the next available intake.
Application Period
Applications for Semester 1, 2027 are opening soon!
Please visit our How to Apply page for instructions and a link to the application portal.
See also our FAQ page for important information on applying and studying with Cairnmillar.
Information Session
There are no upcoming info sessions for this course but you can book a one-on-one consultation with our Student Services team if you have any questions about this course, how to apply, or your eligibility.
Course Structure
The Graduate Diploma in Trauma-Informed Care consists of 100 credit points across a total of eight units of study. All eight are coursework units, with four core components and five elective options.
Part-time (2 year) structure:
| Semester | Unit Code | Unit Name | Credit Points |
| 1 | TIC401 | Foundations in Trauma-Informed Care | 12.5 |
| 1 | TIC402 | Trauma-Informed Assessment, Treatment Planning, and Recovery | 12.5 |
| 1 | TIC407 | Â TF-CBT, Narrative Therapy and Imagery Rescripting | 12.5 |
| 1 | TIC408 | Research in Trauma Informed Practice | 12.5 |
| 2 | TIC403 | Intergenerational Trauma and Trauma-Focused Interventions | 12.5 |
| 2 | TIC404 | Trauma-Informed Care and Family, Domestic, and Sexual Violence (Elective) | 12.5 |
| 2 | TIC405 | Trauma-Informed Care and Leadership (Elective) | 12.5 |
| 2 | TIC406 | Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy | 12.5 |
| 2 | TIC409 | Advanced Trauma Informed Care | 12.5 |
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have:
- a minimum three-year Australian Bachelor degree (AQF 7) in a related discipline (such as social work, social sciences, psychology, counselling or similar) with at least a 60% average marks, OR
- a minimum three-year Australian Bachelor degree (AQF 7) in any discipline with at least 60% average AND relevant work experience, OR
- successful completion of a Diploma (AFQ 5) OR Advanced Diploma (AFQ 6) AND at least one year’s work experience in a relevant field
Applicants will also be required to submit proof of identity/citizenship, in the form of a passport, birth certificate or citizenship certificate.
Please note this course is not available to international student applications. To see which courses at Cairnmillar are, please visit the Find a Course page.
Graduate Learning Outcomes
Students who satisfactorily complete the Graduate Diploma in Trauma-Informed Care will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of the specialist trauma informed theories and models fundamental for work with a wide range of diverse populations.
- Critically analyse the application of trauma informed principles to current assessment processes, treatment planning, and/or interventions.
- Integrate theory and practice to develop client-centered, trauma-focused interventions for individuals exposed to a range of traumatic experiences.
- Demonstrate critical reasoning, judgement and problem solving to the exploration of a range of professional, legal, regulatory, and ethical practice issues.
- Communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally across a range of contexts including writing, the online environment, and in teams.
- Demonstrate self-motivated and self-directed learning principles that facilitate lifelong learning and ongoing professional development.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills of trauma focused interventions and the application of these specific skills with a diverse range of populations and clinical presentations.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge in trauma informed care research principles.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills of the application of trauma informed knowledge in diverse contexts.
- Critically analyse the importance of self-knowledge and self-understanding as a trauma practitioner.
Fees & Scholarships
*Total fees are estimates only based on the current fee schedule. Annual tuition fee review and possible increases applies, see: Fees & Scholarships.
For information on tuition fees and what scholarships might apply to this course, please visit the Fees & Scholarships page.
Career Opportunities & Study Pathways
Graduates of this program will open up a wealth of career opportunities across various sectors that require specialised knowledge in managing and understanding trauma be well-positioned to work across diverse fields requiring trauma informed expertise. Employment opportunities include:
- Private practice, mental health clinics and community health centres
- Social work and case management across child protection, domestic violence support and refugee resettlement programs
- Organised leadership in hospitals, schools and non-governmental organisations
- Child safety services and crisis response teams
Accreditation
The Graduate Diploma in Trauma-Informed Care is a Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) accredited program.
This program sits within level 8 of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Students applying for this program may enter a process in which they may be granted credit or partial credit towards the qualification. This requires evidence of previous experience where an equivalence of earlier learning can be established.
Credit transfer for an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) course, is only applicable for recently completed APAC accredited programs of an equivalent level. Credit or partial credit is not granted in recognition of knowledge or skills gained through work or life experience.
Cairnmillar’s RPL policy can be viewed here and further information can be found here.
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