Understanding and engaging in trauma-informed practice
An online CPD module on trauma-informed practice
The University of Sussex is now recruiting for the 2026-26 intakes of our online CPD module on 'Understanding and engaging in trauma-informed practice'. The 15-credit self-paced online module module is led by Prof. Michelle Lefevre and Prof. Kristi Langhoff, who have researched and published widely on trauma-informed practice.
The course will explore how trauma presents, and is felt, by individuals, families, communities and practice systems (by professionals). It will support students to:
- Understand and identify trauma responses in practice
- Apply principles of trauma-informed care to a range of practice contexts
- Identify ways of mitigating the impact of working with trauma for professionals
- Contribute to the development of a trauma-informed and trauma responsive organisational culture
The course fee can be learned on application to cpd@sussex.ac.uk. You can take the module either free-standing or build your 15 Masters' level credits towards a full postgraduate award in Leadership and Management or Effective Practice at the University of Sussex.
Dates
The module will be held on 7 mornings 9.30 -11am UK time. The dates in the 2026-27 academic year are: 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th September, and 6th, 13th and 20th October 2026.
Who is this module aimed at?
Participants will either be working in strategic roles in social work, health or social care where they have a responsibility for developing new system and service structures, or at an operational level, where they are intending to introduce new interventions. Participants may be employed in the local authority, health, voluntary, for profit, or independent sector. Candidates who are intending to move into such roles in the future would also benefit from the module.
What, when, and how will I learn?
Weekly content will be entirely available online, so that students can access and engage with each week’s topic and the accompanying learning resources (such as pre-recorded lectures, readings and interactive activities) however and whenever they choose. There are no live lectures or taught sessions, but to consolidate and deepen learning, 90-minute seminars will be facilitated by Michelle Lefevre on Tuesday mornings 9.30-11am throughout the 7-week module. NB it is an expectation that participants undertake preparatory reading and other tasks before every taught session.
Who is this module aimed at?
Participants come from all over the country (and world), from a range of professional backgrounds, disciplines, and roles, and are often employed by local authorities, schools, or voluntary sector organisations. It is essential that participants have professional experience or are employed in a professional role that requires them to directly (or indirectly- such as a manager or supervisor) engage with people who may have undergone traumatic experiences. Candidates who are newly employed in roles where they are supporting or helping people with trauma histories would also benefit from the module.
Why take this module at Sussex?
The module is led by Prof. Michelle Lefevre and Prof. Kristi Langhoff, whose research has included conceptualising and evaluating trauma-informed approaches across diverse disciplines. Teaching materials are research-led; this means that the content is designed to translate new and emerging developments from research for practice contexts, ensuring that participants come away with a grounded, practical understanding of trauma-informed practice that is at the forefront of knowledge.
What to do if you're interested
- This module is supported by the Online Learning Department at Sussex. Please visit this page and click on the ‘Enquire Now tab to request more information about applying.
- Take a look at the University of Sussex website to learn more about our CPD opportunities that enable you to accumulate university course credits
- Take a look at the Sussex Social Change Hub website to learn more about our non-credit bearing CPD workshops and short courses.
- Email cpd@sussex.ac.uk if you want to explore whether this is the right module for you.