MSc/PgDip/PgCert Psychology of Coercive Control

The Psychology of Coercive Control programme offers advanced knowledge and insights into the psychology of coercive and controlling behaviour.

This course delves into the development, effects, and prevention of coercive control in various settings, including domestic relationships, human trafficking, gangs, extremist groups, and organisations.

All about the course

Course Structure:

• MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time.
• PgDip: Eight months full-time or two years part-time.
• PgCert: Four months full-time or nine months part-time.
• Delivery Mode: Online.

Full-time: Over 12 months with three ten-week semesters. In the first two semesters, you will complete two taught modules each, followed by a dissertation in the third semester.

Part-time: Two years with 60 credits in year one and 120 credits in year two.

Dissertation: Focus on a topic related to the psychology of coercive control that aligns with your professional interests or work experience.

How you will learn

Teaching

Teaching methods include:

• Lectures, Seminars, Workshops, and Tutorials: Engage in a variety of learning activities, including debates, oral presentations, and Q&A sessions.
• Work Experience Placement: An optional opportunity to gain hands-on experience.
• Guest Speakers and Research Seminars: Learn from experts in the field.
• Virtual Learning Environment: Access online resources and training packages.

Assessment

Assessment methods include:

• Essays: Theoretical and reflective essays on course topics.
• Case Study Analysis: Apply your learning to real-world scenarios.
• Oral Presentations: Present your ideas and research findings.
• Research Proposal: Plan a research project related to coercive control.
• Dissertation: Conduct in-depth research on a relevant topic.

What about after uni?

• Career Paths: Opportunities in domestic abuse support, human trafficking prevention, the Home Office, police, Civil Service, and educational institutions.
• Government Demand: The course prepares you for roles in growing sectors where the government seeks to expand provision and specialist roles.
• Doctoral Preparation: For those with a psychology background, this course is an excellent preparation for a professional doctorate in clinical, counselling, or forensic psychology, or doctorates in related fields.

Career Links

The course team collaborates with a wide range of organisations involved in domestic abuse, human trafficking, and organisational abuse. These partnerships influence the course design and offer students opportunities for work experience placements.

This master's is ideal if you aspire to work in roles that support individuals affected by coercive control, contribute to research in the field, or influence government policy on coercive behaviour and abuse prevention.

Students need to have a 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in psychology or other relevant disciplines including counselling, health sciences, nursing, criminal justice, law and police science. We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.