MICRO-CREDENTIAL: TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE IN HUMAN SERVICE SETTINGS: A FOUNDATIONAL PROGRAMME

Apply now About Micro-credentials Professional Education in Ireland

Maynooth University library with a blue sky behind it

Qualification: Micro-credential (9)
CAO/MU Apply code: MMC31
Award Type and NFQ level: MICRO-CREDENTIAL
Study Mode: Part time
Closing Date: 27 July 2026

Jump to Apply now

Overview

PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL AND CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2026.

There are two routes to apply for this course.

Route 1 - Springboard Learner Fee Subsidy

There are a limited number of subsidised spaces available on this course through Springboard. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria. To check if you are eligible please visit www.springboardcourses.ie If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria you can commence your application on the Springboard website.

Route 2 - MU Apply

Places are also available through the Maynooth University application portal, MU Apply. Please note that no funding is available if you apply via this route. Apply through this route if you do not meet the Springboard eligibility criteria OR if the Springboard places are full.

About this Course

This micro-credential is aimed at practitioners who are working in contexts where trauma is impacting on the individuals and communities they serve. The course explores the nature, prevalence and impact of trauma, drawing on the latest theory and research in the field. Content includes, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment disruption, community adversity, intergenerational trauma and the conditions necessary for healing and resilience.

Through discussion, reflective journalling and critical praxis, practitioners will develop an understanding of people’s lived experience through a trauma lens and explore the implications for trauma-informed education, care, or service design within their organisations. With a strong grounding in mindful compassion, the micro-credential also supports practitioners to develop their own self-care strategies to help protect against vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

Note: On successful completion of this micro-credential you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by Maynooth University as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level.

Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9

ECTS: 10

[[asset:image:62155 {"mode":"large","align":"none"}]]

Course structure

Duration: 6 weeks

This micro-credential will be delivered on campus and online on Wednesdays evenings, 5:00-8:30pm, over a six-week period.

On campus sessions (weeks 1, 2 and 4) will take place in Maynooth University. Online sessions (weeks 3 and 5) will take place via MS Teams.

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

TIC1 - Trauma-Informed Care

Credits: 10 | Compulsory

Trauma-Informed Care modules
Module	Code	Credits	Semester	Compulsory
	ED692	10	1	Y

After this micro-credential

There is increasing awareness, both in Ireland and internationally, of pervasiveness and detrimental impact of trauma and adversity, particularly that which occurs in childhood. As a result many human service sectors, including education, health care, social work and the justice system are interested in embedding trauma-informed practice into their organisations.

This micro-credential will provide applicants with a deep understanding of trauma and its impacts, and empower them to lead trauma-informed service innovations bespoke to their particular sector and context.

Professionals with these skills, values, and knowledge-bases are increasingly in demand.

The micro-credential is suitable for professionals across human-service sectors (e.g. health, education, social care, criminal justice) and will cater for new career entrants, mid-career professionals and senior managers and leaders.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold at a minimum a 2:2 grade National Framework of Qualifications Honours (Level 8) award or an equivalent international qualification in a relevant discipline.

Applicants who do not hold a primary or higher degree but have sufficient and relevant professional experience are also welcome to apply. Please see our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) webpage for further information. Applicants who wish to apply via RPL must submit a completed copy of the RPL form along with any supporting documentation with their application.

For more information on the minimum English language requirements, please refer to the Language Competencies section of the Maynooth University Micro-credentials Entry Requirements and the English Language Requirements tab here for the tests and scores that are accepted.

How to apply

PLEASE NOTE THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL AND CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2026.

Applications are open now. This course will commence in September 2026.

There are two routes to apply for this course.

Route 1 - Springboard Learner Fee Subsidy

Route 2 - MU Apply

Please upload the following documentation with your application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed.

Valid passport/passport card OR birth certificate.
Official university degree parchment or transcript (if applying with a qualification). In such cases, the transcript/parchment must include full name, name of the qualification, conferring date and name of awarding body.
Proof of English language competency (where relevant).

Note: failure to provide the above documentation may result in a delay to your application being processed.

Got a question about this course?

Programme Director: Dr Catriona O'Toole

Email address: catriona.a.otoole@mu.ie

Department website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/education

Department address: Maynooth University Department of Education, School of Education, Maynooth University, Co Kildare

Course Query

General Query