MA Understanding Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse (Distance Learning)
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Why study this Masters at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ?
Attend a virtual event
Book your place to attend our upcoming virtual session to learn more about studying this MA with us.
- Monday 22 June 2026 2 – 3pm (BST)
Speak to the convenor
If you have any questions about our the programme, you can meet with the Programme Convenor online.
Examine the impact of being abusive or being abused. You will look at theoretical perspectives considering abusiveness and its impact in different international, cultural and social contexts.
- The MA Understanding Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse is a distinctive and pioneering programme in the UK, offering a psycho-social approach to domestic and sexual abuse with a strong emphasis on the enduring effects of trauma across the lifespan.
- The programme creates an open, creative and intellectually curious learning environment where diverse perspectives are valued. You'll engage in meaningful dialogue across differences.
- Flexible entry routes including the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and full MA allow you to begin at a level that aligns with your experience, confidence and professional goals.
- Developed in collaboration with experts from psychotherapy, law, social work, community practice, research and the public sector, the programme attracts a diverse student body from the UK and internationally.
- Throughout the programme, you'll explore the psychological, social and structural dimensions of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
- You'll examine how structural inequalities, cultural norms, economic pressures and institutional responses influence both the prevalence of violence and pathways to safety, justice and recovery.
- ​Graduates go on to work in a wide range of roles across government departments, local authorities, NGOs, charities and international organisations. Find out more about graduate careers.
Contact
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Atlas Torbati .
Length
1 year full-time and 2 years part-time
Study mode
Online
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) a degree of at least second class standard in a relevant subject, and be able to demonstrate significant experience. Applicants without a primary degree may also be considered, supported by strong academic guidance to ensure that all learners can succeed.
Fees
Home - part-time: £5900
School
Subject
Social, Individual and Community Wellbeing
We are an Adobe Creative Campus. During your studies, you will be able to use Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator and more for free on your own devices
What you'll study
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Theories, Policy and Interventions: working with adults in the context of domestic & sexual abuse | 30 credits |
| The Impact of Trauma – Distress, Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth | 30 credits |
| Group Work: Power, Identity & Conflict | 30 credits |
| Safeguarding Children and Young People: Responding to Abuse and Harm | 30 credits |
| Research and Methods Dissertation | 60 credits |
Assessments
Assessment is through a combination of extended essays, journals, reports, assignments and dissertation and an e-portfolio.
Students can assess their progress by using various knowledge assimilation checks throughout the modules, and at the end of each module, a formal assessment will be submitted.
Time and technology requirements
Time commitment
We estimate that participation in the programme will require approximately 15-20 hours per week, and we encourage applicants to ensure they can meet this time requirement.
You will need to actively engage with the provided written and presented material through regular participation in online discussion groups and occasional participation in online live sessions and group discussions.
IT requirements
You must ensure that you:
- Have regular and reliable access to the internet via a broadband connection to use Learn.gold (51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ' Virtual Learning Environment).
- Make your own arrangements for IT support for your equipment and internet connection.
- Are computer literate and are able to understand the basic computing terminologies necessary to undertake the required learning materials available online.
You will be required to pass a basic computer skills test before enrolling on this programme.
Entry requirements
You should have (or expect to be awarded) an undergraduate degree of at least second class standard in a relevant/related subject. You must also be able to demonstrate significant experience in either health and social care, psychological therapies, or experience from the third sector in a specialist abuse service.
You might also be considered for some programmes if you aren’t a graduate or your degree is in an unrelated field, but have relevant experience and can show that you have the ability to work at postgraduate level.
International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.
What our students say
How to apply
Apply directly to 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ using our online application system
Before submitting your application you’ll need to have:
- Details of your academic qualifications
- The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
- A personal statement – this can either be uploaded as a Word Document or PDF, or completed online. Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement
You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.
When to apply
We accept applications from October for students wanting to start the following September.
We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place that is conditional on you achieving a particular qualification.
Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available.
If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an earlier application deadline.
Selection process
Admission to many programmes is by interview unless you live outside the UK. Occasionally, we'll make candidates an offer of a place on the basis of their application and qualifications alone.
Find out more about applying.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2026/2027 academic year.
- Home - part-time: £5900
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
Explore the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ scholarships finder to find out what funding you may be eligible for.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a .
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
Careers
Where this degree can take you
Graduates go on to work in a wide range of roles, including:
- Government departments
- Local authorities
- NGOs
- Charities
- International organisations
Career pathways include:
- Policy development
- Safeguarding
- Social care
- Criminal justice
- Public health
- Human rights
- Violence-prevention initiatives
It is expected that a number of professionals will use either the course credit or the degree to supplement their CPD portfolios, which are a requirement for the majority of these professionals.
For workers with extensive experience this programme (or its constituent courses) will provide a sound basis in theoretical knowledge and current research which will help them develop their current work and increase their potential for further advancement in the field.
Find out more about employability at 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ.
The UK has developed recognised forms of intervention in this field that have an international application and relevance. Issues regarding domestic violence and sexual abuse have an international public health and human rights dimension, which makes the programme internationally relevant.
The programme also supports career progression by strengthening students’ research, analytical and professional practice skills, preparing them for senior practitioner, management, policy and advocacy roles.
In doing so, it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality, enabling graduates to critically understand how gendered power relations and inequalities shape experiences of abuse and care responsibilities in both national and global contexts.
The MA will develop skills including:
- A knowledge various theoretical perspectives
- An understanding of cross-disciplinary work within the field
- An understanding of the different international, cultural and social contexts from childhood to older age within the field
