Understanding Domestic and Sexual Violence MA/PG Cert/PG Dip

at University of Worcester

What will you study?
 

• Theoretical Perspectives on Gender, Violence and Interpersonal Relationships
  Module code: DSVM4001
  In this module, we explore a range of theories that have been applied to the issues of domestic and sexual violence - ranging from feminist explanations of violence against women, to social learning theories which focus on the family environment, to biological explanations that explain violence according to the psychology of the offender.
• Recognition, Responses and Impact of Violence
  Module code: DSVM4002
  In this module we look at the impact of domestic and sexual violence on victims and the costs of violence to our society. The module is designed to examine the impact of violence from a range of cultural perspectives, which will also focus on faith and spiritual beliefs providing students with an in depth critical awareness of the multiple costs of domestic and sexual violence.
• Preparing for Independent Research
  Module code: DSVM4003
  This module prepares students to conduct research in the field of domestic and sexual violence in preparation for their dissertation. Students will learn to critique different research methodologies and consider their theoretical underpinnings. Students will also be asked to consider the practical and ethical issues associated with researching in the field of DSV and will develop their own research proposal which is contextualised by the existing literature.
• Public Health Responses to Violence and Managing Perpetrators
  Module code: DSVM4004
  In this module we look at perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence and the work that is being done to try and prevent these forms of violence in our societies. The module will critically analyse perpetration and interventions within social and culturally specific contexts and explore implications for good practice in relation to prevention; enabling students to develop a critical understanding of legislation, policy and practice.
• Dissertation
  Module code: DSVM4005
  The dissertation module allows you to focus on as aspect of domestic and/or sexual violence that you wish to explore through primary research. You will be allocated a supervisor who will guide you through the research process. 

Prospective students will be required to have
 

• A relevant first degree gained at a 2.1 (or equivalent level) in a health related or social science discipline, or similar subject discipline
  
  or
   
• A relevant professional qualification and experience, including but not exclusively, Social Work, Police, Probation, Health and Education
  
  or
   
• Significant experience of working with victims and/or perpetrators of domestic or sexual violence over at least 12 months.

You may also be required to provide an Enhanced DBS check subject to module selection.

Other information
 

• In some cases, an applicant may be required to attend for interview, this may by via attending in person, Skype or telephone.
• For those with significant experience of working with victims and/or perpetrators, but without a first degree or professional qualification, these applicants will need to evidence through Recognition of Prior Learning procedures how their knowledge and experience demonstrates their potential to meet the programme requirements, which includes meeting the academic requirements of the programme, the ability to communicate effectively and an appropriate understanding of the dynamics of domestic and/or sexual violence. The admissions team will provide further guidance.
• The IELTS score for international applicants is 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in component). Other English Language qualifications will be considered.

The tuition fees shown for students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

Our Domestic and Sexual Violence degree will prepare you for a range of careers working with victims and/or perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence, including:
 

• Violence prevention
• Victim support for survivors of abuse
• Working with abuse perpetrators
• Working with adults, young people or children in domestic abuse support roles

You will develop a range of skills on this course that should have an immediate and positive impact on your professional role.

For those who would like to start working in the areas of domestic or sexual violence, your increased knowledge and skill-set should prepare you for future job applications.

For those already working in this sector, you will enhance your ability to critically reflect on your professional practice and make valuable contributions to service improvement.