Master's degree in psychosocial work - suicide, substance abuse, violence and traumas (experienced-based master's)

In cooperation with the National Centre for Suicide Research NSSF and the Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research SERAF, NKVTS offers an interdisciplinary master's programme in psychosocial work.

The objective of the study programme is to educate professional personnel in carrying out practical and scientific tasks within the problem areas of suicide prevention, substance and addiction issues and violence and traumas.

Students themselves choose an area of specialization in "Suicide", "Substance abuse" or "Violence and traumas".

Why choose this specialization option?
Both children and adults in our society are exposed to violence and other traumatic events. Occurrences of this kind can result in health-related, cognitive, legal and material consequences. Teaching therefore has an interdisciplinary perspective.

Objective

Our objective is that the student, after completing the programme in the violence and traumas specialization option, will have met the requirements for the following knowledge and skills attainment targets:

Knowledge attainment targets 
The student shall be well versed in the knowledge platform for the field of violence and traumas. The student shall also be familiar with central theories that are particularly important for the field of violence and traumas, including developmental psychology, cognitive psychology and sociological theories.

The student should have knowledge about the various forms of violence and traumas affecting children, adolescents and adults. The student should also know how often violent and traumatic events occur, who is exposed to them, the consequences such events may have and strategies for prevention, help intervention measures and treatment. In addition, the student should have knowledge about the diagnostic tools and interviewing methods for children and adults, as well as the strengths and limitations of the tools.

Skills attainment targets
The student shall be able to reflect over, critically assess and compare the different theories and be able to apply these theories to specific issues in the field of violence and traumas. In addition, the student shall have an understanding of how violence and traumas are tabooed and concealed in society.  

The student shall be able to contribute towards identifying violence and traumatic events, assess the need for help and implement appropriate measures. In addition, the student shall be able to converse with traumatized children, adolescents and adults in an acknowledging and non-offensive manner. The student shall have a heightened awareness of his/her own attitudes towards violence and sexuality. The student shall be able to recognize social stigmatization.  

TARGET GROUP

The specialization option for violence and traumas is primarily aimed at professional groups having completed at least a three-year higher educational programme in health and/or in a social/pedagogical/police/psychology programme at the cand.mag. (first cycle) or bachelor's level. Education from the Norwegian Military Academy can also qualify as the basis for admission.

Other university college or university education at a minimum of bachelor's level, after special assessment, can also qualify as the basis for admission. In addition, two years of relevant professional experience is required. Relevant professional groups can be: 
 

Psychologists Social workers Nurses Social educators

Teachers Doctors Police officers

The list is not exhaustive and other occupational groups may apply. Contact student advisor  Anne Lie Andreassen if you are uncertain about whether you qualify to submit an application.