Psychology of Coercive Control

University of Salford

United Kingdom, Salford

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Home/United Kingdom/Salford /University of Salford/Psychology of Coercive Control

University of Salford

United Kingdom , Salford

Key Facts

Program Level

Certificate

Study Type

Part Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 13,980 / years

Next Intake September-2026

Psychology of Coercive Control

About

Introduction

In a nutshell

This course provides advanced insights and knowledge of cutting-edge practice and research about coercive control and behaviour and its development and effects on individuals, families and organisations. You will develop a deep understanding of the psychological processes involved in coercive and controlling behaviour across a variety of settings including in domestic relationships, human trafficking, gangs, extremist groups/cults and organisations more widely.

On this course, you will receive tailored support from a highly experienced and qualified team of psychology and professional staff who are involved in advancing practice and research regarding the prevention, effects and recovery from coercive and controlling behaviour.

You will be very well placed to advance your career in a variety of professions where the government is seeking to develop provisions for the prevention of and recovery from coercive control and abuse and you will also be very well prepared to apply for a professional doctorate and research career paths in psychology (for those with a first degree or conversion course in psychology) and other relevant disciplines

The course breakdown is as follows:

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)

This course is delivered online.

You will:

Gain a deep appreciation of contemporary approaches to the prevention of, and recovery from, coercive control and abuse in domestic settings, in cults/extremist groups, in trafficking and in organisations more widely.
Be supported by a highly qualified and experienced team in professional staff in advancing your career in a variety of 'in demand' professions relating to coercion and abuse or towards a professional doctorate in psychology or related disciplines.
Develop an advanced understanding of the psychology of coercive control and cutting-edge research and practice in this area.

International

students accepted

This is for you if...

You work or want to work in a setting supporting those affected by coercive control.

You want to help further research in the field.

You want to shape and change government policy.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Requirements

What you need to know

This course is suitable for you if you are a psychology graduate or graduate of another relevant discipline e.g. counselling, health sciences, nursing, criminal justice, law and police science. It's also suitable if you're a professional working in an organisation or setting where survivors of abuse are assisted.

Some applicants (who have studied psychology to a degree level) will have a good grounding in core areas of psychology and a real interest in and appreciation of applied psychology and psychological interventions in a variety of applied settings. Experience of working in organisations who work in the areas of domestic abuse, trafficking and in other related areas will also be an advantage. Students who have previously studied health and social care courses or programmes in sociology, criminology, policing and the law must also have a real appreciation of psychology in applied settings (and if accepted onto the course such students may be offered additional reading and classes in Psychology either before or during the course). The programme team may invite applicants from a non-psychology background to an informal interview that will allow a two-way assessment to be made of the interest in and fit with the course.

English language requirements

If you are an international student and not from a majority English-speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.5 with no element below 5.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take our Pre-Sessional English course.

Standard entry requirements

Undergraduate degree

A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in psychology or other relevant disciplines including counselling, health sciences, nursing, criminal justice, law and police science.

International Students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

Alternative entry requirements

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

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.

The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.

Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).

Career

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

This course is an excellent way to take your career forward positively in a number of professions and in particular equips graduates with great opportunities to advance professionally in the field of support and prevention of domestic abuse, human trafficking and abuse in groups and organisations more widely (whether as a new career or as a continuation of an existing career in these fields). This is an area where the government is seeking to grow provision and specialist roles and you will have a range of career choices open to you across different practice settings. As well as within the psychology field, you will also be able to pursue successful careers in the Home Office, the police and the Civil Service, as well as in schools, colleges and universities.

If you have a first degree in psychology or complete a conversion course, this master’s course is an excellent way to prepare for a psychology doctorate and will boost an application in clinical psychology, counselling psychology, or forensic psychology. This course will also prepare you for doctorates in other relevant disciplines.

A taste of what you could become

A domestic abuse worker

A human trafficking prevention worker

A home office worker

A police worker

A civil service worker

and more...

Career Links

The course team work closely with an extensive range of professional agencies and organisations that work in the field of support and recovery from domestic abuse and violence, human trafficking and abuse in organisations and groups more widely. Some of these organisations provide input into the design, delivery and development of the course so that students are hearing directly from practitioners at the cutting edge of these fields. Additionally, a number of partner organisations will offer students opportunities for a work experience placement which is a great way to develop skills in this area of work.