Master of Medicine (Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy)

Overview

1. The Master of Medicine (Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy) at the University of Sydney is a postgraduate professional coursework programme designed for clinicians seeking advanced psychotherapeutic training in trauma-informed practice. The curriculum examines the impact of relational, developmental and traumatic processes on psychological functioning and trains students in both short-term and long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy interventions.
2. The therapeutic approach is grounded in the Conversational Model, and incorporates perspectives from attachment theory, intersubjectivity, memory systems, trauma theory and neuroscience.
3. Students undertake coursework in psychotherapy research methods, critique contemporary practice, and engage in stream-specific units focused on trauma-informed care and longer-term therapeutic approaches.
4. The programme is structured to suit practising medical professionals (psychiatrists, general practitioners, CMOs) who wish to develop proficiency in psychotherapy, with links to professional recognition with the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (ANZAP), subject to additional requirements.
5. On completion, graduates are positioned to work in psychotherapeutic, mental-health and trauma-care settings, bringing an informed approach to complex trauma, personality disorders, chronic depression, somatisation and related conditions.

Eligibility

Recognised medical degree (for Master of Medicine stream).

At least 12 months’ experience in a clinical area related to mental health (for many applicants) and professional indemnity insurance if practising psychotherapy.

English language proficiency for international applicants (e.g., IELTS 7.0 overall, minimum 6.5 each band) if English is not first language.

Note: Some versions of the programme may specify that standard student visas may not be accepted for enrolment.

Minimum Education