This unique course brings together people from diverse walks of life and parts of the globe to explore how countries can care for refugees more effectively. Through lively seminar discussion the University of Essex unpacks refugee experiences as multi-dimensional and complex, and explores psychosocial perspectives and different types of intervention and activism. They discuss how people may become more therapeutic in their work with refugees, beyond merely offering psychotherapy.

Through the course, students gain skills in challenging negative and limiting stereotypes of asylum seekers and refugees as traumatized, passive recipients of help. Students also gain new insight into effective humanitarian work with refugees and have a special opportunity to visit an Asylum Tribunal and learn from judges about how the UK asylum system operates. This programme is closely associated with Centre for Trauma Asylum and Refugees.