Learn to deliver survivor-centred advocacy across modern slavery and the wider safeguarding sector.
The Independent Modern Slavery Advocate (IMSA) PGCert is designed with the sector in mind, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. You’ll learn through research- and practice-informed teaching from experienced professionals and people with lived experience, building the knowledge and confidence needed to support victims and survivors within complex systems.
Delivered through flexible distance learning, this course is ideal for working professionals and those seeking to progress in victim support services, advocacy and safeguarding. Weekly live online seminars, reflective sessions and one-to-one tutorial support create an engaging learning experience you can access from wherever you are, with guidance from a dedicated teaching team and personal tutor throughout.
Why study the IMSA PgCert?
Practice-focused preparation for the IMSA role
- Combine advanced theory with practice-oriented training grounded in real advocacy contexts.
- Study at postgraduate level while strengthening survivor-centred advocacy, improving multi-agency working, and developing transferable skills across the safeguarding sector.
Understanding systems, policy and multi-agency responses
- Build a UK-wide understanding of modern slavery responses across health, policing, local authorities, housing, immigration and the third sector.
- Develop the skills needed to advocate effectively across systems and jurisdictions.
- Learn to connect policy, law and frontline practice to strengthen multi-agency working.
Learning connected to research, policy and social justice
- Opportunities to engage with the School of Business and Law’s research and learning environment, including the Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Safety and Social Justice.
- Access to events, seminars and interdisciplinary learning that inform policy, practice and professional development.
Transferable advocacy skills for a changing sector
- Develop frontline skills including risk assessment, safety planning, professional communication and complex decision-making.
- Learn reflective, person-centred practice applicable across aligned roles such as VAWG, IDVA/ISVA, and refugee and migrant support.
- Drive evidence-based service improvement and leadership within your organisation and the wider sector.
Trauma-informed practice and practitioner wellbeing
- Focus on trauma-informed and culturally competent advocacy.
- Build reflective skills, self-care strategies, and professional resilience in demanding environments, helping reduce burnout and vicarious trauma.
Teaching methods
This course includes weekly online lectures and seminars, guest speakers, practice-based learning through anonymised
As an online-only course, all sessions are recorded so that students can access material they may have missed or wish to view
Upcoming webinars and events
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Course content
Modules
These modules are the modules that were available to students in the 2025/26 academic year and are illustrative of what may be offered for 2026/27.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
Entry requirements
2:2
Previous degree
Applicants must satisfy the general admission requirements of St Mary’s University (as set out in the Admissions Policy). Candidates
- an undergraduate degree in the arts, humanities or social sciences with a minimum of a Lower Second-Class Honours (or an appropriate
EU/US/overseas equivalent), or - a minimum of two years’ relevant professional experience / non-certified learning in a relevant field (e.g. health, social services,
police, or a third sector organisation).
A personal statement to outline professional context and how the course could transform your practice.
A CV which demonstrates that you have at least two years’ significant and relevant experience in a professional area appropriate to the
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please get in touch.
Fees & funding
September 2026
Home
£3,600
Additional costs
*Please note: The tuition fees listed are if you study the course in full during the 2026/27 academic year. Part-time students will be charged for the modules undertaken per academic year. Module prices are calculated as a percentage of credits against the total credits and cost of the degree for that academic year. Please see the detailed breakdown of tuition fees for further information.
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme. Additional costs could be incurred depending on optional modules chosen and other projects undertaken.
For further information about additional costs please see our additional costs webpage.
For more information about whether you are likely to pay home or international fees, please visit our 'understanding your tuition fee status' page.
Alumni discount
A 20% tuition fee discount is available for our alumni (undergraduate and PGCE) planning to study this Master's degree. Those studying for a PGDip of PGCert are not eligible for the discount.
Funding
Except for any iQTS courses, you can check on the UK government website to see if you may be eligible for a loan of up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate programme.
Home and international students for non-iQTS courses may also be eligible for external sources of funding. International students should check their eligibility for our International Scholarship.
For more information, please look at our postgraduate funding page.
How the degree is taught
Assessment methods
Assessment is portfolio-based and uses a range of formats that reflect the realities of modern slavery, human trafficking and victim
The assessment strategy integrates academic learning with professional values and practice. Critical reflection is embedded throughout,
Who teaches this course?
Apply now
September
Make sure to check our step-by-step guide to application process.
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