Course information
Department
Length
2 years full-time, or 1 year PGDip
Course overview
For 2020–21, we have made some changes to how the teaching and assessment of this programme are delivered. Find out more
The MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) aims to provide students with a structured training where students can systematically acquire the knowledge and skills needed to practice as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.
On the course, students will be able to progressively build their confidence and competence to take them from a novice to skilled practitioner equipped to work towards accreditation with the BABCP and BACP dependant on their individual experience.
Uniquely on this course, students will be strongly encouraged to evaluate Cognitive Behavioural theory and practice, which will include an emphasis on understanding the relationship of CBT to other psychotherapeutic modalities and on the tailoring of interventions to individual needs. As such this training in CBT is presented within a broader framework of critical and positive psychology.
The course also aims to develop students' understanding of the impact of contextual and structural factors, particularly in terms of the impact of inherent power differentials, upon the formation and resolution of individual psychological difficulties. This also includes the influence of contextual factors upon the practice of CBT itself and the examination of the way in which CBT can contribute to the prevention and amelioration of the negative impact of these. As such particular focus is given to developing a flexible and creative approach to the practice of CBT to effectively respond to individual, social and cultural diversity. In addition the course seeks to broaden the focus of understanding away from only addressing psychopathology to a broader view of the practice of CBT that includes the optimisation of individual well-being.
Fitness to train
Applicants to therapeutic studies programmes are asked to disclose any criminal record, disciplinary record, significant periods of time off work and significant health problems in writing after interview. If we wish to make an applicant an offer of a place on the course, an anonymised version of the applicant’s written disclosure will be reviewed by a panel which considers the applicant’s suitability for therapeutic studies training. This process is additional to normal 'fitness to train' processes.
Course length
MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
2 years full-time
PGDip Professional Route
1 year full time (no part-time option)
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Samantha Farag.
What you'll study
For 2020–21, we have made some changes to how the teaching and assessment of certain programmes are delivered. To check what changes affect this programme, please visit the Programme Changes page
Psychological Models of Therapy 1
Reflective Practitioner 1
Therapeutic Skills
Supervised CBT Practice 1
Psychological Models of Therapy 2
Reflective Practitioner 2
Advanced CBT Skills
Advanced CBT Theory and Practice
Supervised CBT Practice 2
Research Methods
Dissertation
Download the programme specification. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office.
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.
Entry requirements
Please note: You must fulfil our Fitness to Train requirements as well as any other requirements below.
PGDip requirements
- An undergraduate degree (2:2) or equivalent
- Qualification & 2 years experience in a core profession *(please see below)
- Personal suitability assessed by the application form, references and a screening interview
- Access to an appropriate work setting where you can undertake at least three days per week of face-to-face CBT practice and the audio/video recording of client sessions for assessment in an academic setting
- Access to a BABCP-accredited workplace supervisor who can offer weekly supervision.
*core professions are as determined by the BABCP and include:
- Arts Therapists – HCPC Registered
- Counselling – Accredited with the BACP, IACP, COSCA, or FDAP (NCAC), or Registered Member CPC
- Medicine – Psychiatrist or General Practitioner, MBChB or MBBS, and usually PG training with membership of MRCGP, MRCP or MRCPsych
- Occupational Therapy – BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, MSc Occupational Therapy, or Dip C.O.T and HCPC Registered
- Probation Services – DipPS
- Psychology – 1st degree plus a post-graduate qualification (MSc or Doctorate) in an applied area such as clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, health psychology. HCPC Registered as Practitioner Psychologist (HCPC registration alone insufficient)
- Psychotherapy / Psychotherapeutic Counselling with UKCP Registration
- Registered Nurse – Mental Health (RMN), or Learning Disability (general nursing and enrolled nursing is insufficient)
- Social Work – CQSW, DipSW or BA/BSc Hons Social Work
- Teacher of Special Education / Needs – CertEd, B.Ed, or BA/BSc with PGCE, plus additional specialist training in Special Education, with additional counselling / psychotherapy training
MSc requirements
- An undergraduate degree (2:2)
- Certificate in Counselling Skills/equivalent experience
- Personal suitability assessed by the application form, references and a screening interview
International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.
Fees, funding & scholarships
Annual tuition fees
These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2021/2022 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £8990
- Home - part-time: £4495
- International - full-time: £16120
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time if you require a Tier 4 student visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
Funding opportunities
Find out more about postgraduate fees and explore funding opportunities. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.
