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Course information

Department

Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies

Length

2 years full-time, or 1 year PGDip

Course overview

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. 

Course length

MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
2 years full-time

PGDip Professional Route
1 year. Full time option only.

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Daniella Doon-Joseph.

What you'll study

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

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 2020/21 academic year.

  • Home - full-time: £8640
  • Home - part-time: £4320
  • EU - full-time: £8640
  • EU - part-time: £4320
  • International - full-time: £15500

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.

How to apply

Apply now

Apply for the MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Apply for the PGDip Professional Route

 

Please see our guidance on writing a postgraduate statement

Find out more about applying.

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