Cognitive Behavioural Therapy MSc

About the course

This is an exciting and innovative course, delivered by an enthusiastic young team. The programme will be delivered over 2 extended academic years to facilitate the development of knowledge and application of CBT in stages.

The first year of the programme is focused on providing students with the clinical skills and academic understanding to equip them to function as competent cognitive behavioural therapists. Students completing the first year successfully will exit with a Post Graduate Diploma in CBT. This part of the course encompasses a total of 120 university credits. The second year study involves advancing and deepening CBT knowledge and skills. There is a dissertation to complete and a choice of elective modules to complete. This part of the course encompasses a total of 60 credits.

Students who successfully complete the second year will be able to interpret the knowledge and apply advanced skills in specialist areas. Throughout their study, students will be facilitated to develop intellectual and critical thinking in evaluating the evidence that underpins their knowledge and the practice of CBT intervention.

For eligibility of BABCP accreditation, students must satisfy the supervision requirements including completing a portfolio of practice.

Year 1

The first year consists of four modules:

Foundations in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Common Mental Health problems 1
Common Mental Health Problems 2
Supervision

Each module consists of 24 teaching days from 11.30 AM until 6 PM (this may be subject to change). The 35 sessions of group clinical supervision will be offered from 9-11 AM on the teaching days. Students are also required to attend 5 sessions of individual supervision with any of the UH supervisors.

Year 2

The second year consists of:

Dissertation

And a choice of the following modules:

• Advanced Skills in CBT
• Supervising CBT Practice

 

Why choose this course?

The PgDip element of the course (i.e. the first two years) is currently accredited by the BABCP as a high intensity IAPT accredited course at level 2 . A course at level 2 ensures that it's graduates meet all the minimum training standards required by the BABCP for eligibility for accreditation as an accredited CBT therapist. We have put in place placement requirements agreed by BABCP for non IAPT applicants and are in the process of agreeing our course being on both BABCP level 2 accreditation lists.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has now been developed into a comprehensive form of psychological therapy. CBT can now claim to be the form of psychological therapy with most research evidence for its effectiveness in the treatment of mental health and well-being problems. It has become the treatment of choice for many mental health problems as defined by the guidelines published by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

CBT teaches clients to cope with challenging and difficult circumstances. In other words, at completion of a successful CBT treatment clients can be their own best therapists. This programme will enable successful students to apply CBT competently, effectively and efficiently in real life. The content of this programme focuses on the practical application of CBT. The first year of the programme mirrors the recommended Improving Access to Psychological Therapies National Curriculum and also aims to satisfy the requirements for the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP) accreditation. Students who successfully complete this first year will be awarded the Post Graduate Diploma in CBT.

 

Study routes

• Part Time, 2 Years

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• CBT Beginning with Clinical Supervision

  The module involves 2 days of teaching to explore the scientific knowledge underpinning the delivery of CBT, together with 2 days exploring students’ skills as they develop their portfolios. A focus on support for portfolios will be a feature of the module. In addition to taught sessions, the module consists of clinical supervision, making use of recordings of therapy sessions. Supervisors will make use of CTS-r to provide feedback on quality of the therapy.

• CBT for Common Mental Health Problems 1

  This module is designed to enable practitioners working in mental health to gain a critical understanding of cognitive behavioural therapy models of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, it aims to develop related skills in applying CBT in the assessment and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. The module will cover principles and practice in cognitive behavioural therapy, the scope of application in practice and accountability. It will focus on facilitating students to apply cognitive- behavioural interventions in their clinical practice with depression and anxiety disorders. Practitioners will be required to reflect on and evaluate the CBT based interventions that have been delivered.

• Foundation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills

  This module will be of interest to MH practitioners involved in delivering therapeutic interventions for people experiencing mental health problems, their carers and their families. It will also be attractive to those who wish to include cognitive behavioural therapies in their clinical intervention repertoire. It has been designed to introduce students to the principles and practice of CBT. The module will analyse the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy and how these are used in a variety of common mental health problems. It will focus on facilitating students to develop a sound understanding of the theory that underpins CBT. The teaching of the module will involve course participants taking an active part in role play, group work and case presentations. Students will be expected to go through a process of personal growth using CBT principles. Service user and carer/family perspectives of therapeutic interventions will also be critically considered.

Optional

Fees & funding

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

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Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

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How to apply