Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapy

Overview

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health disorders experienced by all ages. Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapy (CBP) is currently the key recommended psychological treatment for these and other mental health conditions. It is essential that practitioners are prepared with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to deliver CBP competently. This course is written to the requirements of the lead organisation in the UK which sets the competency standards for Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy. The teaching at the University is of the highest standard. This course will fundamentally alter the way clinicians work in practice.‌



The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy is jointly offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work. It is a rationalisation of two separate postgraduate diplomas in CBP/CBT which were previously offered by the two Schools. The programme meets the minimum training requirements for accreditation as a CBP therapist by the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).



Please note that this course is not eligible for a Student route visa.



Course Structure

The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) consists of 6 x 20 credit modules, which are linked to the BABCP Minimum Training Standards for therapist accreditation (Level 2) and the Specialist Level award for social workers.



Students undertake three core modules and one optional module in Year 1 and, two core modules in Year 2. Please liaise with the programme lead Colin Hughes for advice regarding the optional module.



Students attend one day per week with small group supervision provided in the morning, followed by workshop teaching for the remainder of the day.



This programme is shared by the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work. Students commencing the programme in Sept 2025 will be managed by the School of Nursing and Midwifery. Students commencing year two of the programme will be managed by the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.



Modules taken in year two of the programme are CBP7104 and CBP7105.

Module Information

The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) consists of 6 x 20 credit modules, which are linked to the BABCP Minimum Training Standards for therapist accreditation (Level 2) and the Specialist Level award for social workers.



CBP 7101: Core Concepts & Skills of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Depression

This module is intended to provide an introduction to the core theories, concepts and skills of CBT, the application of the CT model to depression and the efficacy of CBT in treating Depression.



CBP7102: Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders

This module is intended to provide an overview of the core theories and skills of cognitive behavioural therapy and the efficacy of CBT in treating anxiety disorders.



CBP7103: Training Supervision of the application of CBP Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety

This module is intended to provide an introduction to the core theories, concepts and skills of CBT, the application of the CT model to depression and anxiety disorders and the efficacy of CBT in treating depression and anxiety disorders.



CBP7104: Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders

This specialist module is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the core theories and skills of CBT with complex cases and the efficacy of CBT in treating these disorders.



CBP7105: Training and supervision for the application of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders

This specialist module is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the core theories and skills of CBT with complex cases and the efficacy of CBT in treating these disorders.



HSN7076: Evidence Based Practice (optional)

The student will be introduced to the principles of Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Students will reflect upon their practice; topic of inquiry; framing searchable questions and searing for the evidence; critical appraisal of a randomised controlled trials; critical appraisal of systematic reviews and qualitative study.



SWK7106: Self-Practice / Self-Reflection in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (Optional)

This module will provide the student with a comprehensive grounding in the practice of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy self-reflective practice and related issues underpinning self-care.



Students undertake 3 core modules and 1 optional module in Year 1 and 2 core modules in Year 2.

Graduate

Applicants must hold a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a cognate area, such as Mental Health Nursing, Psychiatry, Applied Psychology or equivalent recognised professional qualification(s).



In addition, you should have:

• At least two years' clinical practice / experience in a relevant area (statutory or independent sector) working with clients with mood and anxiety disorders, AND

• Be employed in clinical practice in a suitable area (where CBT approaches are employed) with the support of your management for study on the course, AND

• Have access to a minimum of eight suitable clients and supervision by an experienced BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist while on placement in your own clinical area.



The eight clients must represent a minimum of at least three different types of mental health condition.

• A minimum of four cases will have been closely supervised.

• You must have access to your supervisor and be under supervision while you are seeing clients.

• You must spend a minimum of one hour per week engaged in face to face supervision; some of this must be ‘live’ supervision.

• All assessment and therapy sessions, with client consent, must be video recorded; this is both for supervision and assessment purposes and meets the requirement for ‘live’ supervision.



Applications are accepted from non-core professions such as counsellors. Non-core professionals, however, will be required to provide a portfolio of evidence in line with KSA guidelines as provided by the BABCP. Applicants who meet the academic criteria but who are non-core and unable to provide KSA evidence will be required to enter through the School's KSA pathway. In this instance if all other requirements are met the applicant will be offered a place on the one year certificate programme to allow time for the KSA portfolio to be completed. On successful completion of this course and the completion of the KSA portfolio, the student will normally then be eligible for application to the PGDip programme.



Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements should contact the School for advice.

Closing date for applications: Monday 12th May 2025. Late applications may be considered.



Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

Presentation or practical demonstration

Written assessment

Clinical practice portfolio

Videoed clinical work

2 years (Part Time)

Entry Year: 2025/26

Career Prospects

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy services are an expanding area of mental health services due to an increasing demand for evidence-based psychological therapies. The award of the PG Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy will enable students to apply for professional employment as fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists.



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