PgDip Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Therapies: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a professional qualification recognised by the BABCP, or be able to demonstrate they have the acquired core training and competence for the delivery of a psychological therapy within an ethical framework.

This can be done by completing a Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (KSA) portfolio prior to interview (please read BABCP web pages for details of the KSA portfolio).

If English is not your first language you require a score of 7.0 for IELTS with no element below a score of 6.5, or 100 for internet-based TOEFL, 250 for computer-based TOEFL or 600 for paper-based TOEFL.

Please visit our English Language Requirements page for more information.

Further details of entry requirements are as follows:

• (a) A professional qualification recognised as a 'Core Profession' by BABCP such as Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or an accredited Counselling qualification. A full list of recognised Core Professions is available on the BABCP website.

OR

• (b) Demonstrate, through the BABCP’s 'Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA)' application, that they have the required core training and competence for the delivery of a psychological therapy within an ethical framework.

WITH

• (c) A good honours degree in any subject OR Provide evidence of ability to study successfully at Postgraduate level.

PLUS

• (d) Work, or have negotiated a clinical placement, in an environment that enables them to offer high intensity interventions for depression and anxiety disorders using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, with access to clinical supervision by a BABCP accredited CBT Therapist and evidence that they will conduct at least 200 hours of CBT practice during the programme.
• Please note that evidence of qualifications under (a) and (c) or a fully completed KSA Portfolio under (b), must be presented at interview. Evidence for degree equivalence under (c) must be presented in the form of a portfolio of written work completed in relevant employment settings or during previous training. Those wishing to qualify for interview via route (b) will need to have completed the KSA Portfolio by selection. Evidence for (d) should be provided by written support from two referees, one of whom is the current employer. Appropriate case selection criteria will be publicised in advance and candidates for the programme will be asked to provide evidence of appropriate access to such cases in their practice placement at selection.

Months of entry

September

Course content

If you wish to qualify as a cognitive behavioural therapist this course offers an excellent programme of study. With an emphasis on self-practice and self-reflection, it will enhance your therapy skills and support you during an intensive but rewarding year of study.

Teaching is delivered across a mix of classroom and clinical practice-based learning, clinical supervision and intensive skills workshops. This training will provide you with the key competencies and skills to work effectively as a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, providing interventions for a range of clinical presentations.

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Therapies: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy offers an excellent programme of study for those wishing to qualify as CBT therapists. It is immediately accreditable by the BABCP, the accrediting body for Cognitive Behavioural Therapists in the United Kingdom. On completion of the Diploma you will have met the minimum training standards for provisional accreditation with the BABCP.

Places on this programme are offered via application for a full-time paid trainee position in a service that is part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Department of Health initiative. These posts may be advertised on the NHS jobs website or in other local press or provider literature. If you would like more information on the IAPT job roles and terms of employment (these may differ between services), we would recommend contacting local service providers direct. Contact details of these can be obtained from the programme administrator.

We do also accept self-funded applications on this course. For this, you will need to have access to relevant training cases and supervision by a BABCP accredited CBT therapist as part of the course, which you will need to find yourself. If you would like further details or information about self-funded places, please contact Mel Saunders.

Students of CBT have studied on this programme for over ten years, and we have a proven record of producing well-rounded and knowledgeable therapists. Teaching is delivered across a mix of classroom learning, clinical practice-based learning, clinical supervision and intensive skills workshops. In addition to the high-quality teaching, there is an emphasis on self-practice and self-reflection, both to enhance therapy skills and to support students in their journey through an intensive but rewarding year.

Who is the course for

Individuals with a commitment to working in the sphere of adult mental health who would like to develop their skills in the delivery of CBT, in particular to people with moderate to severe mental health conditions.

As suggested by the entry criteria, participants of the programme will have already gained considerable experience in working with people with mental health problems, either as professionals from other related disciplines or through related work experience.

However, this training will provide participants with the key competencies and skills to work effectively as Cognitive Behaviour Therapists, providing interventions for a range of clinical presentations.

Fees and funding

Please note: The majority of places on this course are funded via NHSE (Health Education England). To get a place you will need to be employed as a Trainee High Intensity Therapist in a local service, covering the cost of the training and paying your salary. There is also the option to apply direct as a self-funder. For more information about how to apply via either of these routes, please contact Mel Saunders.