MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

You must have a health-related degree at 2:2 (or above) and be working with suitable clients who have anxiety or depression. If you have not completed a degree, contact the course leader to explore prior level 6 learning as an alternative route on to this programme.

Experience required
You must have a core professional background (for example nursing, social work, occupational therapy, clinical or counselling psychologist, psychiatrist, BACP/CPC-accredited counsellor). Or you should have evidence of successfully completing a mental health training programme at undergraduate or postgraduate level (for example, IAPT low intensity training). You must complete a KSA (knowledge, skills and attitudes) portfolio to demonstrate how you meet the requirements as indicated for BABCP accreditation standards.

You must have worked clinically in a mental health role for a minimum of two years, with relevant experience gained during or after any professional training. Evidence of a foundation level or sustained CPD in CBT is also required.

You must have a valid Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check in place as a condition of entry to the programme. Although this check is typically conducted by your employer, the University is required to confirm that a valid and satisfactory DBS clearance is in place before you commence clinical placements.

You should have awareness of the two-year psychological professional funding rule before applying.

To complete the final part of the MSc, you must have completed the PgDip in CBT within the last five years.

For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more

Within clinical practice you deliver cognitive behavioural therapy interventions under the supervision of a British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) accredited supervisor. You work with a range of service users with depression and anxiety disorders to fulfil all criteria for your final portfolio. Clinical practice enables you to develop cognitive behavioural therapy competence across various mental health disorders. As a candidate you are expected to work in an appropriate clinical area before applying to the programme.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

The module aims to develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature with regard to CBT and the treatment of anxiety, and to develop competence in delivering CBT for people with anxiety.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression

You build on your fundamental skills and knowledge in relation to CBT, focusing specifically on the development of competence applying CBT for depression of varying degrees of severity and complexity.

Developing Research Projects

Develop the knowledge and skills you need to design and manage primary or secondary research, audit or evaluation project relevant to your practice, preparing you for dissertation. You also cover research governance and ethics, to prepare you to apply for ethical approval or release.

You are assessed through a written 4,000-word proposal for a research, audit or evaluation study, which is worth 100% of the module marks and should be submitted in week 13.

Dissertation

Here you consolidate and develop further skills and knowledge from previous modules. More specifically you synthesise learning as you apply your research-related knowledge to identify a researchable problem, plan and execute a study. You use a range of different methodologies for your study, such as quantitative, qualitative or systematic review.

Evidence-based Practice

You enhance your skills as a professional practicing evidence-based health care. This module also helps your transition to postgraduate study. You develop key skills that are transferable to subsequent modules, such as literature searching and using advanced critical appraisal skills as an integral part of decision making in health and social care. You also learn how to apply the principles of change management to implement evidence in practice. We use a variety of approaches to teaching including e-learning, formal lectures, seminars and practical activities.