MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (NHS Talking Therapies)* PgDip

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, OT, 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 will be required to 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.

Additional requirements
The course requires 100% attendance. You must attend the University as per the timetable, including blocks of teaching. Most teaching will be two days per week with a minimum period of high intensity CBT clinical practice per week.

You should be able to demonstrate that your values and behaviours align with the values of the NHS Constitution.

You must make arrangements to access suitable CBT clients from referrals made to relevant mental health services, have access to video recording equipment to deliver video as well as in-person CBT, and have regular CBT supervision from BABCP accredited therapist who has completed a recognised supervision training course. This must be confirmed before being accepted on to the course.

Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credits for previous study or related work experience which can be credited towards the course you want to study. Find out more about RPL.

How to apply
Trainee high intensity NHS Talking Therapies posts are advertised on the NHS jobs websites, or equivalent. Some NHS Talking Therapies may advertise on their websites. Keep checking these websites for posts and updates on future intakes. The interviews are conducted collaboratively between the University and the employing organisation.

This PgDip CBT course is aimed at experienced healthcare professionals working with mental health patients. If you are currently working in an NHS Talking Therapies service you are advised to speak to your service manager about courses available to you. If you are a healthcare professional not working in an NHS Talking Therapies service we recommend you refer to the NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression website for further details.

Self-funded places are only offered if course capacity is not reached.

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.

Consolidating Knowledge and Skills for the Practice of CBT

The Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

We address your learning needs as a mental health practitioner employed to deliver evidence-based cognitive behavioural psychotherapy to people with the common mental health problems of depression and anxiety.

Modules offered may vary.