Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy

Program Overview

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Queen's University Belfast

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (PgDip)

Overview

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).

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.

• CBP 7101: Core Concepts & Skills of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Depression
• CBP7102: Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders
• CBP7103: Training Supervision of the application of CBP Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety
• CBP7104: Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders
• CBP7105: Training and supervision for the application of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders
• HSN7076: Evidence Based Practice (optional)
• SWK7106: Self-Practice / Self-Reflection in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (Optional)

People teaching you

• Dr Michael Duffy
• Mr Colin Hughes

Contact Teaching Hours

• Medium Group Teaching: 12 (hours maximum)
• Classes will be delivered both face to face and online.

Learning and Teaching

• Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:
  • Teaching
  • Modules are provided one day per week at Queen's.

Assessment

• Assessments will be carried out in a variety of formats, including written assignments, case studies, recorded clinical sessions and a portfolio.

Facilities

• In 2020 the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences opened a new, fully integrated teaching facility, designed to enable teaching of nursing, midwifery, medical and pharmacy students.

Entrance requirements

• 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.

International Students

• Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region.

English Language Requirements

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
• *Taken within the last 2 years.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £8,900
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £8,900
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £8,900
• EU Other: N/A
• International: N/A

Additional course costs

• Students are required to register for BABCP membership; the student rate is currently £25.
• BABCP accreditation is optional for all students and would normally be applied for at the end of training at the PG Diploma level.

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.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

• In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills.

How to Apply

• Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Program Outline

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Outline:

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Modules:

• Core Modules:
• Core Concepts and Skills of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Depression (20 credits)
• Focus on CBT models and techniques for depression.
• Develop a CBT case formulation.
• Learn therapist skills and techniques.
• Address critical issues in therapy, such as suicidality.
• Training Supervision - application of CBP Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety Disorders.
• (20 credits)
• Apply CBT models for depression and anxiety disorders in practice.
• Develop key CBT skills and techniques.
• Utilize standardized measures to assess treatment outcome.
• Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders (20 credits)
• Learn CBT models for specific anxiety disorders.
• Identify key cognitions and behavioral patterns.
• Apply CBT techniques for anxiety disorders.
• Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders (20 credits)
• Understand CBT models for complex disorders.
• Develop advanced CBT skills for complex cases.
• Address complicating factors in treatment.
• Build a strong therapeutic alliance.
• Training supervision for the application of CBP Models and Skills for Complex Disorders (20 credits)
• Apply CBT models for complex disorders in practice.
• Develop advanced CBT skills for complex cases.
• Monitor therapist needs in working with complex cases.
• Emphasize the therapeutic relationship.
• Optional Modules:
• Self-Practice / Self Reflection in CBP (20 credits)
• Engage in self-reflective practice related to CBT.
• Develop a learning identity as a CBT therapist.
• Enhance personal and therapist-self development.
• Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)
• Understand the principles of evidence-based practice in CBT.
• Critically appraise research and apply findings to clinical practice.
• Develop skills in searching for and evaluating evidence.

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Course Structure:

• The program consists of 6 modules, each worth 20 credits.
• Students take 3 core modules and 1 optional module in Year 1 and 2 core modules in Year 2.
• One day per week is dedicated to the program, with morning supervision and afternoon workshops.
• The program is delivered over 18 months across 3 semesters.
• Students are expected to provide therapy to a minimum of 8 clients during the course.
• Therapy sessions are video recorded for supervision and self-reflection.

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Course Schedule:

• Each module is taught one day per week over 3 semesters.
• Small group supervision sessions are held during teaching days.
• Students are expected to have a second day for therapy, supervision, and self-reflection.

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Individual Modules:

• Each module is described in detail under the "Modules" section above.

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Assessment:

• Assessments are conducted through written assignments, case studies, recorded therapy sessions, and a portfolio.
• The assessment methods and criteria vary depending on the learning objectives of each module.
• Specific details about assessment methods for each module are provided in the Module Handbook.

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by a multi-disciplinary team of accredited CBT staff with clinical experience and research expertise.
• Teaching methods include lectures, workshops, small group supervision, and individual case supervision.
• The program emphasizes the integration of research and theory with practice.

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Careers:

• Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as practicing Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists.
• The program meets the minimum training requirements for accreditation by the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).
• Graduates can also work in social work settings at the specialist award level with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC).

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the BABCP at Level 2.
• The program is also accredited for social workers at the specialist award level with NISCC.
• The program is not eligible for a Student route visa.
• The closing date for applications is May 13th, 2024.
Late applications may be considered.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Northern Ireland (NI)

£8,900

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Republic of Ireland (ROI)

£8,900

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England, Scotland or Wales (GB)

£8,900

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EU Other

N/A

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International

N/A

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Payment

The university accepts various payment methods, including full payment upfront, three installments, or international wire transfer.

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Additional Information

• EU citizens with settled status in the EU Settlement Scheme will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident.
• Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
• EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
• All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise.
• Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
• Students are required to register for BABCP membership; the student rate is currently £25.
• Additional course costs include photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, and electronic devices.
• There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits, and library fines.

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For more information on postgraduate tuition fees, please visit:

www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Postgraduate/postgraduatetuiti