Cognitive Behavioural Therapy MSc/PGDip
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy MSc/PGDip
Overview
This course is closed to international applicants for 2026 entry.
The Cognitive Behavioural Therapy MSc/PGDip aims to provide students with a clear understanding of cognitive-behavioural concepts, models, and methods by focusing on the evidence-based treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to work as therapists with the ability and confidence to use what they have learned in a safe and effective way.
Why Choose This Course?
- Fully accredited by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) as an IAPT level 2 course.
- Expert teaching from a team of accredited and experienced Cognitive Behavioural Therapists.
- 96% of our submitted research was judged to be World-Leading or Internationally Excellent, and our research environment was rated 100% World-Leading (Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021).
Course Content
The first five modules are delivered on a full-time basis (for both MSc and PGDip pathways).
For the MSc, students will undertake the dissertation module in year 2. This is to be completed on a part-time basis within four years.
Students must complete the PGDip at the University of Nottingham first. They will then have the option to complete the dissertation module to gain the MSc qualification.
The PGDip takes place over ten months and the MSc takes four years on a part-time basis.
Modules
- Year one
- Assessment and Formulation Skills in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits)
- Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits)
- Behavioural Theory and Clinical Interventions (20 credits)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders and Depression 1 (40 credits)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders and Depression 2: Complexity (20 credits)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Dissertation Project (for MSc award) (60 credits)
Learning and Assessment
How You Will Learn
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- eLearning
- Workshops
- Patient scenarios
- Role play
How You Will Be Assessed
- Essay
- Case studies
- Critical analysis and reflection
- Recorded counselling sessions
- Portfolio (written/digital)
- Critical review
Entry Requirements
- Home / UK students
- Alternative qualifications
Undergraduate Degree
Applicants must have at least a second class (2:2) UK honours degree in a related subject and be working in mental health and social care or associated independent sector agencies.
Professional Qualification
Students need a core profession relating to mental health or can go through the Knowledge, Skills & Attitudes (KSA) Route to Accreditation and provide a portfolio as outlined on the BABCP website. KSA requirements must be met if candidates do not have a core profession recognised by the BABCP.
Additional Information
Students will normally require a first degree in a related subject or demonstrate equivalence and an ability to study at postgraduate level.
Fees
Qualification | PGDip | MSc top-up (dissertation only) ---|---|--- Home / UK | To be confirmed | To be confirmed International | To be confirmed | To be confirmed
Funding
This course (the PGDip) is usually employer-funded, which means students can choose to top it up to a full MSc if they complete the dissertation (this is usually self-funded by students). The cost for this is £3,160.
Careers
- Careers advice
- Job prospects
- Accreditation
The course enables students to develop their knowledge and practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills, allowing them to work as a CBT (high intensity) practitioner.
Completion of this programme goes entirely towards meeting the requirements of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) for the training element of practitioner accreditation. If students are seeking accreditation, it is important to ensure that they will fully meet all requirements (available on the BABCP website).
Career Progression
98.6% of postgraduates from the School of Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £25,986 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2020).
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Entry Requirements:
Home / UK students
- Undergraduate degree: Applicants must have at least a second class (2:2) UK honours degree in a related subject and be working in mental health and social care or associated independent sector agencies.
- Professional qualification: You need a core profession relating to mental health or can go through the Knowledge, Skills & Attitudes (KSA) Route to Accreditation and provide a portfolio as outlined on the BABCP website. KSA requirements must be met if candidates do not have a core profession recognised by the BABCP.
International students
This course is closed to international applicants for 2024 entry.