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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
Duration
12 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Clinical Psychology | Psychology
Area of study
Health
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

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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Total programs
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Average ranking globally
#102
Average ranking in the country
#9
Admission Requirements

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.

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