Program Overview

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapies for Psychosis PG Dip

Key information

Study mode: Distance Learning Duration: 24 months part-time Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 120/ECTS 60 Application status: Closed Start date: January 2024

Key benefits

• The Internationally renowned centre for the development and evaluation of cognitive behavioural interventions for people with psychosis, offers unrivalled access to current innovations in practice and research.
• Close supervision with expert practitioners develops students' ability to become skilled and creative independent practitioners of CBT for Psychosis.
• Develops students' skills in training and supervising other professionals and thus improves the provision of CBT for Psychosis in students' own work settings.

Course essentials

The courses have been developed with the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) and designed in accordance with the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence Schizophrenia Guideline psychological therapy recommendations (NICE, 2003, 2014). The purpose of the courses is to improve the delivery of cognitive behavioural interventions for people with psychosis. These are complex therapeutic interventions and require of independent practitioners an advanced theoretical understanding of cognitive models of psychosis and specialist post-qualification skills in relationship building, assessment, formulation and intervention. Our courses train students in each of these requirements, enabling them to develop competence then mastery in therapy delivery, and to provide consultancy, training and supervision to others. The courses are modular, following a credit framework. Students complete four modules for the Diploma. It is possible to complete modules individually as a short course, or combine two modules to exit with a Certificate award. Two clinical skills modules build from early therapy activities (Engagement, Assessment & Formulation – Module 1) through to intervention and specialised applications (Intervention & Supervised Practice; Module 2). Two ‘theory into practice’ modules develop understanding and promote implementation allowing specialisation in different approaches and at a supervisory level (Theory into Practice I and II). Case supervision is strongly emphasised for Diploma students, weekly morning supervision sessions take place in small groups (four to five) on the teaching day with all supervision carried out by the programme team. Additional close supervision (listening to audio recordings of therapy sessions) is a course requirement. We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.

Base campus

Denmark Hill Campus Home to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.

Regulating bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

All applicants need to demonstrate the ability to work effectively at master's level, and an interest in and enthusiasm for psychological approaches to working with people with psychosis.

PG Dip applicants must also have a recognised professional mental health qualification obtained by a formal examination, with post qualification experience of working with people with severe and enduring mental health problems, and be based in the NHS (or equivalent) with access to suitable clients.

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

The course begins with three introductory intensive one-day workshops, which aim to provide students with an overview of the model, therapeutic style and content of initial sessions. This is usually a refresher for more experienced students and sets the scene for identifying students' individual learning targets and goals. Teaching modules are examined by assignments – audio recordings, case reports and practice portfolios for the clinical modules; essays and research presentations for the academic modules. Clinical students will be required to work with at least four clients for at least 16 sessions from assessment to completion or termination of therapy over the duration of the programme.

Course Format

• Therapy Skills I: Assessment and Formulation
  • Lectures (15 hours)
  • Seminars/Tutorials (37 hours)
  • Supervised learning/Self study time (248 hours)
• Therapy Skills II: Intervention and Supervised Practice
  • Lectures (15 hours)
  • Seminars/Tutorials (37 hours)
  • Supervised learning/Self study time (248 hours)
• Theoretical Background I: Psychological Models
  • Lectures (45 hours)
  • Seminars/Tutorials (15 hours)
  • Supervised learning/Self study time (240 hours)
• Theoretical Background II: Interventions Efficacy and Future Directions
  • Lectures (45 hours)
  • Seminars/Tutorials (15 hours)
  • Supervised learning/Self study time (240 hours)
• Supervised Practice in CBT for Psychosis
  • Lectures (30 hours)
  • Seminars/Tutorials (40 hours)
  • Supervised learning/Self study time (230 hours)
• Supervisory Training and Revised Dissemination in CBT for Psychosis
  • Lectures (30 hours)
  • Seminars/Tutorials (40 hours)
  • Supervised learning/Self study time (230 hours)

Contact time is based on 24 academic weeks. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Learning outcomes

Course purpose

The courses deliver the clinical skills and theoretical background to work creatively and effectively with people with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis.

The Postgraduate Diploma in cognitive behavioural interventions for psychosis (CBTp) is designed for qualified mental health practitioners and covers both the clinical skills and theoretical background required to become an innovative and successful practitioner. Individual modules may be suitable for people working in mental health but without a mental health qualification: please enquire regarding eligibility before applying. Students attend supervision, seminars and workshop teaching in order to acquire a detailed understanding of psychological models and interventions, together with their evidence base, and their application in practice.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.

• Examination (50%)
• Coursework (30%)
• Practical (20%)

The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.

Structure

Required modules

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take: Postgraduate Diploma – modules totalling 120 credits You are required to choose from the following modules:

• Therapy Skills I: Assessment & Formulation (30 credits)
• Therapy Skills II: Intervention & Supervised Practice (30 credits)
• Theory into Practice I (specific pathway) (30 credits)
• Theory into Practice II (specific pathway) (30 credits)

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Careers

Employability

Graduates go on to deliver specialised CBT for Psychosis within their clinical services. Career progression to therapy practitioner or supervisor/manager/trainer is common following successful completion of the course. Academic training equips graduates with the skills to develop their own research ideas and to undertake teaching in their local institutions. Qualification for practitioner accreditation with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) after successfully completing the programme will depend upon your prior experience.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK: Full time: N/A, Part time: N/A
• International: Full time: N/A, Part time: N/A

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you are a current King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies
• Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
• Library fees and fines
• Personal photocopies
• Printing course handouts
• Society membership fees
• Stationary
• Graduation costs
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.