Program Overview

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Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Grad Cert

Overview

The Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) programme provides the formal training required to qualify as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.

The programme was developed from a governmental white paper that discussed the devastating effect that depression and anxiety disorders have on individuals, their families and society.

The training is a combination of teaching, skills practice, directed reading, online learning, workshops, clinical seminar skills groups and clinical practice under supervision in an NHS-funded service.

Students on the programme will have a training contract as a trainee PWP within an NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service, where they will deliver low-intensity cognitive behavioural interventions for anxiety and depression.

The training programme is of nine-month duration, consisting of one day per week of university teaching and four days per week working in their service employer.

The course programme consists of three core modules (20 credits each) which are based on the National Curriculum for the Education of Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners.

All places on the programme are linked to a trainee job so successful applicants must apply for and secure a PWP trainee post as well as apply to the University of Bradford.

Professional Accreditation

Our undergraduate psychology degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), assuring the quality of our teaching and your degree.

Entry Requirements

At Bradford, we take into consideration a number of factors when assessing your application.

Below outlines the typical entry requirements for this course. If you’re not sure and want to check if your qualifications would be suitable, fill in an enquiry form at the bottom of this page.

English GCSE Grade 4 (old C) or above (or equivalent) - other academic qualifications of an equivalent standard and work experience and achievements at work demonstrating the ability to study successfully can be taken into account.

Work Experience Requirements

All students on this programme must have successfully applied and have gained a PWP training contract with an NHS Talking Therapies service provider.

Candidates must demonstrate core interpersonal and engagement competence and an awareness and understanding of common mental health conditions.

Candidates are required to have two prior years of paid or voluntary experience in a mental health setting, which can include experience drawn from personal life.

Your Learning Journey

All module information is for 2025 entry, and is subject to change.

First Year

Core

• Engagement and Assessment of Patients with Common Mental Health Problems
• Evidence-Based Low Intensity Treatment for Common Mental Health Disorders
• Values, Diversity and Context
• PWP Clinical Practice Outcomes Portfolio

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The programme is delivered over 45 days - one day per week. 25-30 days are delivered as theoretical learning and skills practice, and 15-20 days as directed practice-based learning. There is one module for the placement hours.

Directed practice-based learning tasks include:

• shadowing/observation
• role play/practice with peers of assessment and interventions
• self-practice of interventions with reflections (i.e. applying techniques to issues from your own life)
• directed problem-based learning

Contact and Supervision Hours

You will complete a minimum of 80 clinical contact hours with patients (face-to-face or by telephone) within an IAPT service as a requirement of your training.

You will also undertake a minimum of 40 hours of supervision, of which 20 hours will be case management supervision and 20 hours will be clinical skills supervision.

These hours are in addition to the academic training.

Learning Technologies

A variety of learning technologies are used on the programme, including team-based learning, online learning platforms, online videos, and independent learning options.

Career Prospects

This programme provides the formal training required to qualify as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP).

The NHS provides employment after the completion of the programme.

The NHS has a preceptorship programme for newly-qualified PWPs.

A preceptorship is a structured period of transition for a newly-qualified practitioner, during which you are supported by an experienced practitioner to develop your confidence and refine your skills.

After qualifying, you are likely to be offered a position within the trust and paid a salary of £24,907 for the first two years.

You will also have access to the NHS pension scheme, health service discounts, and 27 days of annual leave - plus bank holidays.

As a qualified and experienced PWP you can apply for more senior posts with additional management or leadership responsibilities, or a clinical specialism.

Career Opportunities

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes.

Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies.

Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Support for Your Studies

At Bradford, we’re committed to supporting your success, well-being and future ambitions.

We’re here to provide everything you need to make the most of your time with us, ensuring you not only excel in your studies, but also step confidently into the world of graduate employment.

In addition to the support you receive from your academic tutors, our Student Support Services are here for you throughout your journey - before, during, and after your studies.