Program Overview

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MSc/PGDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Overview

This Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programme aims to provide a structured training where you can systematically acquire the knowledge and skills needed to practise as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.

Why Study CBT at Goldsmiths?

• The programme will progressively build your confidence and competence to take you from a novice to skilled practitioner.
• Both the MSc and PGDip pathways are designed as professional training in CBT, aligned with the standards of the relevant accrediting bodies.
• Uniquely on this course, students will be strongly encouraged to evaluate Cognitive Behavioural theory and practice, which will include an emphasis on understanding the relationship of CBT to other psychotherapeutic modalities and on the tailoring of interventions to individual needs.
• The course also aims to develop your understanding of the impact of contextual and structural factors, particularly in terms of the impact of inherent power differentials, upon the formation and resolution of individual psychological difficulties.

Length

• 2 years full-time for the MSc
• 1 year full-time for the PGDip

Entry Requirements

MSc Requirements

• An undergraduate degree (at least 2:2)
• Certificate in Counselling Skills/equivalent experience
• Personal suitability will be assessed by the application form, references, and a screening interview.

PGDip Requirements

• An undergraduate degree (at least 2:2) or equivalent
• Qualification and two years experience in a core profession (see list below)
• Access to an appropriate work setting where you can undertake at least three days per week of face-to-face CBT practice and the audio/video recording of client sessions for assessment in an academic setting
• Access to a BABCP-accredited workplace supervisor who can offer weekly supervision

Core Professions

• Arts therapy – Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Registered
• Counselling – Accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), National Counselling Society (NCS), Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA), or Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals’ National Counsellor Accreditation Certificate (FDAP NCAC)
• Medicine – psychiatrist or General Practitioner, MBChB or MBBS, and usually PG training with membership of MRCGP, MRCP or MRCPsych
• Nursing – NMC Registered Mental Health Nurse, or NMC Registered Learning Disability Nurse
• Occupational Therapy – BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, MSc Occupational Therapy, or Diploma of the College of Occupational Therapists (DipCOT) and HCPC Registered
• Psychotherapy/Psychotherapeutic Counselling – United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) Registered
• Social work – Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW), Diploma in Social Work (DipSW), MA Social Work, or BA/BSc Hons Social Work. Registered with one of four UK regulators - Social Work England (SWE), Social Care Wales (SCW), Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) and Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC)
• Postgraduate Doctorate in Clinical/Counselling Psychology – Accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and HCPC Registered as Practitioner Psychologist
• Educational Psychology – Doctorate or Qualification in Educational Psychology Stage 2 (QEPS) - must have BPS Chartership (CPsychol) and HCPC Registration as Practitioner Psychologist
• Health Psychology – Qualification in Health Psychology Stage 2 (QHP) - must have BPS Chartership (CPsychol) and HCPC Registration as Practitioner Psychologist
• Forensic Psychology – Qualification in Forensic Psychology Stage 2 (QFP) - must have BPS Chartership (CPsychol) and HCPC Registration as Practitioner Psychologist

Fitness to Train

You will need to meet our relevant fitness-to-train requirements to enrol on the programme. While studying, you will be required to demonstrate your fitness for practice by behaving in a professional manner at all times.

International Qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

English Language Requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme.

Fees

• Home - full-time: £11,250
• International - full-time: £20,000

Funding Opportunities

Explore the Goldsmiths scholarships finder to find out what funding you may be eligible for.

Careers

Upon completion of the post-graduation accreditation requirements, students will be able to pursue a career as CBT psychotherapist both in the public and the private sector. Some may also choose to utilise their acquired skills and pursue an academic career by enrolling onto a PhD programme.

Assessment

Knowledge and understanding is assessed primarily through written work: extended essays, case presentations, and case studies, and for the MSc in CBT this also includes a research proposal and a research dissertation.

Placements

On both pathways, you will complete a placement. It will be your responsibility to find a placement although our placement co-ordinator will offer support and advice.

Modules

MSc Pathway

• Psychological Models of Therapy 1
• Psychological Models of Therapy 2
• Therapeutic Skills
• Reflective Practitioner 1
• Advanced CBT Theory and Practice
• Advanced CBT Skills
• Supervised CBT Practice 1
• Multidisciplinary Research Methods
• Supervised CBT Practice 2, Experiential Groups and CPD Workshops
• Supervised CBT Practice 2 & CPD Workshops
• Dissertation

PGDip Pathway

• Psychological Models of Therapy 1
• Psychological Models of Therapy 2
• Therapeutic Skills
• Reflective Practitioner 1
• Advanced CBT Theory and Practice
• Advanced CBT Skills
• Supervised CBT Practice 1