Program Overview

MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Counselling

Overview

The MSc programme in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Counselling is an advanced professional and clinical training for students who wish to practice as psychotherapists offering cognitive behaviour therapy and psychodynamic therapy. Having this dual track approach to understanding mental health widens opportunities to work in a wide range of mental health settings, both statutory, voluntary, and private.

Course Structure

This a hybrid course consisting of online and lectures at university on Thursday 9.00am till 3.00pm for twenty weeks and eight Friday and Saturday blocks across each year. Trainee counsellors are also required to complete 50 clinical placement hours in year one, and 100 in year two, these hours will count towards accreditation (further independent hours will be required) or registration with professional bodies such as the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and/or the British Association for Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies (BABCP).

Course Modules

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (Mandatory)
• Clinical Practice Skills (Mandatory)
• Personal and Professional Development in Counselling (Mandatory)
• Psychodynamic Counselling & Time Limited Practice (Mandatory)
• Evidence Based Practice and Research Skills (Mandatory)
• Clinical Practice Advanced (Mandatory)
• The Dissertation (Mandatory)

Entry Requirements

• An undergraduate degree and at least two years clinical experience.
• Applicants are expected to have achieved an Introductory course in Counselling.
• Students should be 21 years or over.
• Proof of a recent DBS check.
• Entry is by interview and appropriate references.
• Students will require a placement in a counselling setting that enables them to complete 100 hours of clinical practice which will commence from the second semester of year one.

Career Opportunities

Those who go onto accredit with the BABCP are highly likely to gain positions in the NHS offering CBT. All trainees who have successfully completed the course have gone on to gain employment in various agencies both in public and voluntary sector. Some have even created new roles within various agencies.

Fees and Funding

• UK Full-time Tuition Fee: £9,150 per year
• UK Part-time Tuition Fee: £1,525 per 30 credit module
• International Full-time Tuition Fee: £15,210 per year

Facilities and Resources

Whatever you choose to study, you will learn in state-of-the-art surroundings. We have invested across the University to create an environment showcasing the latest teaching facilities enabling you to achieve great things.

Your Course Team

• Birgit Ewald: Joint Course Leader for the Counselling BA, Birgit is an experienced therapist, clinical supervisor and trainer.
• Zandra Austin: Zandra is a lecturer on the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Counselling as well as a CBT therapist.
• Marta Blonska: Marta is a lecturer for the MSc in CBT & Counselling, leading modules in Personal and Professional Development and Clinical Practice Advanced.
• Jan Fish: Jan is an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with a particular interest in grief and bereavement, lecturing in CBT and Counselling at Suffolk.