Tuition Fee

GBP 21,500

Per year

Start Date

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

2 years

Details

Program Details

Degree

Masters

Major

Clinical Psychology | Clinical Research

Area of study

Health

Education type

On campus

Timing

Part time

Course Language

English

Tuition Fee

Average International Tuition Fee

GBP 21,500

Intakes

Program start date	Application deadline
2025-09-01	-

About Program

Program Overview

Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MSc)

Overview

The MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Trauma) provides both clinical and research skills training to promote evidence-based practice in mental health care. You may study for the Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) over 18 months to obtain the minimum training qualification accredited by The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) to practice as a CBT therapist or apply directly to this MSc which is offered over 2 years. The MSc adds to the PG Dip modules an applied specialist clinical module for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and related disorders including research methods training designed to facilitate clinical research and encourage therapists to publish in academic journals.

Course Structure

The MSc is delivered part-time over two years and provides training in the evidence-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy models that are recommended in NICE guidelines. The programme consists of six modules (PG Dip modules) which are linked to the BABCP Minimum Training Standards for CBT accreditation (Level 2) and in addition an applied clinical module on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with a research component (60 credits). The MSc is awarded to students who successfully complete four taught modules (120 CATS points) and a specialist MSc assessment (60 CATS points). Taught modules are delivered one day per week over 4 x 12-week semesters. Students must attend small group training supervision sessions at Queen’s. Where possible, these will be delivered during the teaching days. They are designed to facilitate the integration of research and theory with practice, and the development of skills in CBT. Clinical accountability for CBT clinical practice remains with the agency responsible for the patients. During the taught modules (first 18 months), training supervision is provided each morning in small groups before teaching commences. Teaching and supervision are provided and trainees should plan for a second day to provide therapy with clients, receive supervision at base and critically review their own performance. Trainees will be expected to provide therapy with a minimum of 8 clients during the course and also arrange their own clinical supervision within the agency providing the clients for the trainee. Therapy sessions should be recorded on camera for supervision purposes and to facilitate self-reflection on practice development. The MSc research teaching is provided to cover an introduction to research methods and to enable the student to produce a research project for the MSc in year 2. The clinical component of the specialist MSc module is an applied specialist clinical module for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and related disorders and is provided over 12 weeks in the spring semester in year 2. Clinical accountability for CBT clinical practice with trauma clients remains with the agency responsible for the patients. MSc students will also complete further training in research methods. The specialist MSc assessment will be based on assessment of the following components which must all be passed to receive the MSc award: one PTSD therapy session recorded on camera, two PTSD case studies, a research/literature review/project. Training supervision will be provided by the Queen’s teaching team and agency supervision will be provided by CBT Agency staff.

People teaching you

Dr Michael Duffy

Teaching Times

2 Year Route: 1 day per week over 4 x 12 week semesters 1 Year Route: Semester 1 – 3 x 1 day workshops; Semester 2 – 1 day per week x 12 weeks

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Teaching Times: The modules are provided one day per week at Queen's.
VLE: Access to lecture notes and teaching material is provided via Canvas.

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

Essays, case studies, case presentations, supervision, DVD-recorded clinical sessions supervision, portfolio, research project.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces. Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour: The Graduate School

What our academics say

“The Specialist MSc in CBT (Trauma) is designed to train staff in the treatment of PTSD and trauma related disorders using psychological therapies that have a strong evidence base. The course will help to increase the skill base of mental health staff to practice at this specialist level.” Dr Michael Duffy, Programme Director

Modules

Year 1

Core Modules

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders (20 credits)
Training supervision for the application of CBP Models and Skills for Complex Disorders (20 credits)
Training Supervision - application of CBP Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety Disorders. (20 credits)
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders (20 credits)
Appraisal and Application of CBT for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & Other Trauma Related Disorders (60 credits)
Core Concepts and Skills of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Depression (20 credits)

Optional Modules

Self-Practice / Self Reflection in CBP (20 credits)
Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

A 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a cognate area or equivalent professional qualification(s) and at least two years clinical practice experience in a statutory or independent mental health or related setting. All applicants must: Provide evidence of prior basic knowledge of psychological therapies preferably Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Be currently employed in a clinical or practice setting within an organisation providing therapeutic or counselling services, and Be in a role for the duration of the Programme to access a suitable client group for practice and supervision purposes. Applicants from a non-core profession must provide a portfolio of evidence and references to demonstrate suitable core knowledge, skills and attitudes in line with KSA guidelines produced by The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). All eligible applicants will be interviewed. Late applications may be considered. Progression from the Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) onto the MSc will be subject to successfully completing all PG Dip modules and assessment of suitability for study of research methods and advanced CBT practice, which must be approved by the Course Director. Applicants with a relevant PG Dip in CBT may apply for Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL) under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy. This will exempt them from the first year of the MSc in Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Trauma) (80 CATS points). Applicants applying under the RPCL Policy must provide a record of modular content of prior PG Dip in CBT training and relevant CPD. Please visit for more information. Closing date for applications: Monday 12th May 2025 Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region. Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia And Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Mainland Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (SAR) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka St Vincent And The Grenadines Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay USA Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Career Prospects

Introduction

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy services are an expanding area of mental health services due to an increasing demand for evidence-based psychological therapies. Graduates of this specialist MSc can apply for professional employment as fully accredited Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapists, practice in trauma at a specialist CBT level and are able to undertake clinical research with a view to publishing in academic and professional journals. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £7,300
---|---
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £7,300
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £9,250
EU Other 3 | £21,500
International | £21,500

MSc (T) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a 2 year course and fees shown are for each year.

1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Students are required to register for BABCP membership, the student rate costs £25. BABCP accreditation is optional for all students and would normally be applied for at the end of training at the PG Diploma level.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus

Course location

Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

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Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy