Program Overview

Introduction to the Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Severe Mental Health Problems) is a two-year course providing training in the core competencies required to become a competent CBT therapist, with specialist training for Severe Mental Health Problems.

About the Course

This course is designed to enable students to meet the minimum training standards for British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) accreditation as a CBT psychotherapist. It is currently BABCP accredited at Level 1 and is seeking Level 2 accreditation.

Course Objectives

On successful completion of the course, students should expect to have achieved the following:

1. A sound knowledge of cognitive behavioural models, concepts, and methods.
2. An understanding of issues of importance relating to the theory and practice of CBT.
3. Competence to establish and maintain warm, respectful, collaborative therapeutic relationships.
4. Competence in assessing and treating patients using CBT.
5. The ability to convey clearly to clients and others the central concepts of CBT and how CBT interventions work.

Course Structure

The course structure will vary according to the specialist pathway chosen. The course will begin with five days of teaching over the first two weeks and one day per week (Fridays) thereafter. The majority of the teaching will take place online, with some in-person teaching days in Oxford.

Year One

In the first term, students will learn the core skills of CBT relevant to working with clients presenting with single and more common mental health problems. As the course progresses, students will build on these foundations to develop skills for working with presentations characterized by issues associated with greater complexity.

Year Two

The structure of the second year will vary according to the specialist pathway chosen. Students will undertake one of the following two specialisms:

• Specialism 1: Psychological Trauma and Personality Development
• Specialism 2: Psychosis and Bipolar

Clinical Practice

Students will be responsible for sourcing suitable adult training cases to enable them to complete the clinical practice elements and assessments for the course. Students will also be responsible for arranging regular CBT supervision for their training cases from a qualified CBT practitioner.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre. Small group supervision takes place regularly in each of the specialist pathways.

Assessment

Summative assessment requirements vary according to the specialism chosen. Assessments include case presentations, clinical recordings, case reports, and training portfolios.

Entry Requirements

• A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in a relevant subject.
• At least two years' post-qualification clinical experience.
• Qualified members of one of the main National Health Service professions.
• English language proficiency at the University's higher level.

Funding and Costs

• Annual course fees: ｣8,420 (Home and Overseas).
• Additional costs: travel and accommodation expenses for in-person teaching sessions.
• Living costs: students will need to ensure they have adequate funds to support their living costs for the duration of the course.

College Preference

Students who enroll on this course will not be matriculated and will not become a member of an Oxford college.

How to Apply

• Application fee: ｣75 (waivers available for eligible applicants).
• Supporting documents: transcripts, statement of purpose, and references.
• Interviews: shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, which may be held in person or online.