Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapy

Overview

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health disorders experienced by all ages. Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapy (CBP) is currently the key recommended psychological treatment for these and other mental health conditions. It is essential that practitioners are prepared with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to deliver CBP competently. This course is written to the requirements of the lead organisation in the UK which sets the competency standards for Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy. The teaching at the University is of the highest standard. This course will fundamentally alter the way clinicians work in practice.‌



The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy is jointly offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work. It is a rationalisation of two separate postgraduate diplomas in CBP/CBT which were previously offered by the two Schools. The programme meets the minimum training requirements for accreditation as a CBP therapist by the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).



Please note that this course is not eligible for a Student route visa.

Core Modules

Core Concepts and Skills of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Depression (20 credits)

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders (20 credits)

Training Supervision - application of CBP Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety Disorders. (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)

Entrance requirements

Applicants must hold a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a cognate area, such as Mental Health Nursing, Psychiatry, Applied Psychology or equivalent recognised professional qualification(s).



In addition, you should have:

• At least two years' clinical practice / experience in a relevant area (statutory or independent sector) working with clients with mood and anxiety disorders, AND

• Be employed in clinical practice in a suitable area (where CBT approaches are employed) with the support of your management for study on the course, AND

• Have access to a minimum of eight suitable clients and supervision by an experienced BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist while on placement in your own clinical area.



The eight clients must represent a minimum of at least three different types of mental health condition.

• A minimum of four cases will have been closely supervised.

• You must have access to your supervisor and be under supervision while you are seeing clients.

• You must spend a minimum of one hour per week engaged in face-to-face supervision; some of this must be ‘live’ supervision.

• All assessment and therapy sessions, with client consent, must be video recorded; this is both for supervision and assessment purposes and meets the requirement for ‘live’ supervision.



Applications are accepted from non-core professions such as counsellors. Non-core professionals, however, will be required to provide a portfolio of evidence in line with KSA guidelines as provided by the BABCP. Applicants who meet the academic criteria but who are non-core and unable to provide KSA evidence will be required to enter through the School's KSA pathway. In this instance if all other requirements are met the applicant will be offered a place on the one-year certificate programme to allow time for the KSA portfolio to be completed. On successful completion of this course and the completion of the KSA portfolio, the student will normally then be eligible for application to the PG Dip programme.



Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements should contact CPADSNAM@qub.ac.uk for advice.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 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: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Late applications may be considered.



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.

Presentation or practical demonstration

Written assessment

Clinical practice portfolio

Videoed clinical work

2 years (Part Time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy services are an expanding area of mental health services due to an increasing demand for evidence-based psychological therapies. The award of the PG Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy will enable students to apply for professional employment as fully accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists.



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