Psychotherapy - 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. However, 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 was a new programme for September 2019 entry, 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 in not eligible for a Tier 4 visa.

Professional Accreditations
The Postgraduate Diploma has been accredited by the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy professional body, The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) to Level 2 (meeting BABCP minimum training standards criteria for individual therapist accreditation on successful completion of the course). The programme is also accredited for social workers at the specialist award level with NISCC.

Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Teaching
Modules are provided one day per week at Queen's.

Course Structure
Students undertake 3 core modules and 1 optional module in Year 1 and 2 core modules in Year 2.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) consists of 6 x 20 credit modules, which are linked to the BABCP Minimum Training Standards for therapist accreditation (Level 2) and the Specialist Level award for social workers.

CBP 7101: Core Concepts & Skills of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Depression
This module is intended to provide an introduction to the core theories, concepts and skills of CBT, the application of the CT model to depression and the efficacy of CBT in treating Depression.

CBP7102: Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders
This module is intended to provide an overview of the core theories and skills of cognitive behavioural therapy and the efficacy of CBT in treating anxiety disorders.

CBP7103: Training Supervision of the application of CBP Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety
This module is intended to provide an introduction to the core theories, concepts and skills of CBT, the application of the CT model to depression and anxiety disorders and the efficacy of CBT in treating depression and anxiety disorders.

CBP7104: Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders
This specialist module is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the core theories and skills of CBT with complex cases and the efficacy of CBT in treating these disorders.

CBP7105: Training and supervision for the application of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders
This specialist module is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the core theories and skills of CBT with complex cases and the efficacy of CBT in treating these disorders.

HSN7076: Evidence Based Practice (optional)
The student will be introduced to the principles of Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Students will reflect upon their practice; topic of inquiry; framing searchable questions and searing for the evidence; critical appraisal of a randomised controlled trials; critical appraisal of systematic reviews and qualitative study.

SWK7106: Self-Practice / Self-Reflection in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (Optional)
This module will provide the student with a comprehensive grounding in the practice of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy self-reflective practice and related issues underpinning self-care.

Students undertake 3 core modules and 1 optional module in Year 1 and 2 core modules in Year 2.

Graduate
All applicants will be interviewed for the PG Diploma by Programme Directors from both the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work and should:

• Hold a Lower Second Class Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a cognate area or equivalent professional qualification[s);

• Have at least two years clinical/practice experience in a statutory or independent mental health or related setting where applicants have worked with mood and anxiety disorders;

• Provide evidence of prior basic knowledge of psychological therapies preferably CBT;

• Be currently employed in a clinical or practice setting within a suitable 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, such as counsellors, will be expected to provide a portfolio of evidence and references to demonstrate suitable core knowledge, skills and attitudes in line with KSA guidelines produced by BABCP.

The programme is not suitable for TIER 4 international students.

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

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: 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.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 16th May 2022, 5.00pm.

Presentation or practical demonstration
Written assessment
Clinical practice portfolio
Videoed clinical work

2 academic years part-time.

Contact Teaching Hours
Medium Group Teaching
12 (hours maximum)
Classes will be delivered both face to face and online.

Entry year 2020

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.

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.