Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

The MSc in Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 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.



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

Core Modules

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)

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders (20 credits)

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

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders (20 credits)

Training supervision for the application of CBP Models and Skills for Complex Disorders (20 credits)



Optional Modules

Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)

Self-Practice / Self Reflection in CBP (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 Behaviour 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 http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB for more information.



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.

Closing date for applications: Monday 11th May 2026



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.

2 years (Part Time).

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

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.