Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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.



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



Closing date for applications: Monday 13th May 2024.



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.

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.



Year 1

Core Modules

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

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

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders (20 credits)

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

Appraisal and Application of CBT for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & Other Trauma Related Disorders (60 credits)

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders (20 credits)



Optional Modules

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

Evidence Based Practice (20 credits)

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/RPLpolicy for more information.



Closing date for applications: Monday 13th May 2024



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 Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below: Essays, case studies, case presentations, supervision, DVD-recorded clinical sessions supervision, portfolio, research project.

2 years (Part Time).

Entry Year: 2024/25

Career Prospects

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.



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