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Queen's University Belfast

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Overview
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is recognised internationally as an effective psychological treatment for many emotional and mental disorders. The UK NICE guidelines recommends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for a number of conditions including depression, anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

In Northern Ireland the DHSSPS Psychological Therapies Strategy has endorsed the principle of stepped care for mental health services and recognised the need for more evidence-based psychological interventions such Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at step care level 3 and above.

This Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) provides theoretical and skills training to meet the minimum training required by British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) for accreditation to practice as a CBT therapist.

Entry requirements

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 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 The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

All eligible applicants will be interviewed.

International students will need local placements to access clients for clinical training. Whilst these placements should normally be arranged by the applicants the university will try to negotiate a limited number of placements with local H&SC agencies.

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents please select Your Country from the list on our International Students website.

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.

Duration

2 years part-time.

Learning and Teaching
The four PG Diploma modules are provided one day per week (2 per semester). Small group supervision is provided in the morning followed by workshop teaching for the remainder of the day.

Careers or further progression

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. 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.

Further enquiries

Dr Michael Duffy
Senior Lecturer
School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work
Email: michael.duffy@qub.ac.uk

Subjects taught

Course Details
The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) consists of 4 x 30 credit modules, which are linked to the BABCP Minimum Training Standards for therapist accreditation (Level 2) and the Specialist Level award for social workers.

• Application of CBT Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety
• Core Concepts and Skills of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Depression)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
• Other Specific and Complex Disorders

In Year 1, the Application of CBT Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety module is the supervision module that runs in parallel with the first two modules, CBT for Depression and CBT for Anxiety Disorders. CBT for other Specific and Complex Orders in Semester 1 of Year 2 incorporates both teaching and supervision.

Comment

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy highlights
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.

Internationally Renowned Experts
• The teaching team is comprised of a multi-disciplinary group of accredited skilled Cognitive Behavioural Therapy staff currently involved in clinical practice and research.

Assessment method

Essays, case studies, case presentations, supervision, DVD-recorded clinical sessions, portfolio.

Application date

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 31st July 2018.
Late applications may be considered.

Postgraduate Taught
Closing dates do apply for some of our courses, and details of these are available on our Course Finder. We advise you to apply as early as possible, particularly for those courses where there is a high demand for places. Early application is also important for international applicants to allow sufficient time to obtain a student entry visa.

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. See application weblink below.