Course summary
The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy develops your theoretical knowledge, reflective abilities and practical skills to enable you to become a skilled and independent practitioner with adults with common mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy based on the theory that psychological symptoms develop and are maintained as a result of the interaction between the thoughts, emotions and behavioural responses of the individual. In cognitive behavioural therapy the therapist and client work collaboratively to identify and change thoughts and behaviours that may be maintaining symptoms. This course has been developed as part of the national Improving Access to Psychological Therapies initiative, which aims to increase the availability of qualified high-intensity cognitive behavioural therapists. It’s a collaborative venture between the University and staff from the South Staffordshire and Shropshire Foundation NHS Trust. This collaboration provides excellent opportunities to integrate theory and practice within the award. The learning outcomes for the course are based on national guidance regarding the Improving Access to Psychological Therapists (IAPT) Curriculum for High Intensity Therapists and the requirements of the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). The course has consistently achieved 100% student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey. On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: PgDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Work placements You’ll spend three days a week on placement in the West Midlands region, and two days at the University.
Assessment method
There are two types of assessments: practice (also called formative) or formal (also called summative). Practice assessments don’t count towards your final mark. These are your chance to test your understanding – and learn how to improve for the real thing. You’ll have formal assessments at the end of each module. These could include: Case studies; Assessed therapy; Sessions; Portfolios; Presentations.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
Entry requirements
You'll need: To hold a relevant core profession e.g. mental health nursing, social work, occupational therapy or clinical psychology. If you don’t have a core professional training, you may be admitted if you can provide evidence that you fulfil the Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) requirement of the BABCP prior to the start of the course. This will be assessed at interview. Access to an appropriate work setting where you can undertake at least three days per week of face-to-face CBT practice and the audio/video recording of client sessions for assessment in an academic setting. Access to a BABCP-accredited workplace supervisor who can offer weekly supervision. To meet the Staffordshire University required level of proficiency in English – IELTS Level 7 or equivalent. You’ll be required to undertake a written assessment and an interview before being admitted to the course. You’ll also need to demonstrate that you have the necessary interpersonal and academic abilities to achieve the award.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Course fees for each course can be found on the relevant course page on our website: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/.
Further details about postgraduate fees and funding can be found here: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/fees-and-funding.
Provider information
Staffordshire University
College Road
Stoke on Trent
ST4 2DE