Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, PG Dip

Staffordshire University, the United Kingdom

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
PG Dip	Full-time	1 year	January	find out	find out

About Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, PG Dip - at Staffordshire University

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is 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.

The Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aims to develop the theoretical knowledge, reflective abilities and practical skills of trainees on the award to enable them to become skilled and independent CBT practitioners with adults with common mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression. These aims are achieved through a combination of didactic teaching, skills practice with feedback and supervised clinical practice.

The learning outcomes for the award are based on national guidance regarding the Improving Access to Psychological Therapists (IAPT) Curriculum for High Intensity Therapists and the requirements of the BABCP.

The award is completed on a full time basis over a one year period. Although the majority of trainees on the award will have been specifically recruited as part of national IAPT initiatives places are also available to self funding individuals working outside of these services who fulfil the entry requirements.

This award 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.
The award has been developed as a collaborative venture between Staffordshire University and staff from the South Staffordshire and Shropshire Foundation NHS Trust. This collaboration between clinical and academic staff provides excellent opportunities for the integration of theory and practice within the award.
The award has achieved Level 2 Accreditation as an IAPT award with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). It therefore provides an excellent foundation for achieving BABCP accreditation on successful completion of the award.

Course content

You will study six modules in parallel during your time on the award :

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Theory and Core Skills (15 credits)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Context (15 credits)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Depression (15 credits)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Anxiety Disorders(15 credits)
Developing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practice (30 credits)
Consolidating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practice (30 credits)

Further details of these modules are given below:-

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Theory and Core Skills
This module focuses on building knowledge of the fundamental principles of CBT. Trainees are encouraged to develop a critical understanding of the theoretical and research evidence for cognitive models and an ability to evaluate the evidence. The module will enable trainees to understand how scientific principles inform CBT clinical practice and will focus on core clinical competencies (skills) necessary in undertaking CBT. This includes CBT assessment and formulation and the core aspects of the cognitive and behavioural process of therapy. The module is assessed by means of a 3000 word formulation case study based on material from clinical practice.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Context
This module focuses on the context in which cognitive behavioural therapy is undertaken with adults with common mental health difficulties. It includes coverage of the characteristics of a range of mental health difficulties and of pharmacological interventions for these conditions. The principles of mental health assessment are considered with particular emphasis on the process of risk assessment. Issues which may affect client engagement are considered with a focus on developing the ability to make decisions in complex situations according to an underpinning set of ethical principles. The module is assessed by means of a 3000 word case study based on material from clinical practice.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Depression
This module provides in depth coverage of CBT approaches for clients who are depressed. In addition to a general overview of the nature and epidemiology of depression both cognitive and behavioural approaches to working with depressed clients are reviewed. Consideration is given to the content of the evidence base supporting the use of CBT with depressed clients. The module is assessed by means of a 3000 word case study based on material from clinical practice and detailing work undertaken with a client with depression.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Anxiety Disorders
Within this module there is a review of the theory and practice of CBT interventions for people with a range of anxiety disorders including panic disorder, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, specific phobia, generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. Consideration is given content of the evidence base supporting the use of CBT interventions with people with this range of disorders. There are opportunities to watch videos and live demonstrations of experienced therapists working with people with these disorders. Assessment is by means of a 3000 word literature review.

Developing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practice
The focus of this module is on the development of clinical skills. There are a number of skills development workshops in which trainees undertake videotaped role plays of clinical sessions with clients and are offered detailed feedback regarding strengths and areas to work on. Trainees also attend regular supervision sessions regarding their work with individual clients. In order to pass the module trainees must receive a satisfactory evaluation of competence from their clinical supervisor. They must also complete a 1500 word appraisal of five publications that have shaped their clinical practice and submit a tape and process report demonstrating a session of their work with a client.

Consolidating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practice
The focus of this module is on the development of more advanced clinical skills. Trainees continue to receive regular clinical supervision sessions and to attend regular skills development workshops. To pass the module trainees must submit a tape of a client session and a process report providing evidence of their competence in undertaking cognitive behavioural therapy. They must also submit a portfolio including various samples of their work and providing evidence that they have undertaken 200 hours of supervised clinical practice with clients with a range of difficulties and that they have undergone 70 hours of clinical supervision with an appropriately qualified supervisor.
After enrolment trainees attend a 5 day induction block for the first week of the award. Trainees are then expected to attend for two teaching days per week over the first nine months of the award.

Entry requirements

In order to be admitted onto the award, you must:

Hold a relevant core profession e.g. Mental health nursing, social work, occupational therapy or clinical psychology
Candidates without a core professional training may be admitted where they can provide evidence that they fulfil the Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes(KSA) requirement of the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies(BABCP)
Have access to an appropriate work setting in which it is possible to undertake at least one day per week of face to face CBT practice and the audio/video recording of client sessions for assessment in the academic setting
Have access to a BABCP accredited workplace supervisor who can offer regular supervision
Meet the Staffordshire University required level of proficiency in English(Level 6)

All potential trainees will be interviewed and required to undertake a written assessment before being admitted to the award. Potential trainees will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary interpersonal and academic abilities to achieve the award.

We now recruit to the values of the NHS constitution. This influences our selection criteria and especially the values we are seeking to be demonstrated in both your application and interview, which we view as essential in any individual involved in working with service users.

Funding is available via NHS West Midlands to support individuals who are employed in relevant NHS, Local Authority and Third Sector mental health services in undertaking this course. Funding arrangements are as follows:-

For new posts in IAPT services - 100% salary costs (backfill) for 12 months and 100% course fees
Replacement posts in IAPT services - 100% course fees
Existing posts in non-IAPT mental health services - 100% salary costs (backfill) for 12 months and 100% course fees
Places are also available for self-funding applicants.

The closing date for 16/17 applications is 06.07.16.

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Below are some suggested courses at other providers that you may also be interested in:

Social and Behavioural Sciences BSc

Erasmus University College

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, PG Dip

Study options for this course

About Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, PG Dip - at Staffordshire University

Entry requirements

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Postgraduate pathways and pre-masters at other institutions

Other courses at Staffordshire University

Related Information