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PgDip
British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
All our students go into employment after completing the course
Course is run with partners at the NHS and cognitive behavioural specialists
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.
Please email us at CBTCourses@staffs.ac.uk for more information.
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: PgDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
You’ll spend three days a week on placement in the West Midlands region, and two days at the University.
The award is completed on a full-time basis over a one-year period from January to January. Although the majority of trainees on the award will have been specifically recruited as part of national IAPT initiatives, places are sometimes available to self-funding individuals working outside of these services who fulfil the entry requirements.
Academic screening will take place on 12th October, please complete all applications by 10th October to be considered.
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Join Senior Lecturer Nikki for a tour around our state-of-the-art psychology facilities.
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The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.
In this module you will learn about CBT treatment interventions and treatment process competencies when working with common mental health problems. You will build theoretical knowledge and understanding of depression and anxiety disorders, including critical analysis of empirical research in cognitive theories and behavioural theories and their application in clinical practice.You will learn empirically grounded treatment intervention protocols and their application. You will develop and implement CBT treatment intervention plans for individuals with depression or anxiety disorders in your clinical practice. The module covers CBT treatment interventions recommended in clinical guidance for specific disorders including Depression, Panic Disorder, Specific Phobias, Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Illness Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Body Dysmorphia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).You will develop your knowledge of CBT treatment processes and their application. You will develop your knowledge and skills in the facilitation of client learning through treatment, maintenance of new learning from treatment and relapse prevention.
Module code: PSYC70839
In this module you will learn the underpinning history, science and theories of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). You will build on this learning by developing and applying your skills to critically analyse the development of CBT through its empirical research. You will develop your understanding of the context and framework of mental health service structure and the CBT Practitioner role within these structures. You will learn how to apply the underpinning theory of CBT in clinical practice. You will develop your skills in the essential principles for CBT structure, assessment and formulation. Linking the empirical basis of CBT to clinical practice is a key principle as a CBT Practitioner. You will develop and apply skills in use of empirical measures used to monitor CBT processes and outcomes in your clinical practice.
Module code: PSYC70840
In this module you will learn the professional, clinical and therapeutic competences required as a CBT Practitioner in line with BABCP minimum training standards (MTS) and the BABCP Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics. You will develop knowledge and understanding of professional standards, processes and frameworks used by CBT Practitioners in assessment of competence and professional development. You will develop skills in using competency measures and reflective practice. You will engage in weekly group clinical supervision in this module to effectively work with clients in clinical practice.You will learn the CBT scientist-practitioner approach through enquiry and analysis of using empirically grounded interventions in your clinical practice. The module provides experiential learning in self-practice/self-reflection through the application of CBT in our own lives and consideration of values, culture and working with difference as a CBT Practitioner.
Module code: PSYC70841
You'll need:
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.
We select to the values of the NHS values-based recruitment.
Our £30 million Science Centre in Stoke-on-Trent contains specialist laboratories with the latest state-of-the-art equipment.
The Observation Suite contains an Observation Laboratory setup with a one-way mirror, video cameras and microphones to allow activities to be observed and recorded from the Control Room.
Find out more about our Science Centre Facilities.
Find out more about our Psychology Observation Suite.
After completing the course, you’ll be equipped to work as a high-intensity cognitive behavioural therapist.
Eager for more knowledge? Upon completion, you’ll be ideally placed for further academic study at top-up Masters level.
All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.
Teaching and supervision sessions usually take place in the Learning Centre of St George’s Hospital in Stafford.
We know that everyone learns differently. So not only do we use traditional ways of teaching like lectures, we also use problem-based learning to help you apply your skills.
For this course, you'll:
Our teaching is supported through our Virtual Learning Environment called Blackboard. This means you can access a range of materials to support your lectures wherever you are.
We’ll also assign you a supervisor to support you throughout your research project.
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:
Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:
If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.
We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do.
We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.
Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments.
As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:
We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.
You'll be taught by staff who have a range of academic and industry experience.
Course Director
My professional experience includes working as a counsellor for the NHS, Douglas Macmillan Hospice and IMPACT; Aquarius alcohol agencies including counselling within the probation service.
If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.
If you've previously completed a Staffordshire University undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.
Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation
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:
Note: This could be subject to change.
Applications are not currently available for this course.
If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.
Students of Staffordshire University enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.
StudentCrowd University Awards 2022
Complete University Guide 2022
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Research Excellence Framework 2021
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