MSc Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (BABCP accredited) (incorporating PG Cert/PG Dip)
Why choose this course?
- The current course is a level two fully accredited British Association of Behavioural Cognitive Psychotherapy programme.
- You'll become an autonomous Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist.
- We've got a highly committed, qualified and experienced lecturing team.
- We may be able to offer help with your supervision and placement, if necessary.
- It's part time training but can be offered as full time in special circumstances.
- There are opportunities for interprofessional learning.
Fact file
Start date: September (UK and EU students)
Course length: part time: two-three years. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to complete in two years full time at the discretion of the programme leader.
Campus: Kedleston Road site, Derby Campus
Faculty: Education, Health and Science
This course is available to international students
About this course
This programme focuses on your personal and professional development by:
- Increasing your theoretical understanding
- Enhancing your clinical and professional skills
- Increasing your awareness to become a 'reflective practitioner' operating from a scientific evidence base
- Deepening personal insight.
It will help you to:
- Develop your understanding of the theoretical, social, cultural and ideological contexts in which your clients perceive, confront and manage problems
- Engage in an in-depth consideration and analysis of the major trends and orientations within Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP)
- Adopt an informed and critical approach to the professionalisation of psychotherapy with particular reference to ethical issues
- Identify and use appropriate sources of supervision within CBP practice
- Develop your skills in the delivery of CBP
- Undertake a piece of research or project related to the theory and practice of CBP.
The teaching and learning strategy is mainly problem based learning but will vary depending on the nature of the subject.
This course is occupationally focused and helps you to become a highly skilled cognitive behavioural psychotherapist with exceptional communication and networking skills. At the same time,the programme informs and directs your practice through critical reflection and the interpretation of research findings.
Entry requirements
These normally include an undergraduate degree in a related topic plus some psychotherapy experience; related professional qualifications (such as Mental Health Nursing, Social Work), plus evidence of ability to function at degree level; qualifications in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Those with a minor qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, or substantive experience in supervised practice, may be eligible for entry via the system of Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).
To be considered for APL, please complete the normal application forms and return with a covering letter. Entry is normally subject to interview.
You'll also need:
- To be working in the health and social care field in either public, private or voluntary sector.
- A relevant degree or relevant degree-level training if you don't work in a care profession in the health and social care field
- To show us that you've met BABCP care professional requirements (KSA).
- A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required at the point of accepting a place at the University. The Disclosure and Barring Service was established when the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged in 2012 and will now provide the criminal records checking service for this programme.
- If English is not your first language, you will need to hold IELTS 7.0.
How to apply
Fees and finance
This is a specialist course.
UK/EU students
- £815 per module (you usually take 9 of these modules in total)
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
How you will learn
How you're assessed
The assessment strategy employed reflects both the learning and teaching strategy and the professional nature of the programme. It therefore includes the following elements:
- Critical case studies that examine students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge into clinical practice.
- Videotapes of clinical practice combined with critical analysis of own performance which examines the student's ability to use and adapt high level skills into clinical practice and to critique their own performance.
- A professional, reflective portfolio which indicates their ability to apply research findings into the clinical arena, problem solve and evaluate outcomes.
- Written assignments to test academic, critical and higher order writing skills.
- Clinical examination to test professional judgement, reasoning and the ability to defend critical decision-making.
- Measures of clinical competency used by both the Clinical Supervisor and Programme Leader to identify and endorse the development of competency in practice.
Careers and employability
The government formally recognises the need for practitioners in cognitive psychotherapy.
Graduates from this programme have been able to secure employment in the NHS, Primary Care, Social services, Probation services, education, voluntary and private sectors. Others have taken up research posts or gone on to Doctoral level training.
What our students say
"Hard work-but very rewarding!" Deborah Morgan
"My academic training at the University of Derby was of the highest calibre."
"Being left with a wanting for more knowledge is in my opinion a sign of a truly skilled teacher."
"A great course, the staff are committed, hardworking and supportive."
"Don't come on this course unless you are prepared to be challenged."
"This is the first time that anybody has followed through with a support plan for my dyslexia."
