Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PgDip

Buckinghamshire New University

This British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) accredited course enables you to develop your skills and qualify to practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Throughout your time on the course you will develop your understanding of CBT and the theory, research and complex issues you may have to face in a professional environment. We will help you gain the skills to support, provide care and improve the psychological wellbeing of others.

Why study this subject? Actively promoted by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), CBT is an evidence-based therapy recommended to treat a range of mental health problems. The techniques can be applied in general medical, nursing and psychological practice. So, whether your goal is to become a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist or you want to apply the techniques in a broader context, this course gives you the skills and practical training you need to be confident in theory and practice.

Why study at Buckinghamshire New University? We value our partnerships within the local community, including the West London NHS Trust, one of the largest mental health providers in the UK. The Trust is responsible for well-known institutions such as Broadmoor and other clinics treating more specific illnesses, like personality disorders.

BNU offers flexible study spread over two years, allowing you to study alongside employment and fit things around your lifestyle. Whether you're training to build skills to apply in your current role or looking to change your career path, this course ensures you can immediately apply Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques in a professional setting.

What will I study? This course demonstrates how CBT can be used effectively to tackle a diverse range of mental health disorders, from depression and panic attacks to workplace stress and anger management. You'll analyse how individuals think, in order to encourage and support the implementation of positive behavioural change.

By the time you finish the course you'll have the ability to put theory into practice. You'll begin by learning how to treat mild depression and anxiety and progress towards the treatment of more complex cases making you a confident and able practitioner of CBT.

How will I be taught and assessed? As well as being supported by expert tutors, you'll benefit from specialised workshops delivered by guest speakers to help bolster your understanding and contribute to your learning. Their expertise and real-world experience will emphasise how your qualification will benefit the improved mental health of others.

You'll be taught in lectures, workshops, with supervised practice and through practical use of our psychology laboratory. You'll contribute to group presentations and have individual tutorials meaning you'll learn different collaborative and autonomous ways of working. You'll also have access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) throughout the course where you'll be able to access online resources and participate in group forum discussions with your peers.

We encourage all of our students to spend time on personal therapy and self-reflection which is often a requirement of some placement providers to ensure any personal issues do not interfere with client work. As a practitioner, this is a helpful practice to develop and maintain throughout your professional career.

During your time on the course, you'll complete 200 hours of clinical practice for which you'll receive supervision from an external supervisor and from the course team to ensure safe and ethical practice. These 200 hours are a requirement of the BABCP.

What are my career prospects? As a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist you will be ready for a rewarding career within the NHS, private or commercial sectors. You will immediately have the ability to apply your knowledge to improve the wellbeing of others.