Do you want to help treat depression and anxiety in others? If you already work in the health sector, why not expand your skills through training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy? We have an excellent history of producing professional CBT practitioners, working with clinical partners in Lancashire and Cumbria to support students in developing their practice. You'll learn everything you need to be a successful provider of CBT, able to work with clients to help them achieve the most from their therapy, and advance your career options through our fully accredited course.
Please note that to be considered for this course you must have have applied to and been selected for an appropriate role by the NHS.
Graduate destinations
You'll be able to apply for accreditation as a Cognitive Behaviour therapist with the British Association of Behaviour and Cognitive Psychotherapists. You can use your skills as a CBT professional or join the NHS as a High Intensity Worker in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Services.
Our course also offers the chance to undertake a supervised research project which will be written up as part of your studies, and which may later be published in an appropriate academic journal. There are also entry points for the Postgraduate Diploma Advanced Practice in CBT and Postgraduate Certificate Evidence Based Psychological Approaches (CBT).
Course outline
Course summary
This is a masters level programme for suitably qualified individuals working within health and social care settings who wish to develop their practice skills in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Our course strives to link theory and practice, enabling you to conceptualise underpinning theories and principles with practices in your own work setting.
This High Intensity IAPT programme is mapped against the BABCP minimum training standards. Individuals who successfully complete the level II BABCP accredited training programme will be eligible to apply for BABCP accreditation.
Modules
Year one
Compulsory modules
- Fundamentals of CBT
- CBT for Anxiety Disorders 1
- CBT for Depression
- Advanced Supervision of CBT Practice 1
- Advanced Supervision of CBT Practice 2
- CPT for Anxiety Disorders 2
- QPU Advanced Practice of CBT
Programme Specification
Programme specification
For a detailed summary of all course content please read our programme specification for this course.
Assessment, Feedback, and Teaching and Learning methods
Full details are available in the programme specification.
Timetables
The teaching timetable should be available from the end of August. Access to the timetable is through the Student Hub – you will be able to access the Student Hub after you have completed online registration. The teaching day is 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday; please keep your other commitments open until confirmation of your teaching timetable, and bear in mind that many courses will offer placements or fieldwork which sometimes extends into the evenings and weekends.
Entry requirements
Have a question about our entry requirements?
Entry Requirements
1st or 2nd class honours degree.
Students with other qualifications may be admitted to the course, please contact the Enquiry Centre for further details.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) may be considered for relevant prior learning at the same academic level.
Selection criteria
Normally applicants will be required to hold an honours degree classification 2ii or above in a cognate mental health core profession, such as nursing, psychology, occupational therapy or social work. For applicants who do not meet this requirement, non-standard entry criteria will apply via the KSA route (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes). It is expected that such candidates will have evidence of successful study at level 6 (or equivalent) within the preceding 5 years.
Students will require DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance. This will be conducted in the placement area(s) in accordance with their legal requirements.
To train as a CBT High Intensity Practitioner through the IAPT programme you must obtain a training position within one of the local Trusts. The NHS Trusts advertise IAPT HI trainee posts each year through the NHS Jobs website. If you are successful in obtaining a trainee post within the NHS you will then be invited to apply for the PgD Advanced Practice in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to complete the theoretical part of your IAPT training programme.
Application information
Making your application
Applications should be made online directly to the university - visit our website or contact enquirycentre@cumbria.ac.uk for details and guidance. There is no official closing date but we would encourage you to apply as early as possible, as many courses are competitive.
What makes a good application?
We consider all aspects of your application, not simply your qualifications and grades. We look at your academic background and performance, relevant experience (particularly for professional courses where some voluntary or paid experience is required) and your reference. Above all, we look for motivation, commitment and potential - evidence that you can benefit from study at higher education level.
Make sure you include:
- Relevant qualifications/evidence of ability: check our website for the specific entry requirements required for each course. Tell us your previous academic results and your projected grades.
- A supportive reference, from an employer or your school or college.
- A good personal statement.
Explain clearly what attracts you to the course and tell us about your wider interests and experience. If you are applying for a course that incorporates professional training and placements, you should include any relevant experience or visits you have made in the workplace. Highlight your individual strengths and qualities, personal skills, capacity for teamwork, contribution to the community and your enterprise, originality and determination. Select some activities which bring out these qualities.
What next?
When we receive your application, we will send you an acknowledgement and if you are successful at this stage you will get either - an offer (with an invitation to visit the campus to which you have applied), or - an invitation to interview on a particular date. If we are not able to offer you a place on your chosen course we will usually try to offer you a place on a similar course and will contact you to discuss this. Alternatively, if we think you are suitable, but cannot offer you a place on your preferred campus because of the level of competition, we will offer you a place at another campus if one is available.
And if I accept?
The admissions team will contact you and send further information from February onwards about accommodation, and from May/June onwards about preparing to join the university. If you have any other queries, please telephone the admissions offices for information and advice on 0845 6061144.
Deferred entry
We welcome applications for deferred entry on some courses. If you have specific plans during your year out, indicate these on your personal statement as they may be relevant to your course and could enhance your application.
International students
Please see the international pages of our website for full details of our entry requirements (including English-language skills) as well as contacts for advice and support.
From 2009 the UK Border Agency introduced a Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) for students coming to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA).
Students entering higher education will need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) plus finance confirmation to obtain a Tier 4 student visa.
UK education providers are licensed by the UK Border Agency. When students apply for their visa (or entry clearance) they will need a valid Certificate of Acceptance of Studies from the university. Please note that a CAS is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued.
See the following websites for further details:
Student finance
We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.
Student FinanceAdditional costs
All students will need to purchase stationery, course books and personal equipment. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc.
Resources and facilities
As one of the UK's leading health and wellbeing university departments, we can offer a high level of student support and a wide range of fantastic facilities to enhance your learning. Our expert academic and clinical practice staff are here to help you get the skills you need to advance your employment.