Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - MSc

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the best evidence-based psychotherapy for a range of mental and even physical disorders, ranging from depression, anxiety and phobias to eating disorders, schizophrenia and chronic pain/health conditions.

Healthcare professionals are increasingly required to demonstrate a flexible, multidisciplinary approach to make the best use of skills and resources. The NHS actively promotes provision of evidence-based management. CBT is the evidence-based psychotherapy par excellence. It can be effective as a stand-alone treatment and can also be used in conjunction with other medical or psychological treatments. The model is versatile, creative and its techniques can be used selectively in general medical, psychological and nursing practice, as well as informing whole courses of integrated treatment.

This course will help you develop and refine your CBT skills, empower you to use the model in a range of clinical situations and focus on the development of a respectful and pro-active relationship with patients. The therapeutic alliance is central to the delivery of CBT and the course will teach you to forge a positive collaborative relationship with patients as a means of improving and maintaining the patient’s mental health.

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits), a PgDip (120 credits) or a PgCert (60 credits).

You can also register as an associate student to complete a single module for CPD. On completion of a single module, you may wish to complete further modules and progress your studies to a named award. Contact Sean Harper for more information on single module study.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The teaching and learning methods used will encourage participative and independent learning. The approaches will engage you in lectures, problem-based learning, workshops, small group discussion, seminars, observation and skills practice. As part of the course you will be required to see patients weekly and to attend group supervision for the duration of the course.

Assessment methods will include essays, audio recordings of therapy sessions, case studies, and supervisor assessments.

Placements/work-based learning

There are no placements on this course. Students will already be in employment and utilise their own workplace as a learning and practising environment or organise their own placement.

Teaching hours and attendance

You will attend a 10-day induction block followed by a week long teaching block every month. The PgCert requires 301 hours of independent study and the PgDip 358 hours.

Class sizes

Class sizes are usually around 30 for the PgCert and 15 for the PgDip. 

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

For the award of PgCert, you will complete:

• Principles of Cognitive Therapy (20 credits)
• Application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Depression (20 credits)

To then obtain a PgDip, you will also complete:

• Research Skills in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits)
• Advanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders and Major Depression (20 credits)

To obtain an MSc, you will then complete:

• Introduction to Complex Adaptation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits)
• Practice-based Research Project* (60 credits)

*The research project will be within a chosen specialist area of CBT. Components of the dissertation will include: a research proposal, a literature review and a paper for publication.

NB The modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2022) but are subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students.

There is a growing demand for cognitive behavioural psychotherapists specifically trained in this field. This course will enable you to develop your career and the service you provide.

Entry requirements

Honours degree, or equivalent, plus a mental health qualification. Applicants will be expected to be familiar with individual casework, history-taking and case load management and must normally be a UK registered health professional. Non- standard entrants may be considered if they can demonstrate that they have the necessary work-based experience, skills and aptitude demonstrated by a Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) portfolio. Please see BABCP website for details

Non-standard applications and Recognition of Prior Learning must be referred to QMU for consideration.

After application there will be an interview held in Edinburgh.

International: This course is currently only available to professionals working in the UK.

Applying for this course

You should apply for the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course through the NHS Lothian website

Application deadline

The application deadline is 31 October 2023. Find more details of the South of Scotland Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Programme on the NHS Lothian website. 

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2023/24 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).

Some students on the course are self-funded and some receive employer support. Fees are paid to NHS Lothian once a place has been offered. See the NHS Lothian website for more information on fees for the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Find more details of the South of Scotland Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Programme on the NHS Lothian website. 

Contact SoSCBTProgramme@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk  or visit South of Scotland Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Programme on the NHS Lothian website.

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