Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - MSc

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits), a PgDip (120 credits) or a PgCert (60 credits). Please note all students enroll onto the full MSc degree initially.

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 practicing environment or organise their own placement. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) trainees must be able to access a caseload of patients with mild to moderate anxiety or depression. Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) trainees will be expected to access cases with more complex mental health issues.

Teaching hours and attendance

You will attend a 10-day induction block followed by a three-day teaching block every month. The PgCert requires 301 hours of independent study and the PgDip requires 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 the following modules:

• Principles of Cognitive Therapy (20 credits): This module focuses on providing you with a critical understanding of the underpinning theories, principles and literature relating to core therapy and specific CBT therapy processes and to facilitate reflection on practice.
• Application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits): This module focuses on providing you with a critical understanding of the underpinning principles and skills relating to core therapy and specific CBT therapy and their application.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Depression (20 credits): This module focuses on providing you with an overview of the main CBT theories related to low intensity anxiety and depression disorders and the application of CBT interventions appropriate to these disorders.

To obtain a PgDip, you will also complete the following modules:

• Research Skills in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits): This module will provide you with an understanding of research methods, management of data and critical analysis of research studies relevant to the discipline.
• Advanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders and Major Depression (20 credits): This modules will provide you with an overview of the main CBT theories related to advanced anxiety disorders and major depression and CBT interventions appropriate to these disorders.
• Introduction to Complex Adaptation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits): This module will provide you with a critical understanding of complex disorders and CBT interventions which facilitate complex adaptation.

To obtain an MSc, you will then complete the following module:

• 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.

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

For entry onto the Certificate course, we require that candidates either have a Core Professions – BABCP in mental health, or demonstrate other mental health training and/or experience by completing a Knowledge, Skills & Attitudes – BABCP. In addition, we look for a minimum of 12 months of clinical experience in a core profession, or a non-core equivalent. 

Applicants who have not undertaken any individual clinical work, or equivalent, will be advised to gain experience of this for at least a year before taking part in the course.

For prospective applicants currently employed by NHS Scotland, please contact your health board's Psychological Therapies Training Coordinator (PTTC) regarding your intention to join our course before submitting an application.

After application, there will be an interview held in Edinburgh.

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

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

You should apply for the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Course via the NHS Lothian website.

Application deadline

The application deadline is 31 October 2027. Find more details of the NHS Lothian website.

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.

Find more details on the NHS Lothian website

Contact the Programme Team or visit South of Scotland Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Programme on the NHS Lothian website.

• The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2027/28 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
• The information on this page is correct at time of posting (October 2026) but is 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. Please check back here for updates.