Masters Degrees (Cognitive Therapy)

This two-year part-time course offers experienced clinicians and practitioners from a range of professional backgrounds a unique opportunity to develop in-depth specialist knowledge and skills in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Our aim is to foster a community of practitioners with the expertise to deliver high quality MBCT to patients, and to contribute to the development and dissemination of this innovative approach to mental and physical healthcare.

The course is offered by the Oxford Mindfulness Centre at the Oxford University Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with the University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education. Successful completion of the course leads to an award of a Master of Studies by the University of Oxford.

Oxford has been internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in cognitive therapy (CT) research, treatment development and dissemination for nearly 20 years. It has an unusually rich concentration of acknowledged experts in CT and a first class reputation for providing high quality training courses and clinical supervision. A growing team of Oxford clinicians and researchers now specialise in MBCT, and have successfully developed and delivered a range of MBCT training events, including introductory workshops, masterclasses, residential training retreats, a foundational training course, and a Master of Studies degree course. The Masters programme was initiated by Professor Mark Williams, one of the founders of MBCT, and the team includes Professor William Kuyken, a leading figure in the development of MBCT and the current Director of the Oxford Mindfulness Centre.

Visit the website https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/about/mst-in-mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy

The Rationale for the Course

MBCT was developed by John Teasdale, Mark Williams and Zindel Segal as a manualised, class-based skills training programme for people with recurrent depression. It integrates elements of cognitive therapy with intensive practice of mindfulness meditation, with the aim of helping people to relate differently to pain and distress. Randomised clinical trials support its efficacy in preventing relapse in people who have experienced repeated episodes of depression, and it is now recommended in the guidelines of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) as a cost-effective treatment of choice for this increasingly common problem.

Because its central principles are transdiagnostic, MBCT holds promise as a helpful intervention in a wide range of settings and with a broad range of problem areas, both physical and emotional. Preliminary research suggests that mindfulness-based approaches can be helpful to patients with problems as diverse as chronic pain, psoriasis, cancer, health anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, stress, generalised anxiety disorder, psychosis and bipolar disorder where there is a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviour.

MBCT has attracted a great deal of interest within the mental health and behavioural medicine communities. However opportunities to extend preliminary learning and to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for becoming aneffective teacher are limited. This means that practitioners wishing to use the approach with their clients have great difficulty in accessing appropriate training and supervision. The Oxford course is designed to address this need. It offers an opportunity for in-depth learning, and aims to create a body of clinicians with the knowledge and skills they require in order to teach, develop and disseminate MBCT effectively.

Programme details

The course is taught, part-time, over two years, and is organised in nine three-day teaching blocks (held in Oxford) and three residential training retreats (four days and seven days in Year I and seven days in Year II). In addition to the taught component, students will need to set aside 6-7 hours per week for private study, personal practice of MBCT, completion of written assignments. Participants on courses with similar demands confirms that this time is crucial to completing the course successfully.

On successful completion of the taught components of the course and associated assignments, the award of the Master's degree is made by the University of Oxford, under the aegis of its Continuing Education Board.

Course Content

The course addresses the theoretical basis of MBCT, including relevant aspects of cognitive and clinical psychology, as well as aspects of Buddhist psychology and philosophy on which MBCT draws. It also provides opportunities for students to develop the practical skills they need in order to translate knowledge and understanding into competent MBCT practice, that is, students are expected to develop for themselves the understanding and skills they will be teaching to patients. (This is analogous to the requirement for experience of personal therapy in the education of psychodynamic psychotherapists).

The course covers four main topic areas:

- Theory, including: relevant cognitive science (e.g. attention, memory, judgement, metacognition, executive function); clinical theory (e.g. cognitive theories of the development and maintenance of emotional disorder and the principles underlying MBCT); relevant aspects of Buddhist psychology and philosophy and their contribution to MBCT

- Research related to the ongoing development of MBCT, and investigating the areas of theory outlined above

- Clinical applications in a range of problem areas, for example, depression, chronic fatigue, pain, psychosis and borderline personality disorder

- Practice including the development of personal experience of mindfulness meditation, the capacity to relate this experience to theory and research, and the skills needed to instruct patients/clients in MBCT, drawing on relevant theory, research and clinical literature

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Cognitive therapy is a collaborative, structured approach to helping individuals with psychological difficulties. It views key beliefs and assumptions which an individual holds as being pivotal to maintaining their distress and rendering them vulnerable to recurring difficulties. The course offers post-qualification training in the theory and practice of cognitive psychotherapy, as applied in a variety of mental health settings. Competence is developed through a combination of weekly clinical supervision, lectures, workshops and written assignments. Assessment is based on the submission of case studies and theoretical reviews, oral presentations and standardised rating of therapy sessions. Prospective candidates may pursue the option of a one year part-time (every Friday over three 12-week terms) postgraduate diploma course in cognitive therapy. Emphasis will be on helping participants gain clinical competence in utilising this approach in hospital-based and community-based health care settings. The course substantially contributes to academic and theoretical requirements for accreditation as a cognitive therapist and provides the opportunity to engage in introductory supervised clinical casework. Students would be required to complete further supervised clinical work to meet the clinical requirements for accreditation. For further information on accreditation as a cognitive therapist we recommend prospective students consult the BABCP website: http://www.babcp.com

The diploma course introduces the student to the basic theory of cognitive therapy and customised applications of this model to a range of clinical syndromes. The curriculum emphasises a knowledge of cognitive behavioural models, concepts and methods; competence in developing cognitive case formulations; devising and implementing individual treatment programmes for a range of emotional disorders, and evaluating their effects; understanding the links between cognitive therapy and developmental and cognitive psychology; ethics issues in practising psychotherapy.

Students are supervised treating a minimum of three cases (approx 40 - 50 hours of casework), and are taught the use of Cognitive Psychotherapy in relation to a variety of different areas and disorders. Teaching takes place one full day per week (Friday) during academic term. Assessment is based on evaluation of the student's clinical performance using the Cognitive Therapy Scale - Revised and four written assignments.

Admission Requirements

This course is offered as a specialised post-qualification course that builds on relevant knowledge and skills already possessed by prospective candidates. Suitable candidates for the course will:
- be currently employed in a healthcare setting and providing counselling or psychotherapy as part of their work, and;
- have achieved a recognised third level qualification in a mental health profession (e.g. psychology, nursing, social work, medicine) and;
- have relevant clinical experience and/or evidence of recognised foundation training in counselling/ psychotherapy and;
- have two years postgraduate experience.

Please note that supplementary documentation is required as part of the online application process. Shortlisting of applicants will occur in mid April and interviews for those who are successfully shortlisted are scheduled to take place in St. Patrick's University Hospital on the 10th of May.

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Cognitive therapy is a collaborative, structured approach to helping individuals with psychological difficulties. Prospective candidates pursue a two-year part-time Master of Science course in Cognitive Therapy. Emphasis will be on helping participants gain a high level of clinical competence in utilising this approach in hospital-based and community-based health care settings to a level that they will be able to apply for accreditation with appropriate accrediting bodies including the Proposed Registration Board for Psychological Therapists in Ireland. The course offers post-qualification training in the theory and practice of cognitive psychotherapy, as applied in a variety of mental health settings. Competence is developed through a combination of clinical supervision| lectures, workshops and written assignments. Assessment is based on the submission of case studies and theoretical reviews, oral presentations and standardised rating of therapy sessions. Students will complete a research project that is submitted as a dissertation in the Hilary term of the second year.

Admission Requirements

This course is offered as a specialised post-qualification course that builds on relevant knowledge and skills already possessed by prospective candidates.Suitable candidates for the course will:
- have achieved a recognised third level qualification in a health profession (e.g. psychology, nursing, social work, medicine) and
- hold a postgraduate diploma in a cognitive or behavioural psychotherapy or an equivalent training qualification in a cognitive or behavioural psychotherapy and
- have in addition conducted a further 40 hours of supervised cognitive or behavioural psychotherapy since completion of their diploma course or equivalent qualification.

Non EU applicants will be expected to hold equivalent qualifications The Master of Science curriculum emphasizes a deeper knowledge of cognitive behavioural models, concepts and methods; competence in developing cognitive case formulations; devising and implementing individual treatment programmes for a range of emotional disorders, and evaluating their effects; understanding the links between cognitive therapy and developmental and cognitive psychology; ethical issues in practising psychotherapy. The development of critical appraisal of research in this area and conducting a research project further deepen students' knowledge of the field. Students are supervised treating a minimum of 15 cases. Formal teaching takes place one full day per week (Thursday) during the full academic year. In addition during the first term students will attend a second full day of teaching (Friday) and will be assigned to a part-time clinical placement within a psychotherapy service for a full calendar year (January - December). Assessment is based on evaluation of the student's clinical performance using the Cognitive Therapy Scale-Revised (CTS-R) and four written assignments. Students will submit a research dissertation (circa 15,000 words) at the end of Hilary Term in their second year. Students who satisfy all the requirements of the Master of Science course will be awarded the Master of Science in Cognitive Psychotherapy.

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About the course

The MSc Cognitive Behaviour Therapy course is an exciting and innovative course, delivered by an enthusiastic team of Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapists and lecturers. The course structure is designed to give you the option to study for:
- a postgraduate diploma (PgDip) in CBT
- a full Master’s degree (MSc) in CBT

The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is suitable for health professionals who are aiming for accreditation as Cognitive Behaviour Therapists. To be a successful candidate you will already have experience working in mental health settings, providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions. Typically our students bring significant experience in their own field of work as Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists and Counsellors.

See the website http://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/cognitive-behavioural-therapy

Overview of the Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

The PgDip in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is delivered over two academic years to facilitate the development of knowledge and application of CBT in stages.

- First year
The first year of the course is focused on giving you the clinical skills and academic understanding that you need in order to function as competent cognitive behavioural therapists. Typical modules include:
- Foundations in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy,
- Common Mental Health problems 1
- Beginning with CBT supervision

- Second year
In the second year, you develop competence in more complex client presentations and you also develop greater competency in clinical skills. Typical modules include:
- CBT for common mental health problems 2
- Continuing with CBT supervision

The use of the CTS-R is prevalent throughout the PgDip Behaviour Therapy (CBT) course to measure and provide feedback for your development. For eligibility of the British Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapists (BABCP) accreditation, you must satisfy the supervision requirements including completing a portfolio of practice.

The postgraduate diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is accredited at Level two by the British Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapists. This means that the course fulfils all requirements so that you can gain provisional accreditation.

How you can gain a Master’s degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
To gain a Master’s degree in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy you will need to study for a third year. In this final year, you will complete a 15 credit research module and a 45 credit dissertation module. This part of the course encompasses a total of 60 credits and on successful completion you will have an MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

By successfully completing the third year, you will be able to interpret the knowledge and apply advanced skills in specialist areas. Throughout your study, you will be facilitated to develop intellectual and critical thinking in evaluating the evidence that underpins your knowledge and the practice of CBT interventions.

Why choose this course?

- The course gives you the option to study for a PgDip in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in two years
- It is accredited at Level two by the British Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapists (BACBP)
- It is delivered by an enthusiastic team of CBT lecturers with expertise in this area

Careers

When you graduate with a postgraduate diploma (PgDip) in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy you can progress to the MSc in Cognitive Behaviour by completing a research and a dissertation module.

You will be able to apply your newly gained CBT skills in a variety of settings and environments and able to practice as a competent cognitive behavioural therapist

Professional Accreditations

When you graduate from the PgDip in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy you will be eligible to gain accreditation from the British Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapists (BABCP), provided that you satisfy the supervision requirements including completing a portfolio of practice.

Find out how to apply here http://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/cognitive-behavioural-therapy#how-to-apply

Find information on Scholarships here http://www.herts.ac.uk/apply/fees-and-funding/scholarships/postgraduate

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The School of Health & Social Care has been commissioned to provide cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training to graduates within mental health professions delivering CBT within Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services in response to the Department of Health’s commitment to improve access to psychological therapies for people with depression and anxiety.

Course details

The course has achieved level 2 accreditation with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) which means that on completion you are eligible to apply for provisional accreditation with the BABCP. The course is suitable for you if you are working in non IAPT services and wish to undertake CBT training.

Teaching in terms one and two centres on developing a level of competence in relation to the fundamental principles of CBT enabling you to apply CBT to people with depression and anxiety. You gain an understanding of how scientific principles inform CBT clinical practice. In addition you undertake a module through distance learning which develops your ability to understand how evidence is generated, retrieved, evaluated and importantly, employed within practice. The second year extends your learning of CBT knowledge and skills to enable you to develop competencies in specialist techniques applied to depression and anxiety disorders.

Professional accreditation

When not at University you are required to spend your clinical time developing your case load for clients who have depression or an anxiety disorder with access to a BABCP accredited supervisor.

What you study

In the first two terms you focus on the development of the knowledge and skills required for the application of the fundamental principles of CBT for cases of depression and anxiety disorders, including the underpinning scientific principles and research literature, assessment processes, CBT formulation and related CBT therapeutic processes and interventions. 

The second year extends your learning of CBT knowledge and skills to enable you to become a competent CBT practitioner with more complex cases of depression and anxiety disorders. You also learn the techniques necessary to carry out literature searches and critically to appraise the literature.

Course structure

Core modules

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression
• Evidence-based Practice
• The Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

 Modules offered may vary.

Teaching

Where you study

You study at the new purpose-built Darlington campus and Teesside University campus.

How you learn

The learning and teaching strategy is to deliver the course using a range of classroom and workplace learning methods. These include skills-based workshops and weekly CBT case supervision, both group and individual.

How you are assessed

In accordance with the BABCP accreditation criteria, assessment of your CBT knowledge and skills is through a range of methods, including a assessed video-taped CBT sessions and case studies.

Employability

Work placement

To enrol on this programme you must work in a clinical setting which enables you to provide cognitive behavioural therapy interventions to a range of people with depression and anxiety related problems from assessment through to completing treatment protocols.

Career opportunities

Once you pass the course you are eligible to register for provisional accreditation with the BABCP as a cognitive behavioural therapist. Following completion of the PgDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy you have the opportunity to continue your studies and complete a 60-credit master’s level dissertation and a 20-credit Designing Research Project module, successful completion will lead to an MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This is only offered part-time and must be taken within five years of commencing the PgDip. 

If you who have not undertaken the PgDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at Teesside University you must complete an additional 20-credit Evidence-based Practice module, before you can apply for the MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

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The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy course is an exciting and innovative course, delivered by an enthusiastic team of Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapists and lecturers. The course structure is designed to give you the option to study for:
-A postgraduate diploma (PgDip) in CBT (part-time over two years)
-A full Master’s degree (MSc) in CBT (part-time over an additional year)

The postgraduate diploma (PgDip) is suitable for health professionals who are aiming for accreditation as Cognitive Behaviour Therapists. To be a successful candidate you will already have experience working in mental health settings, providing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy interventions. Typically our students bring significant experience in their own field of work as Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists and Counsellors.

Why choose this course?

-The course gives you the option to study for a PgDip in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) in two years
-It is accredited at Level two by the British Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapists (BACBP)
-It is delivered by an enthusiastic team of CBT lecturers with expertise in this area

Professional Accreditations

When you graduate from the PgDip in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy you will be eligible to gain accreditation from the British Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapists (BABCP), provided that you satisfy the supervision requirements including completing a portfolio of practice.

Careers

When you graduate with a postgraduate diploma (PgDip) in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy you can progress to the MSc in Cognitive Behaviour by completing a research and a dissertation module.

You will be able to apply your newly gained CBT skills in a variety of settings and environments and able to practice as a competent cognitive behavioural therapist.

Structure

Year 1 Modules
-CBT Beginning with Clinical Supervision
-CBT for Common Mental Health Problems 1
-Foundation in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills

Year 2 Modules
-CBT for Common Mental Health Problems 2
-Continuing with Clinical Supervision

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Occupational therapy practice is concerned with enhancing the daily lives of individuals with a very broad range of physical, mental health or social needs. As an occupational therapist you will work with clients to improve function and enable them to fulfil the demands of their daily lives with greater satisfaction. You will work with people of all ages from all walks of life, in hospital, in the community, in their place of employment or in their home, and have the opportunity to work in a very wide variety of professional practice areas.

The fundamental aim of the MSc Occupational Therapy (pre-registration) programme is to enable you to graduate with a master’s degree in occupational therapy and be eligible to apply for registration as an occupational therapist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the UK. The Degree does not provide eligibility to practice in any other country although the degree is WFOT recognised.

HCPC approved and COT/WFOT accredited

See the website http://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/occupational-therapy-pre-registration/

Why choose this course?

- Graduates from this programme will be fit for purpose, practice, and award in the UK. We enable you to develop a profound understanding of the potential for occupational therapy to promote the health and wellbeing of the population. Skills acquired will be evidenced based, innovative and give you the capacity to make a significant contribution to the profession, specifically contribute to excellence in client care and the professional knowledge base. On successful completion of the degree and 1000 hours of clinical practice education you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a registered Occupational Therapist in the UK.

- Many of our graduates go on to further educational development at PhD/DPhil and professional doctorate level. We are mindful of the anticipated transformation of practice over the next 20 years as well as the changes to demographics and the political innovation resulting in the widening participation agenda. We therefore aim to attract graduate students, who are academically able, demonstrate appropriate values of self-determination, motivation and critical awareness of learning needs and show potential for leading leadership, innovation and research.

- Based in Oxford, the environment for learning is rich with diversity, culture, specialist health and social care resources, academic resources as well as close commuting links to London.

- Our programme is staffed by occupational therapists expert in diverse clinical specialities, and supported by occupational therapy practice educators from all areas of mainstream and specialist practice. Our lecturers are experienced in their specialist practice areas and have reputations for excellence with established links with colleagues, organisations and institutions at national and international level.

- This course benefits from shared and inter-professional education opportunities, in addition to profession specific ones, to develop the professional qualities and attributes for current and future health and social care practice.

- Our ongoing investment in a new technology infrastructure is enabling the teaching team to exploit successful technology-enriched learning throughout the programme. We have a large and dedicated building in Oxford (Marston Road) equipped with state-of-the-art classroom and clinical skills and communication suites and resources. We run a weekly Hand Therapy clinic and a monthly Community Occupational Therapy Assessment Clinic for the public. Students are invited to observe other qualified OT's working in these clinics.

- We have a strong research profile, with experienced researchers working in established areas of cancer care, children and families, drug and alcohol, physical rehabilitation and enablement, inter-professional education and collaborative practice.

- Established in 1938, we are the oldest School of Occupational Therapy in England, and have one of the best occupational therapy library collections in the country.

- We have an excellent track record of high levels of student satisfaction, low student attrition rates and high employability.

Teaching and learning

MSc in Occupational Therapy is taught alongside the well-established and highly-regarded BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy.

Pre-registration Masters students will be taught alongside the undergraduate students in all occupational therapy specific modules. These will be identified with different module numbers and names to those of the undergraduate programme. This dual level teaching in classroom will provide you with the opportunity to learn the core skills and specific attributes of occupational therapy alongside the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy students.

However, the pre-registration Masters students are provided with an enhanced level 7 learning experience with module specific tutorials to explore a more critical and evidence based approach to the subject matter and thus develop professional competence in academic, research and digital literacy, critical thinking and personal self-awareness.

Our approach will require you to actively engage in these Masters level tutorials and become self-directed, innovative, creative and critical learners. Teaching will assist you to construct knowledge through the analysis, synthesis and conceptualisation of your learning experiences, thus developing a lifelong approach to learning. This supports employability in a marketplace that demands adaptability, continuous development and leadership.

You will have the opportunity for face-to-face and virtual learning activities. Our inter-professional module is taken alongside other health and social care pre-registration master's level students, enabling you to prepare for the interdisciplinary work you will encounter in the health and social care environment.

Working at master’s level, you will focus on developing your knowledge in occupational therapy, which is evidence-based and strongly underpinned by research.

This master's degree will:
- Enable you to be a reflective, proactive, innovative and adaptable occupational therapy practitioner, with the ability to critique research and evaluate the effectiveness of evidence in a wide variety of practice settings.

- Develop a critical understanding of the theory of occupation and teach you to challenge existing models and approaches used in occupational therapy from an informed perspective.

- Provide opportunities to develop your ability to work both independently and as part of a team in the context of social, technological, administrative and policy changes.

How this course helps you develop

This course is mapped against the University's postgraduate attributes so that all occupational therapy graduates are equipped with the skills of academic literacy, digital and information literacy, global citizenship, research literacy, critical self awareness and personal literacy. These attributes are in addition to the NHS core values of respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, and aspiring to improve the lives of others where everyone counts and we work together for patients.

Careers

The majority of graduates from the occupational therapy degrees work as qualified and registered occupational therapists, but there are increasing opportunities to work in non-specified professional roles in mental health and community settings. There are also increasing numbers of employment roles that are not explicitly described or advertised as an ‘occupational therapist’ but match the skills specification of an occupational therapist. This is due to the changing nature of health and social care practice and the new and emerging roles and opportunities for occupational therapy.

Free language courses for students - the Open Module

Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

Please note that the free language courses are not available if you are:
- studying at a Brookes partner college
- studying on any of our teacher education courses or postgraduate education courses.

Research highlights

The Centre for Rehabilitation within the Department of Sport and Health Sciences has strong leadership in the director, Professor Helen Dawes. The Centre brings together research, education and care. It is underpinned by a strong, well-published research group, the Movement Science Group, along with clinical expertise, rehabilitation, knowledge and care of adults and children with neurological conditions. Within the Centre, staff, students and alumni across the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences are engaged in a number of research projects.

Examples of ongoing research projects within the faculty:
- Driving rehabilitation - cognitive mechanisms of driving and performance implications for clinical populations

- Fatigue management – Central and peripheral fatigue and mechanisms in clinical populations

- Dual task control in Stroke - influence on community mobility

- Efficacy of Intensive motor learning programmes – Themed (Magic) camps for children with hemiplegia

- Arts in Health Research – collaboration with Breathe Arts Health Research with research opportunities across many arts related activities

- Virtual Reality (VR) technologies – development and implementation of VR technologies in rehabilitation

- Early identification of motor and sensory processing impairments in children

- Sensory processing disorders and impact on function and behaviour in children with autism

- Measurement and monitoring of rehabilitation participation- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Systematic Review of Vocational Rehabilitation for people with TBI

- Therapy for hand writing in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD)

- Monitoring movement in people with neurological conditions – mechanisms and impact e.g. head drop in Parkinson Disorder

- Physical activity impact on sleep, behaviour cognition, health and wellbeing in children with neurodisability

- Falls in people with learning disabilities – an understanding of the impact of anxiety

- A Functional Electrical Stimulation Plantar flexion System for Bone Health Maintenance in Spinal Cord Injury Patients

- Professional development Perspectives of Occupational Therapists working in the NHS and concepts of Occupational Balance, Cultural perspectives and attitude change in professional identity acquisition.

Research areas and clusters

Our staff are involved in research both independently and collaboratively.

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a current form of evidence-based psychological therapy recommended by NICE as a first line intervention for many psychological disorders.

This MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy aims to increase students’ knowledge base of theory and research in CBT, and to promote a critical approach to the subject. The course also provides practical, intensive and detailed skills training to facilitate skills development to a defined standard of competence. The course is a Level 2 course in CBT and as such “provides all the necessary training so that on graduation from Level 2 courses, individuals will have received the training required to fulfil BABCP's Minimum Training Standards”

The training aims to help students to achieve the level of theoretical knowledge, reflective abilities and clinical skills to work as psychological therapists, using evidence based cognitive behaviour therapy methods in their work.

WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

This course aims to train students to deliver CBT to people with depression and anxiety. Successful completion of the training equips individuals to be skilled and independent CBT practitioners. In addition to providing practical, intensive and detailed skills training to facilitate skills development to a defined standard of competence, the course aims to increase trainees’ knowledge base of theory and research in CBT, and to promote a critical approach to the subject.

The programme is delivered by experienced and accredited lecturer/practitioners in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy. The award provides an excellent foundation for achieving accreditation with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

On the course you will learn how to:
-Construct maintenance and developmental CBT conceptualisations for depression and anxiety disorders
-Develop CBT-specific treatment plans
-Practise CBT with depression and anxiety disorders systematically, creatively and with good clinical outcomes
-Deal with complex issues arising in CBT practice
-Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving therapeutic problems
-Practise as ‘scientist practitioners’, advancing your knowledge and understanding and develop new skills to a high level
-Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of the principles of CBT and the evidence base for the application of CBT techniques
-Demonstrate a systematic knowledge of CBT for depression and anxiety disorders
-Demonstrate a critical understanding of the theoretical and research evidence for cognitive behavioural models and an ability to evaluate the evidence
-Demonstrate an ability to adapt CBT sensitively, and to ensure equitable access for people from diverse cultures and with different values
-Display competence in research methodology and data analysis

HOW WILL THIS COURSE ENHANCE MY CAREER PROSPECTS?

Adequate access to a choice of effective psychological therapies is a key Government priority. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has a continually evolving evidence base with emphasis on therapy outcomes and robust, universally applicable treatment methods.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the most effective of available treatments across a range of psychological problems, specifically depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and phobia. As such, CBT is the basis of much mental health practice. It has become Government policy for NHS Trusts to provide patients/clients with access to CBT.

Achieving this award would provide students with the opportunity to seek roles within the psychological therapies field and broaden their career prospects.

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This programme has been developed in response to local, national and international agendas regarding the increased role of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) within healthcare provision.

Course details

Gaining an understanding of how scientific principles inform CBT clinical practice, you develop an understanding of how evidence is generated, retrieved, evaluated and importantly, employed within practice. The second year extends your CBT knowledge and skills to enable you to develop competencies in specialist techniques applied to depression and anxiety disorders.

This course provides the opportunity for you to develop the range of skills and knowledge needed to facilitate the advancement of practice through critical analysis, synthesis and application of relevant underpinning theories. The course enables you to undertake an academic journey of personal and professional development in a supportive, student-centred environment. Your previous experience provides the platform on which you will develop within a global context. The final part of the course is based around the enhancement of academic credibility through research awareness. If you are already in possession of a postgraduate diploma in CBT you may apply to be considered for advanced standing to the final part of the MSc in the CBT programme. If you want to become an accredited CBT therapist you should apply initially for the postgraduate diploma in CBT, then on completion apply for advanced standing and complete the MSc in CBT.

What you study

In the first two terms you focus on the development of the knowledge and skills required for the application of the fundamental principles of CBT for cases of depression and anxiety disorders, including the underpinning scientific principles and research literature, assessment processes, CBT formulation and related CBT therapeutic processes and interventions. 

The second year extends your learning of CBT knowledge and skills to enable you to become a competent CBT practitioner with more complex cases of depression and anxiety disorders. You also learn the techniques necessary to carry out literature searches and critically to appraise the literature. 

The third year of the programme is based around the enhancement of academic credibility through research awareness. The programme consists of two modules; Designing Research Projects and a dissertation. The first module equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and manage a research a project relevant to your practice in CBT. The second module, the dissertation, enables you to apply your research-related knowledge to identify a researchable problem, plan and execute a study.

Course structure

Core modules

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression
• Designing Research Projects
• Dissertation
• Evidence-based Practice
• The Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

 Modules offered may vary.

Teaching

Where you study

You study at Darlington campus and Middlesbrough campus. The final part of the programme may be studied from home or work through the use of electronic media.

How you learn

We use a variety of learning and teaching methods throughout the programme including classroom teaching, clinical practice, clinical and academic supervision, and e-learning strategies. You can study the final 18 months of the programme by distance learning.

How you are assessed

There are a variety of assessment methods depending on the module. These methods include critical reflections on therapy sessions, case studies and a research project. You must also achieve specific practice competencies.

Employability

Work placement

Within clinical practice you deliver cognitive behavioural therapy interventions under the supervision of a British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) accredited supervisor. You work with a range of service users with depression and anxiety disorders to fulfil all criteria for your final portfolio. Clinical practice enables you to develop cognitive behavioural therapy competence across various mental health disorders. As a candidate you are expected to work in an appropriate clinical area before applying to the programme.

Career opportunities

The role of the cognitive behavioural therapist is becoming increasingly prominent in modern healthcare. As a graduate you have opportunities in both statutory and non-statutory mental health services.

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You will study six modules in parallel during your time on the award:
-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Theory and Core Skills (15 credits)
-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Context (15 credits)
-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Depression (15 credits)
-Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Anxiety Disorders(15 credits)
-Developing Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practice (30 credits)
-Consolidating Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practice (30 credits)

Teaching and learning

This award aims to:
-To produce clinicians who have a sound critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature relating to CBT and who are able to competently undertake CBT assessments and interventions with adults with common mental health difficulties such as anxiety and depression according to relevant professional ethical frameworks.
-To contribute towards the requirements of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies for accreditation as a cognitive behavioural therapist.
-Teaching and supervision sessions take place at the Centre of Excellence in Healthcare Education Stafford and in the Learning Centre of St George’s Hospital in Stafford.

Other admission requirements

Have access to a BABCP accredited workplace supervisor who can offer regular supervision. Meet the Staffordshire University required level of proficiency in English (Level 6).

All potential trainees will be interviewed and required to undertake a written assessment before being admitted to the award. Potential trainees will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary interpersonal and academic abilities to achieve the award.

We now recruit to the values of the NHS constitution. This influences our selection criteria and especially the values we are seeking to be demonstrated in both your application and interview, which we view as essential in any individual involved in working with service users.

Funding is available via NHS West Midlands to support individuals who are employed in relevant NHS, Local Authority and Third Sector mental health services in undertaking this course. Funding arrangements are as follows:
-For new posts in IAPT services – 100% salary costs (backfill) for 12 months and 100% course fees
-Replacement posts in IAPT services – 100% course fees
-Existing posts in non-IAPT mental health services – 100% salary costs (backfill) for 12 months and 100% course fees
-Places are also available for self-funding applicants.

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How do children learn to reason in increasingly abstract ways? How do they learn language with such remarkable speed and fluidity? How do children use their reasoning and language skills to help them explain and understand people’s behaviour and emotions? Why does the amount of information that we can hold in mind at once increase from early childhood to adulthood? Why does children’s ability to control their own thinking, attention and behaviour improve as they get older? How does the development of children’s brains affect their behaviour, memory and ability to learn?

In this taught programme on Developmental Cognitive Science, you will learn how questions like these can be addressed using research techniques from several inter-related disciplines (e.g., Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Computational Science, Neuroscience, Linguistics).

This programme aims to enhance your understanding of key theoretical and practical issues about typical and atypical development in children and young people, from a cognitive science perspective. It also aims to equip you with the skills required to conduct independent scientific research that addresses key issues in developmental cognitive science.

The University of Edinburgh has a long tradition of research expertise in developmental psychology and in cognitive science. This programme brings these two strands together focusing on a developmental cognitive science approach to both typical and atypical development in children and young people.

You will benefit from the breadth and strength of the interdisciplinary academic community at Edinburgh, for example by having the opportunity to select option courses and attend research seminars across different disciplines.

Programme structure

You will undertake the following:

Core courses (worth 100 credits in total):

• Univariate Statistics and Methodology using R (10 credits)
• Multivariate Statistics and Methodology using R (10 credits)
• Psychological Research Skills (20 credits)
• Current Topics in Psychological Research (10 credits)
• Introduction to Developmental Cognitive Science (10 credits)
• Research Methods for Developmental Cognitive Science (10 credits)
• Seminar in Developmental Cognitive Science (10 credits)
• Current Topics in Developmental Cognitive Science (10 credits)
• Research Internship in Developmental Cognitive Science (10 credits)

2 option courses worth 20 credits in total:

• Chosen from a wide range of courses relevant to Developmental Cognitive Science from Psychology or other disciplines, as approved by Programme Director (20 credits in total)

And a Dissertation in Developmental Cognitive Science (60 credits)

Learning outcomes

The overall aim of the proposed programme is to advance students’ understanding of how questions about developmental changes in children’s cognitive abilities can be addressed using scientific methods drawn from a range of fields, including developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, computational modelling, neuroscience and linguistics. More specifically, the programme aims to:

• enhance students’ understanding of key theoretical and practical issues about typical and atypical development in children and young people, from a cognitive science perspective
• teach students how to conduct independent scientific research that addresses key issues in developmental cognitive science
• provide advanced training in critical thinking skills

Students who successfully complete the programme will be able to:

• carry out high quality original research in developmental cognitive science
• evaluate published research studies in developmental cognitive science
• make well-informed contributions to discussions about the interplay between developmental research and real-world applications/implications

Career opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates from this programme include:

• undertaking a PhD in Developmental Cognitive Science or in a related field
• undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Clinical or Educational Psychology (applicable only to students who have an accredited undergraduate degree in Psychology)
• wide variety of careers where it is valuable to be able to use research skills, critical thinking skills and understanding of developmental processes to develop and evaluate practices and policies relating to children and young people – e.g. teaching, speech & language therapy, policy development in education, health and social care.

Scholarships and funding

Find out more about scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding
• Browse all postgraduate funding opportunities

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Whether you're a trained psychologist, GP or other healthcare professional, 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). Your training will mean more people have access to therapy and you will make a positive impact on the psychological wellbeing of others.

Actively promoted by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence Guidelines (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 your current role, this course gives you the skills and practical training you need to be confident in theory and practice.

Visit the website: http://bucks.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/health-and-social-sciences/pt/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-pt-1718

What will this course cover?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is used to treat a variety of conditions and illnesses impacting psychological wellbeing. CBT is a treatment recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence Guidelines (NICE).

The 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 will analyse how individuals think, in order to encourage positive behavioural change.

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

You may undertake this course as a Postgraduate Diploma: http://bucks.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/MH2CBT1/

Careers

By the end of the course you will have developed a thorough understanding of the theory and research relevant to the practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). You'll be prepared to deal with complex issues and be able to make effective judgments in a professional setting. We will ensure you have the necessary skills to support, provide care and improve the psychological wellbeing of others.

As part of our partnership with the West London Mental Health Institute, you'll finish the course with a strong sense of understanding the importance of efficiently treating individuals within the community. You'll be motivated to contribute to this generation's focus on improving quality of professional care and support within the UK.

How to apply

Apply here: http://bucks.ac.uk/applynow/

Funding

There are a range of funding opportunities for postgraduate students which include sponsorship, bursaries, scholarships and loans: http://bucks.ac.uk/fees_funding/postgraduate-masters-scholarships/

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This course is for people already working in a healthcare setting (in areas including psychiatry, clinical and forensic psychology, occupational therapy, social work, nursing, general medical practitioners) who are interested in delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in clinical settings. It will provide sufficient theoretical and skills training and can develop your career as a therapist and the service you provide.

CBT is the model of psychotherapy most tested by research trials for a range of mental and even physical disorders, ranging from depression, anxiety and phobias to eating disorders, schizophrenia and chronic pain. 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 and 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 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.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The teaching and learning methods used will encourage participative and independent learning and you will arrange to see patients one day per week. Assessment methods will include essays, audio recordings of therapy sessions, case studies and supervisor assessments. Class sizes are usually around 30 for the PgCert and 15 for the PgDip. The course is delivered by staff of NHS Lothian and Greater Glasgow.

Teaching hours and attendance

You will attend a 10-day induction block followed by a four day teaching block in the first week of every month. Links with industry/professional bodies On completion, you can apply to be accredited by the BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies) in due course.

Modules

15 credits: CBT for Anxiety and Depression/ Principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy/ Research Skills in CBT/ Advanced CBT for Anxiety Disorders/ Introduction to Complex Adaptation of CBT 30 credits: Application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy If studying for the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation of a research project within a chosen specialist area of CBT. The components of the dissertation will include: a research proposal; a literature review; and a paper for publication.

Careers

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

Quick Facts

• Learn the theory and practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – the best evidenced psychotherapy in mental health.
• Core CBT competencies are developed through multiple methods, including lectures, workshops, role play, academic evaluation and close clinical supervision.
• As trainee therapists, students benefit from the vast experience of expert CBT practitioners from throughout the UK delivering on our specialist postgraduate teaching course.

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The PG Dip programme equips students with a critical understanding of psychological models of psychosis and the skills to deliver high quality and creative cognitive behavioural interventions. The shorter PG Cert programmes focus on clinical skills, for clinicians, or on theoretical background for researchers, academics and non-practitioners.

Key benefits

• The Internationally renowned centre for the development and evaluation of cognitive behavioural interventions for people with psychosis, offers unrivalled access to current innovations in practice and research.
• Close supervision with expert practitioners develops students' ability to become skilled and creative independent practitioners of CBT for Psychosis.
• Develops students' skills in training and supervising other professionals and thus improves the provision of CBT for Psychosis in students' own work settings.

Description

The courses have been developed with the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) and designed in accordance with the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence Schizophrenia Guideline psychological therapy recommendations (NICE, 2003, 2014).

The purpose of the courses is to improve the delivery of cognitive behavioural interventions for people with psychosis. CBTp is a complex therapeutic intervention and requires of independent practitioners an advanced theoretical understanding of cognitive models of psychosis and specialist post-qualification skills in relationship building, assessment, formulation and intervention. Our courses train students in each of these requirements, enabling them to develop competence then mastery in therapy delivery, and to provide consultancy, training and supervision to others.

The courses are modular, following a credit framework. Two clinical skills modules build from early therapy activities (Engagement, Assessment & Formulation – Module 1) through to intervention and specialised applications (Intervention & Supervised Practice; Module 2). Two academic modules develop students’ critical appraisal of the theory underlying psychological models of psychosis (Theoretical background I: Psychological Models, Module 3) and the evidence base for interventions (Theoretical Background II: Interventions, efficacy & future directions, Module 4). Diploma students complete all four modules; clinical skills certificate students complete Module 1 and Module 2 only; theoretical background certificate students complete Modules 3 and Module 4 only. 

Case supervision is strongly emphasised on the clinical programmes. Weekly morning supervision sessions take place in small groups (four to five) on the teaching day with all supervision carried out by the programme team. Additional close supervision (listening to audiorecordings of therapy sessions) is a course requirement.

Course purpose

The programmes deliver the clinical skills and theoretical background to work creatively and effectively with people with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis.

The Postgraduate Diploma in CBT for psychosis (CBTp) is designed for qualified mental health practitioners and covers both the clinical skills and theoretical background required to become an innovative and successful practitioner of CBTp. We recommend completion of the programme on a part-time basis, over two years. A fast-track one year full time option is available for students with previous experience of relevant clinical work and masters level study.

The Postgraduate Certificate in Therapy Skills emphasises the clinical skills component of the programme, for mental health practitioners who are primarily concerned with clinical practice, rather than academic development. The Postgraduate Certificate in Theoretical Background is designed for people without a mental health qualification, for researchers or academics, or as an introduction to CBTp. Students attend seminars and workshop teaching in order to acquire a detailed understanding of psychological models and interventions, together with their evidence base, but clinical supervision is not usually provided. Certificate programmes are offered on a part-time basis over a calendar year. 

Course format and assessment

The course begins with three introductory intensive one-day workshops, which aim to provide students with an overview of the model, therapeutic style and content of initial sessions. This is usually a refresher for more experienced students and sets the scene for identifying students' individual learning targets and goals. Teaching modules are examined by assignments – audio recordings, case reports and practice portfolios for the clinical modules; essays and research presentations for the academic modules. Clinical students will be required to work with at least four clients for at least 16 sessions from assessment to completion or termination of therapy over the duration of the programme.

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examinations.

Examination (50%) | Coursework (30%) | Practical (20%)

Extra information

Regulating body

King’s College is regulated by the Higher Education Funding Council for England

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About the course

We are very fortunate to be able to provide this high quality programme as Brunel University London has one of the largest and most highly qualified occupational therapy staff groups in the world; the expertise is there to teach and supervise at Master’s and Doctoral levels.

Every module assignment can be focused on a topic you or your manager wants to investigate. The assignments are practically useful – write an evidence-based protocol or care pathway for your clients, plan how to improve the effectiveness of your service, evaluate and debate research in order to decide if the evidence is worth incorporating into practice, reflect on how central occupational engagement is for enhancing the health of your clients, or take a topic of interest to you.

The course does not further clinical skills, nor does it lead to registration from the UK professional governing bodies, but rather focuses on developing the occupational therapist’s ability to evaluate and enhance professional practice. Up to 60 credits of academic taught module exemptions can be offered for students holding a postgraduate certificate in Occupational Therapy, relevant postgraduate modules from other universities, or substantial relevant post professional periods of study – for example, AMPS or Sensory Integration.

Aims

Master's level study is essential if you want to gain the skills to evaluate your interventions, build professional confidence and seek out and develop existing theories, which inform your practice.

This course is aimed at occupational therapists wanting to continue their professional development and develop evidence-based practice – and will broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding of the value of occupational therapy in today's changing world.

Each module’s content is embedded in practice and overall the programme aims to develop your skills in analysing evidence, implementing and evaluating occupational therapy research.

Course Content

Key Features:

Encourages a theoretical underpinning of occupation, occupational therapy and research.
Nationally recognised for excellence in teaching and research.
Meets the needs of occupational therapists who wish to enhance their current practice in their workplace.
Provides academic learning experiences in a supportive environment.
A modular programme that can be studied full-time, part-time or as an associate student. (Associate enrolment: studying a one off-module – this is very appropriate for continuing professional development.)
Facilitates reflective practice.
Develops research competencies for using and developing evidence-based practice.

This course will broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding of the value of occupational therapy in today's changing world. Each module’s content is embedded in practice and overall the programme aims to develop your skills in analysing evidence, implementing and evaluating occupational therapy research.

Compulsory modules:

Occupational Science
Evidence-Based Occupational Therapy
The Art of Professional Practice
Research Design
Approaches to Research
Dissertation

Optional modules (choose two):

Occupational Therapy for Children, Young People and Families
Occupational Therapy for Mental Health
Functional Neuroscience for Rehabilitation
Occupational Therapy for Active Ageing
Specialist Practice in Occupational Therapy
Cognitive and Behavioural Issues in Neurorehabilitation

Assessment

A variety of assessments allow students to become proficient in evaluating and questioning their chosen area of practice. Active and adult learning principles are used throughout the course.

Special Features

This Brunel Master's is one of the few in the UK specialising in occupational therapy, and it has been especially designed to meet your needs as a practising therapist, helping you to gain greater mastery in your chosen area of occupational therapy.

The programme has been praised by the University validating committees as a model Master's degree for professional practitioners, for it brings theory to the workplace.

Based on a sound approach to adult education, the course invites students to bring issues from practice to analyse in class.

The programme was rated top out of all postgraduate programmes at Brunel University with regard to its capacity to promote personal development.

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