- Study the BABCP accredited Postgraduate Diploma course
- Develop as an ethical practitioner and gain confidence in contemporary theories and practice in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
- Become an innovative reflective practitioner with a critical approach, informed by evidence-based practice
- Train as a practitioner who’s in line with contemporary, academic, NHS, scientific and professional body standards, and undertake interprofessional learning opportunities
- Learn from a highly committed, qualified, and experienced lecturing team
Our aim is to help you to become a skilled, independent cognitive behavioural psychotherapist. If you’re a caring professional who would like to develop expertise in evidence-based psychotherapy, this course is for you.
You’ll be encouraged to become a reflective practitioner and increase your awareness and theoretical understanding of cognitive behavioural psychotherapy. You’ll consider the theoretical, social, cultural and ideological contexts in which your clients perceive, confront and manage problems. You will also study the major trends and orientations within cognitive behavioural psychotherapy.
We’ll encourage you to adopt an informed and critical approach to the professionalisation of psychotherapy, with a particular focus on ethical issues.
Our teaching and learning approach varies depending on the nature of the subject. They will incorporate strategies such as problem based learning, lectures, group work and skills based practice to provide you with a practical, occupationally focused learning experience. All the members of our teaching team are practising cognitive behavioural therapists. You will also be allocated a personal tutor who will monitor your progress and support your studies.
Most people study this course part-time to fit around their other commitments.
We’re proud to say that our courses are closely mapped against the health and social care sector. This ensures that our curriculum is up-to-date, providing you with the assurance that your learning is current and relevant. This does mean that we do have to respond to national changes such as government policy. As a result, some of the information about our courses may change.
This course is made up of three stages – Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and MSc.
Postgraduate Certificate
From November you’ll need to commence your clinical placement and allow time for clinical supervision. Securing a placement for the duraction of this programme will be your responsibility. Placement hours are subject to change. We have strict requirements for supervisors in terms of qualifications and experience, therefore we ask you to find a BABCP accredited practitioner who offers supervision.
You’ll study modules such as:
- Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Specialist Practice (Adult)
- Cognitive Behavioural Professional Requirements
Postgraduate Diploma
You’ll study modules such as:
- Ethics, Law and Research in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Advanced Practice and Professional Requirements (Adult)
MSc
You’ll study this module:
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
How you will learn
Our teaching and learning approach varies depending on the nature of the subject. They will incorporate strategies such as problem-solving, lectures, group work, and skills based practice to provide you with a practical, occupationally focused learning experience. All the members of our teaching team are practising cognitive behavioural therapists. Your personal tutor will monitor your progress and support your studies.
How you will be assessed
You will be assessed through:
- Critical case studies, that examine your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.
- Observed exams and video recordings of clinical practice combined with critical analysis of your own performance which examines your ability to use and adapt high level skills into clinical practice and to critique your own performance.
- A reflective portfolio that will demonstrate your ability to apply research findings, problem solve and evaluate outcomes. The portfolio will fulfil the professional requirements for accreditation with the BABCP.
- You will also complete written assignments to demonstrate your academic ability to critically analyse and synthesise your findings, and undertake a clinical examination to test your professional judgement and critical decision-making.
These normally include an undergraduate degree in a health and social care related area including experience in a relevant field.
Applicants with a core profession in mental health nursing, occupational therapy, social work, psychiatry, psychology or counselling will require at least two years of post qualification experience in mental health care.
Individuals without a recognised core profession can be considered through the development of a Knowledge, Skills and Attitude (KSA) portfolio of evidence plus at least two years of post qualification experience in mental health care.
Applicants with a qualification in cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, or substantive experience in supervised practice may be eligible for entry via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If English is not your first language you must have achieved an IELTS score of at least level 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in each skill area).
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required as they provide the criminal records checking service for the programme.
Interview information
2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £11,340 for the full course or £1,260 per 20 credits | £1,260 per 20 credits |
| International | £14,900 per year of study | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £11,655 for the full course or £1,295 per 20 credits | £1,295 per 20 credits |
| International | £16,900 per year of study | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
About postgraduate awards
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 Credits |
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount
How to apply
Please look at our before you apply.
As an autonomous cognitive behavioural psychotherapist you will be able to further your career in employment as diverse as social services, the NHS, primary care, education, or the voluntary and private sectors. Some of our students have taken up research posts or commenced Doctoral level training.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Minimum numbers
Please note that this course is subject to minimum numbers in order to run.
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