Cognitive Behavioural Therapy MSc/PGDip

Core modules

• Assessment and Formulation Skills in CBT (20 credits)
• Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits)
• Behavioural Theory and Clinical Interventions (20 credits)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Depression (40 credits)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Depression 2: Complexity (20 credits)

Note: modules 1-5 are to be completed within the first 12 months, with attendance at University 2 days a week for teaching and supervision, as well as the completion of 200 hours of clinical work in an appropriate clinical placement arranged by the student.

Module 6 (dissertation module) is to be completed on a part-time basis within four years.

The above is a sample of the typical modules that we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Due to the passage of time between commencement of the course and subsequent years of the course, modules may change due to developments in the curriculum and information is provided for indicative purposes only.

Teaching methods and assessment

Written assessments

a) Essays

Students are required to complete two essays throughout the course. One regarding the efficacy of different treatment options and one regarding the critique of a research paper.

b) Case reports and critical reflections

Students are required to submit four written assignments specifically related to their clinical practice. One will be a critical reflection upon an assessment session with a client. Two will be a case study of a completed treatment intervention. One will be based on a formulation-based approach to treating a client with a co-morbid presentation.

Evaluation of clinical performance

a) Video-taped treatment sessions

Students must submit three videos of their clinical practice for summative assessment over the course of the programme. The first video will be of an assessment session, the second and third will be of treatment sessions. There is also a requirement to show clips of clinical practice during supervision, in order to meet BABCP guidelines of “closely supervised” cases during training.

Summary of assessments

Assessment of module one:

• One assessed digital recording of an assessment with a real patient
• One 2000 word critical analysis of the submitted assessment session

Assessment of module two:

• One 3000 word essay

Assessment of module three:

• One case study of up to 4000 words

Assessment of module four:

• One assessed digital recording of a treatment session
• One essay regarding the critique of a research paper (2000 words)
• One case study of 3000 words

Assessment of module five:

• One assessed digital recording of a treatment session
• One case study of 2000 words
• A portfolio of clinical work is kept and marked at the end of module 5 on a pass/fail basis.

Assessment of module six (Dissertation module) - MSc students only:

• A professional development portfolio project of 15,000 words OR a 15,000 word critical review

Clinical practice

The student must complete eight cases by the end of the course. Cases need to be accessed through the trainee's employing department. They should also work towards a total of 200 hours clinical practice over the year, which is the BABCP accreditation requirement. It is very important to think in advance about accessing suitable cases.

Additional costs

As a student on this course, you could factor some additional costs into your budget, such as printing, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles. 

Scholarships and bursaries

Government loans for masters courses

Masters student loans of up to £10,906 are available for taught and research masters courses. Applicants must ordinarily live in the UK or EU.

International and EU students

Masters scholarships are available for international and EU students from a wide variety of countries and areas of study. You must already have an offer to study at Nottingham to apply. Please note closing dates to ensure you apply for your course with enough time. We provide guidance on funding your degree, living costs and working while you study. You can also access specific funding opportunities, entry requirements and other resources for students from specific countries.