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MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

This programme is delivered by NHS Lothian and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. It is validated by Queen Margaret University. Through our rigorous quality assurance procedures we ensure that the programme has the same academic standards as equivalent awards delivered by 17³Ô¹ÏÍø.

The CBT Programme offers BABCP level 2 accredited training for prospective therapists at SQA Level 11, Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Masters. The programme also aims to develop and deliver bespoke CBT informed training programmes for health, education and the voluntary sector.

The South of Scotland Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training Programme was established to provide professional training within the NHS, in line with the emerging evidence base.  The programme was first validated by Queen Margaret University in 2004 but existed for approximately 10 years prior to that.  The Programme has level 2 accreditation with The British Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies (BABCP).  Graduates are eligible for immediate provisional Accreditation as CBT therapists and within a year (evidencing professional, supervised practice) for full accreditation thereafter.

The programme is suitable for experienced mental health practitioners who wish to develop their therapeutic skills within this modality of Psychotherapy.

Additionally, the programme is designed to facilitate access to higher degree level studies for experienced practitioners who have an honours degree or evidence of studies at an equivalent level and are working in the healthcare profession, social care or third sector.  The programme also seeks, through recognition of a Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes Portfolio (KSA), to accommodate students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds thereby embracing the notion of equality of educational provision for all learners.

Programme details

Title : MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

: 11

Mode of delivery : Part-time

Duration : 1 - 3 years

Language of delivery : English

Approval

First approved: 2004

Most recent approval: 2019

External accreditation or recognition: British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies

Programme structure

Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/MSc in CBT (120 credits)

Module 1:        Principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits) (exit point for mod. 1 introduction to CBT)

Modules 2:      Application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits)

Module 3:        Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Depression (20 credits) (exit point for Cert.)

 

Module 4:        Research Skills in CBT (20 credits)

 

Module 5:        Advanced CBT for Anxiety Disorders & Depression (20 credits)

 

Module 6:        Introduction to Complex Adaptation of CBT (20 credits) (exit point for Diploma)

 

Modules 7-9:   Dissertation (60 credits)

Key features

Placements:

Placements are identified by the NHS Boards at selection, in collaboration with the Psychological Therapies Training Coordination (PTTC) in the relevant NHS Board for duration of 12-24 months. This is usually in the trainee’s workplace, when the patient group is deemed suitable for the level of training. Alternative arrangements can be made if the trainee’s current workplace is deemed unsuitable.

All local 1:1 placement supervisors are identified by the trainee with support from the PTTC in their NHS board and are screened for suitability by the course.

The course offers group accredited supervision: supervision training, open access to course tutors and mid-training review discussions.

Professional registration:

The programme is designed to allow trainees to meet the competencies required to practice CBT in line with the CBT competency framework (Roth & Pilling, 2007), Department of Health.

Completion of Diploma level training prepares trainees to apply for accreditation with BABCP.

Any other important points: 

Subsidiary exit points of PG Certificate and PG Diploma are in place on the programme.

Admission criteria

Entry qualifications

The following guidelines are intended to ensure consistency with the entry standards set by the University.Ìý These guidelines are subject to review.

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Standard Entry

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Normally candidates who apply will be:

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·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý A UK registered health care professional from psychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, social work and nursing or general medical practice

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Working in an area where they can practise cognitive

Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìýbehavioural therapy

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Experienced in working with people with mental health problems on an individual case work basis, including history taking, and be competent at managing their own caseload

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Have a caseload, or access to a caseload of patients suitable for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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Normally, candidates:

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·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Should be in possession of a relevant first degree or show equivalent level of study (e.g. a recent professional qualification in an appropriate field or professional updating through Continuing Professional Development)

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Should be able to demonstrate statement of equivalence with regards to professional qualifications if studied abroad

· ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Should be able to provide evidence of the influence of psychological theory to their clinical work

·ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Should be able to provide 2 referees who can vouch for their professional qualifications and ability

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In addition, acceptance onto the Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy will be on the basis of a fully completed application form, an agreement that funding for the Programme has been secured, and an interview.Ìý Interviews will take place in Edinburgh before the programme commences.Ìý .

Non Standard Entry

Non standard entry applicants may be eligible for admission via the KSA route . In addition applicants who do not meet standard entry requirements may be considered for acceptance to the programme by applying for advanced standing, in accordance with QMU RPL regulations.

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

Those who completed the South of Scotland CBT certificate prior to 2014 QMU validation and who wish to progress their studies will be assessed in accordance with QMU RPL procedures.

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Candidates will usually have an acceptable Core Profession as defined by BABCP, for entry to the postgraduate awards students must have maintained this professional qualification and may be registered with key professional bodies. In the absence of a recognised Core Profession a candidate must have the potential to meet the BABCP KSA criteria and work towards building this portfolio over the duration of the course (see 7.2).

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Candidates should normally have completed at least two years post-registration experience and have experience in an area where students are gaining practice experience relevant to their registration.

Students with disabilities

Applications from all students will be assessed on the basis of academic suitability for the course in question. Discussions about the support requirements of students will be separate from that consideration. The admissions policy and procedure for disabled applicants can be found in the University’s Admissions Policy (Section 7.0)

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No applicant who is deemed to be academically suitable for entry will be refused entry on the grounds of disability without sound and compelling reasons. The University’s Student Disability Advisor will be consulted whenever there is doubt or whenever further advice is needed.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applicants may apply through the QMU RPL process for admission with advanced standing. Application for RPL cannot be made until the student is matriculated onto a programme and must demonstrate achievement in relation to all components of the professional curriculum.Ìý An experienced practitioner in a position of responsibility within education will verify such claims.