The six Modules of our BABCP Accredited Postgraduate Diploma provide participants with the aptitude, skills and competencies to practice as Cognitive Behavioural Therapists. The aim of the programme is that on successful completion of the Diploma participants will have met the minimum training standards for accreditation requirements of the BABCP, the accrediting body for CBT therapists in the United Kingdom. Participants will gain the expertise for assessing and treating patients with a range of anxiety and depressive disorders.

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Clinical Supervision

Regular supervision of CBT practice will be provided by the course. Part of the supervision will be the review of full (audio) recorded sessions. The amount of supervision provided will be the equivalent of 30 hours individual CBT supervision.

Module 1, Fundamentals of CBT,

focuses on generic knowledge and skills for the application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy methods, which can be drawn on in this and the other Modules and applied to the treatment of specific anxiety and depressive disorders. Module 1 teaches generic CBT procedures such as the development of good therapeutic alliances with patients, use of agenda-setting, structure and homework. These can be applied across the treatment of all disorders. Frequent case consultation provides participants in groups of 3 with access to expert advice and guidance on their CBT practice. The supervision is provided by practicing CBT therapists who are approved by the programme team and accredited by the BABCP.

Module 2, Consolidation of the Fundamentals of CBT,

provides participants with a range of opportunities to build upon their generic competencies in using the CBT model. This will be achieved through Problem Based Learning exercises, self-practice of CBT techniques and methods with programme peers, guided reading and use of library and electronic CBT resources. Participants will also have access to expert advice from practicing CBT therapists who have been approved by the programme team.

Module 3, CBT for Anxiety Disorders,

builds on the generic CBT knowledge and skills gained in Modules 1 & 2 and teaches participants to apply this to the treatment of anxiety disorders. In addition, specific methods and procedures of relevance to the treatment of anxiety disorders will be learnt. Participants will learn appropriate intervention strategies and protocols for the treatment of Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia, Social Phobia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Health Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder.

Module 4, Consolidation of CBT for Anxiety Disorders,

provides participants with a range of opportunities to build upon their knowledge and competencies using CBT techniques and methods for the treatment of anxiety disorders. This will be achieved through Problem Based Learning exercises, self-practice of CBT techniques and methods for anxiety disorders with programme peers. Opportunities to critically review the research evidence relating to anxiety disorders will be provided through guided reading and web based resources. Participants will also have access to expert advice from practicing CBT therapists who have been approved by the programme team.

Module 5, CBT for Depression,

builds on the generic CBT knowledge and competencies gained in Modules 1 & 2 and the specific CBT competencies gained in Modules 3 & 4 and teaches participants to apply this knowledge to the treatment of depression. In addition, specific methods and procedures of relevance to the treatment of depression will be learnt. Participants will learn appropriate intervention strategies and protocols for the treatment of low self-esteem, chronic recurrent depression and bipolar disorder. Participants will learn how to work with complex case presentations including working with clients with dual diagnosis.

Module 6, Consolidation of CBT for Depression,

provides participants with a range of opportunities to build upon their knowledge and competencies using CBT techniques and methods for the treatment of depression. This will be achieved through Problem Based Learning exercises, self-practice of CBT techniques and methods for depression with programme peers. Opportunities to critically review the research evidence relating to depression will be provided through guided reading and web based resources. Participants will also have access to expert advice from practicing CBT therapists who have been approved by the programme team.

More information

The Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (High Intensity) at the Salomons Campus of Canterbury Christ Church University offers an excellent programme of study in a mix of classroom learning, problem based learning, Master Clinician Workshops, Clinical Supervision and intensive skills Workshops.

We are currently offering the Postgraduate Diploma to IAPT funded students and to students on a Self-Funding basis (by NHS Trust or individual funding). Places are open to applicants who meet the required criteria and are successful at Interview. The Diploma has self-funded places available at £8,400 (including supervision).

Students need a practice placement in order to be able to practice the newly learned CBT skills. This can be their current place of work, but the practice placement needs the approval of the course director. Access to and selection of appropriate training cases will be crucial to success on the Diploma Programme. Appropriate selection criteria will be publicised in advance and candidates for the programme will be asked to provide evidence of appropriate access in their practice placement at selection.

Students should be qualified health professionals such as Mental Health Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Clinical/Counselling Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Social Workers. They may also be graduates from the Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Wellbeing Practice (Low Intensity) courses (also offered at Salomons Campus).

We can offer delivery of the programme in two modes, commencing in April 2012 (subject to student numbers):

Two days per week during term time at University (Salomons Campus near Tunbridge Wells)

One day per week during term time at University (Salomons Campus near Tunbridge Wells)

Year 1
Term 1: Module 1
Term 2: Module 2
Term 3: Module 3

Term 3: Module 6

For more information please contact Claire Fullalove on 01892 507575 or e-mail claire.fullalove@canterbury.ac.uk|.  

IAPT funded places

Application for these places is via an application for a paid trainee position in a service that is expanding to deliver the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies initiative. These posts are advertised on http://www.jobs.nhs.uk/| and in other local sites or provider literature. If you would like more information on the IAPT job roles, we would recommend looking at the IAPT website www.iapt.nhs.uk |.

Self Funded places

An application form is available for you to download here|. The closing date for applications is 16th March 2012, selection interviews will be held during the following weeks.

The 2011 - 2012 programme will run March 2012 to April 2013, requiring attendance on Thursdays and Fridays in term time, plus occasional additional days for training and examinations (totalling approximately 80 days of the year).  In order to pass the programme, trainees are required to attend 90% teaching and supervision and to conduct 200 hours of CBT with clients during the year.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Therapies: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (High Intensity) should normally have (a) or (b), with either (c) or (d), plus (e):

(a) Have a recognised professional mental health qualification recognised as a 'Core Profession' by BABCP such as Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, or BACP accredited Counselling.  A Full list of recognised Core Professions is available at http://www.babcp.com/Accreditation/Core_Professions.aspx|

(b) Demonstrate, through our 'Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (KSA)' application, that you have the required core training and competence for the delivery of a psychological therapy within an ethical framework.

(c) Have a good honours degree in any subject

(d) Provide evidence of ability to study successfully at Postgraduate level¹

(e) Work in an environment that enables them to offer high intensity interventions for depression and anxiety using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, with evidence that they will conduct at least 200 hours of CBT practice during the course.

For more information please contact Claire Fullalove on 01892 507575 or e-mail claire.fullalove@canterbury.ac.uk|

1. Evidence must be presented at interview in the form of a portfolio of written work completed in relevant employment settings or during previous training, plus additional written support from two referees, one of whom is the current employer.