MSc/PGDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy  MSc/PGDip Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Goldsmiths, University of London ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1534093864Goldsmiths,-University-of-London.jpg

The MSc Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) aims to provide students with a structured training where students can systematically acquire the knowledge and skills needed to practice as a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.

On the course students will be able to progressively build their confidence and competence to take them from a novice to skilled practitioner equipped to work towards accreditation with the BABCP and BACP dependant on their individual experience.

Uniquely on this course students will be strongly encouraged to evaluate Cognitive Behavioural theory and practice, which will include an emphasis on understanding the relationship of CBT to other psychotherapeutic modalities and on the tailoring of interventions to individual needs. As such this training in CBT is presented within a broader framework of critical and positive psychology.

The course also aims to develop students' understanding of the impact of contextual and structural factors, particularly in terms of the impact of inherent power differentials, upon the formation and resolution of individual psychological difficulties. This also includes the influence of contextual factors upon the practice of CBT itself and the examination of the way in which CBT can contribute to the prevention and amelioration of the negative impact of these. As such particular focus is given to developing a flexible and creative approach to the practice of CBT to effectively respond to individual, social and cultural diversity. In addition the course seeks to broaden the focus of understanding away from only addressing psychopathology to a broader view of the practice of CBT that includes the optimisation of individual well-being. 

PGDip requirements

• An undergraduate degree (2:2) or equivalent
• Qualification & 2 years experience in a core profession *(please see below)
• Personal suitability assessed by the application form, references and a screening interview
• Access to an appropriate work setting where you can undertake at least three days per week of face-to-face CBT practice and the audio/video recording of client sessions for assessment in an academic setting
• Access to a BABCP-accredited workplace supervisor who can offer weekly supervision.

*core professions are as determined by the BABCP and include:

• Arts Therapists – HCPC Registered
• Counselling – Accredited with the BACP, IACP, COSCA, or FDAP (NCAC), or Registered Member CPC
• Medicine – Psychiatrist or General Practitioner, MBChB or MBBS, and usually PG training with membership of MRCGP, MRCP or MRCPsych
• Occupational Therapy – BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy, MSc Occupational Therapy, or Dip C.O.T and HCPC Registered
• Probation Services – DipPS
• Psychology – 1st degree plus a post-graduate qualification (MSc or Doctorate) in an applied area such as clinical, counselling, educational, forensic, health psychology. HCPC Registered as Practitioner Psychologist (HCPC registration alone insufficient)
• Psychotherapy / Psychotherapeutic Counselling with UKCP Registration
• Registered Nurse – Mental Health (RMN), or Learning Disability (general nursing and enrolled nursing is insufficient)
• Social Work – CQSW, DipSW or BA/BSc Hons Social Work
• Teacher of Special Education / Needs – CertEd, B.Ed, or BA/BSc with PGCE, plus additional specialist training in Special Education, with additional counselling / psychotherapy training

MSc requirements

• An undergraduate degree (2:2)
• Certificate in Counselling Skills/equivalent experience
• Personal suitability assessed by the application form, references and a screening interview

International qualifications

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.

If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate-level study.