MSc Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy

Summary 2012/13

• Greatly enhance your ability to become accredited with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP);
• Study a course benchmarked against the Department of Health’s, ‘Competencies Required for Teaching Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Depression and Anxiety’ and “Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (High Intensity)’;
• Benefit from a programme balancing theory and practice, led by an accredited CBT Practitioner-Trainer & Supervisor with the BABCP.

The government and employers are promoting the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative. This course has been benchmarked against the “High Intensity” part of the initiative. It has been benchmarked against “Department of Health Competencies Required to Teach Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)” and also The National Occupational Standards (NOS) initiative for CBT. Put simply, completion of this programme will add greatly to your employability and earning potential.

2012 Entry Requirements

To satisfy the practical assessments contained within the programme, you must be:

• A registered mental health professional;
• In clinical practice working with clients with psychological issues.

You will also require:

• A minimum qualification of an Honours Degree, and or equivalent experience in the field of Mental Health (two years post qualification);
• A demonstrable ability to study / write at Masters Level;
• Access to an accredited or accreditable (with the BABCP) CBT Supervisor.

It would also be preferable if you were a member of a professional body, such as BABCP, Nursing and Midwifery Council or British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme is for Health or Social Service professionals (Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Counsellors and Psychiatrists) who wish to become Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists.

What will I gain from this programme?

The programme offers an opportunity to study, reflect and practice within a supportive environment, in a new purpose-built setting. You will greatly increase your chances of becoming accredited with the BABCP and your ability to gain employment. The programme begins with CBT in the mild to moderate clinical environment then examines CBT for more complex problems, such as psychosis and personality disorder. Two modules focus on clinical supervision. You will have the opportunity to study real cases with your peers and increase your competency level.

How we will support you

We will offer teaching and learning support throughout the programme. You will have access to individual tutorials and support online and via Learning Services. We have a wealth of experience of supporting students of differing social / racial and economic backgrounds and are proud of our equality and diversity portfolio.

What will I study?

The programme begins with an introduction to cognitive behavioural therapy, before continuing to look at the application of CBT to more complex disorders and examining cognitive science, the brain and behaviour. You will study CBT techniques, theory and have ample opportunities to practice. Subjects covered will include assessment, case conceptualisation, alliance building, change techniques and evaluation processes.

You will study clinical supervision (general and CBT), the foundations of social research and the supervision and support for cognitive behaviour therapy competencies. To complete the MSc there is a 12,000 word dissertation for practice-based professionals.

How will I study?

You will learn through a combination of interactive lectures, small group work, personal reflection, classroom debate, individual tutorials, private study time and DVDs of experts in the field.

Who will be teaching me?

Primarily your teacher and programme leader will be Paul Keenan, accredited Trainer, Supervisor and Practitioner in CBT with the BABCP. Others involved in the programme will be experts in the field of research and cognitive psychology and experts in the clinical field.

How will I be assessed?

Assessments will include written case study assignments (3,000 and 4,000 words), written academic assignments (4,000 words), written reflective assignment (2,500 words), anonomised video work of real clinical sessions assessed by the Cognitive Therapy Scale – Revised (Blackburn et al 2000) and a 12,000 word dissertation.

What are my career prospects?

The programme is designed to facilitate your progression in the theory and practice of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). It is cognisant of the role clinical supervision provides in maintaining professional standards and good practice. Your career prospects will be greatly enhanced by completing this programme, particularly considering the government’s initiative with CBT in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT).

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to Edge Hill University. Download the Health Professional Development postgraduate application form and notes for guidance (pdf).

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees for this programme are £560 per 20 credit module and £900 for the 60 credit dissertation for academic year 2012/13.

Edge Hill graduates joining an eligible postgraduate programme at the University in academic year 2012/13 could benefit from a 20% reduction in tuition fees. If you're a UK or EU student and will be paying the fees yourself, you might be eligible to receive this discount. See www.edgehill.ac.uk/reducedfees for more information.

Where can I find out more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask about this course, please contact:

• Paul Keenan, Programme Leader
• Email: keenanp@edgehill.ac.uk

Or

• Stephen Wilson, Programme Administrator
• Tel: 01695 650726
• Email: wilsonst@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

You can exit this programme with a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or complete the full MSc.

Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

To exit with a Postgraduate Certificate you need to complete the following modules:

• HEA 9095 Introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (20 credits)
• HEA 9096 Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders (20 credits)
• PSY 4000 Cognitive Science, Brain, and Behaviour (20 credits)

Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

To exit with a Postgraduate Diploma, you need to complete the above and the following modules:

• HEA 4029 Introduction to Clinical Supervision (20 credits)
• HEA 4045 Research: Development of a Research Proposal (20 credits)
• HEA 9097 Supervision and Support for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Competencies (20 credits)

MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy

To exit with an MSc, you need to complete all the above modules and a 60-credit dissertation:

• HEA 4009 Dissertation (60 credits)