Psychiatrist with unrecognisable patient, talking, taking notes Psychiatrist with unrecognisable patient, talking, taking notes

Accreditations

British Association of Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) Accredited Course at Level 2

Course Summary

Aimed at experienced mental health professionals with experience of working in an IAPT service who wish to become accredited cognitive behavioural psychotherapists. Our course is fully accredited by the British Association of Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) as a Level 2 IAPT course.

Cognitive & Behavioural Therapies: High Intensity Training is a rigorous, challenging and highly rewarding clinical skills training course.

You will be trained in the use of empirically supported treatments, observe expert clinical demonstrations, and receive constructive feedback on your developing clinical competence.

You will also have the opportunity to develop the research competences required to ensure that your clinical interventions are based upon the best available scientific evidence.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will have satisfied the requirements of BABCP minimum training standards, and be eligible to apply for BABCP accreditation.

Why you'll Love it


What you'llStudy

Within the Postgraduate Diploma you will have the chance to develop, under supervision, the knowledge and skills required to assess, classify, formulate and treat adults with depression and anxiety disorders; and work with patients who have complex clinical presentations. If you undertake the MSc you will also design, plan and conduct an original piece of research.

Module content:

There are 122 hours of tutor contact within this double module. 30 hours will focus upon the science and theory of behavioural & cognitive psychotherapy; 92 hours will focus upon clinical skills training.  Science & Theory of CBT The science and theory component will cover: Models of learning (classical, operant, vicarious); cognitive models of emotional disorder; cognitive and behavioural models of depression & anxiety disorders; & empirically grounded clinical practice (the scientist-practitioner model). Practice of CBT: The practical component of this module will cover the following elements of clinical skills training regarding working with patients experiencing depression and anxiety (NICE Step 3, or equivalent), although not necessarily in the following order:  

General Therapeutic Competences·        

  • Professional Competence·       
  •  Collaborative Therapeutic Alliances·        
  • Use of Supervision·        
  •  Interpersonal Skills

CBT Assessment Competences

  • Assessment
  • Diagnosis
  • Formulation

CBT Treatment Intervention Competences

  • Treatment Protocols for depression and anxiety
  • Core Intervention Skills
  • Critical Treatment Skills
  • Evaluation of Treatment

CBT Treatment Process Competences

  • Session Structure
  • Treatment Structure
  • Facilitation of Patient Learning
  • Use of Empirical Measures

Module aims:

This double module aims to equip trainees with the knowledge and fundamental clinical skills required to operate as scientist practitioners in terms of assessment; diagnostic classification; and selection & implementation of evidence based treatment protocols for adults with depression and anxiety disorders.

Module content:

There are 36 hours of direct contact (36 hours clinical supervision).   This module is designed to facilitate the transfer of taught skills real life clinical practice. This will be achieved through the provision of clinical supervision & skills training to students throughout the year of clinical training.   In contrast to typical academic modules that consist solely of a fixed training syllabus, this module is designed to take into account the often unpredictable nature of clinical practice. Hence the focus of training within each supervision session will be governed to a large extent by the current clinical challenges presented by the student, and the related skills deficits identified by the student and the clinical supervisor. There is an emphasis in this module toward developing the necessary competencies to become a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist, and apply them in real life clinical practice.  The module will be focused upon assisting the student in developing the following competences when working with patients experiencing depression and anxiety (NICE Step 3, or equivalent):

Domain A: General Therapeutic Competences

A1. Professional CompetenceA2. Collaborative Therapeutic AlliancesA3. Use of SupervisionA4. Interpersonal Skills

Domain B: CBT Assessment Competences

B1. AssessmentB2. DiagnosisB3. Formulation

Domain C: CBT Treatment Intervention Competences

C1. Treatment Protocols for depression and anxietyC2. Core Intervention SkillsC3. Critical Treatment SkillsC4. Evaluation of Treatment

Domain D: CBT Treatment Process Competences

B1. Session Structure B2. Treatment StructureB3. Facilitation of Patient Learning

B4. Use of Empirical Measures


Module aims:

Firstly this module is intended to enable students to develop & demonstrate in the applied clinical setting (NICE Step 3 or equivalent) basic clinical competences in CBT. Secondly it is intended that the clinical work undertaken this module will enable the student to complete (a) a minimum of 100 hours of clinically supervised practice; & (b) the treatment of a minimum of four cases that meet the criteria set out by BABCP in their minimum training standards and documentation for accreditation of training programmes. 

Module content:

There are 72 hours of tutor contact within this double module. 12 hours will focus upon the science and theory of advanced areas of behavioural & cognitive psychotherapy; 60 hours will focus upon clinical skills training. The following topics will be covered: 

  • Formulation & clinical decision-making with complex presentations
  • Chronic Depression
  • Complex presentations of PTSD
  • Complex OCD Spectrum Disorders.
  • Working with older adults
  • Somatoform disorders
  • Medically unexplained symptoms.
  • Disorders impacting upon the treatment of depression & anxiety:
    • Physical health problems
    • Personality disorders
    • Alcohol/substance misuse
    • Anger Problems
    • Eating Disorders
  • Overcoming treatment obstacles

Module aims:

This module aims to help students advance their competence by learning how to (a) assess, formulate & treat; or (b) recognise, manage & refer patients with complex presentations. This skill is essential for all cognitive behavioural practitioners due to the prevalence of complex presentations within primary care settings.

Module content:

There are 36 hours of direct contact (36 hours clinical supervision).   This module is designed to facilitate the transfer of taught skills real life clinical practice. This will be achieved through the provision of clinical supervision & skills training to students throughout the year of clinical training.   In contrast to typical academic modules that consist solely of a fixed training syllabus, this module is designed to take into account the often unpredictable nature of clinical practice. Hence the focus of training within each supervision session will be governed to a large extent by the current clinical challenges presented by the student, and the related skills deficits identified by the student and the clinical supervisor. There is an emphasis in this module toward developing the necessary competencies to become a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist, and apply them in real life clinical practice.  The module will be focused upon assisting the student in developing the following competences when working with patients experiencing depression and anxiety (NICE Step 3, or equivalent):

Domain A: General Therapeutic CompetencesA1. Professional CompetenceA2. Collaborative Therapeutic AlliancesA3. Use of SupervisionA4. Interpersonal Skills

Domain B: CBT Assessment CompetencesB1. AssessmentB2. DiagnosisB3. Formulation

Domain C: CBT Treatment Intervention CompetencesC1. Treatment Protocols for depression and anxietyC2. Core Intervention SkillsC3. Critical Treatment SkillsC4. Evaluation of TreatmentDomain D: CBT Treatment Process CompetencesB1. Session Structure B2. Treatment StructureB3. Facilitation of Patient Learning

B4. Use of Empirical Measures


Module aims:

 

Firstly this module is intended to enable students to continue developing & demonstrating in the applied clinical setting (NICE Step 3 or equivalent), the clinical competences required assessment and treat depression and anxiety as a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist. Secondly it is intended that the clinical work undertaken this module will enable the student to complete (a) a minimum of 100  hours of clinically supervised practice; & (b) the treatment of a minimum of four cases that meet the criteria set out by BABCP in their minimum training standards and documentation for accreditation of training programmes. 

Module content:

The purpose of the module is to enable students to design, conduct and report a CBT relevant research project. The broad content of the module will include integrated coverage of research methods and statistics. However the specific focus of dissertation tutorials will vary depending on the individual needs of the student.


Module aims:

To provide research methods and statistical training, such that students are equipped, with support from a supervising tutor, to design and run a CBT related research project. The student will present the research in the format of a research proposal, an empirical paper ready for submission for publication in a journal, accompanied by a reflexive analysis of the clinical implications of their research.

Module content:

There are 60 hours of tutor contact within this module of which 50 hours will focus upon clinical skills training.  This module has been designed to prepare students towork in IAPT services providing the high-intensity (face-to-face) Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies.It provides an opportunity for intensive skills training and to develop core skills in assessment and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Firstly this module provides it provides an introduction to evidence based clinical protocols for depression and anxiety disorder. Secondly it provides skills training in assessment interviewing. Thirdly, it provides skills training in the core skills which underpin the majority of evidence based treatments including behavioural activation; cognitive restructuring; exposure; and problem solving. 

 


Module aims:

The module is intended to equip students with (a) knowledge regarding evidence based approaches to the assessment and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders; & (b) core assessment & clinical intervention skills

Module content:

There are 72 hours of direct contact (72 hours clinical supervision).   This module is designed to facilitate the transfer of taught skills real life clinical practice. This will be achieved through the provision of clinical supervision & skills training to students throughout the year of clinical training.   In contrast to typical academic modules that consist solely of a fixed training syllabus, this module is designed to take into account the often unpredictable nature of clinical practice. Hence the focus of training within each supervision session will be governed to a large extent by the current clinical challenges presented by the student, and the related skills deficits identified by the student and the clinical supervisor. There is an emphasis in this module toward developing the necessary competencies to become a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist, and apply them in real life clinical practice.  The module will be focused upon assisting the student in developing the following competences when working with patients experiencing depression and anxiety (NICE Step 3, or equivalent):

Domain A: General Therapeutic Competences A1. Professional CompetenceA2. Collaborative Therapeutic AlliancesA3. Use of SupervisionA4. Interpersonal Skills

Domain B: CBT Assessment CompetencesB1. AssessmentB2. DiagnosisB3. Formulation

Domain C: CBT Treatment Intervention CompetencesC1. Treatment Protocols for depression and anxietyC2. Core Intervention SkillsC3. Critical Treatment SkillsC4. Evaluation of Treatment

Domain D: CBT Treatment Process CompetencesB1. Session Structure B2. Treatment StructureB3. Facilitation of Patient Learning

B4. Use of Empirical Measures


Module aims:

Firstly this module is intended to enable students to develop & demonstrate in the applied clinical setting (NICE Step 3 or equivalent), the clinical competences required assessment and treat depression and anxiety as a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist. Secondly it is intended that the clinical work undertaken this module will enable the student to complete (a) a minimum of 200  hours of clinically supervised practice; & (b) the treatment of a minimum of eight cases that meet the criteria set out by BABCP in their minimum training standards and documentation for accreditation of training programmes. 

Who you'll Learn from

Nicholas Hool

Senior Lecturer; Programme Leader for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy MSc
Nicholas Hool

How you'll Learn

Entry Requirements

Before you apply, please note the programme is for experienced mental health professionals with a placement in an IAPT service, and clinical experience of working within adult IAPT services. We anticipate the vast majority of places to be NHS England funded training posts – these are often advertised on NHS jobs.

Applicants will:

  • have a core professional training in mental health (normally with a science-based honours degree), or demonstrate eligibility through the BABCP Knowledge, Skills & Attitudes pathway
  • have a minimum of one day a week in face-to-face therapy practice in an IAPT service in the role of high intensity trainee
  • have in place suitable BABCP-accredited supervision arrangements.

Applicants will also be required to attend an interview.

This course is not open to international students.

Where you'll Study Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

£9,360 for the full course (2024/25)

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses in the academic year 2024/25 are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

This course is not open to international students.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees.

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees & Finance section of our website.

Your Future Career

Job Prospects 

Successful completion of the PG Dip makes individuals eligible to apply for BABCP accreditation as a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist. The vast majority of successful completers gain employment as High Intensity therapist within IAPT services.

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.