Cognitive-Behavioural Interventions MSc

This is an accessible and multidisciplinary award, which supports individuals advancing skills and knowledge in clinical activity, as part of CPD and lifelong learning.

The philosophy of the course is broadly grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). The CBT approach has been supported by research evidence and advocated by professional bodies and government. CBT is based in cognitive and behavioural models of psychological disorder, and continues to evolve, resulting in an expanding range of interventions.

The course will enhance your ability to function as part of a flexible workforce, which is responsive to individuals with a variety of mental health disorders. It will also enable you to become a critically aware ‘consumer’ of approaches to intervention, with the ability to evaluate the validity and quality of support claimed for a therapeutic intervention.

The course will let you demonstrate an advanced ability to function effectively as a therapeutic agent in complex care arenas, and will give you a deeper understanding of operating therapeutically as part of teams and communities.

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Entry requirements
Course content
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How to Apply

For all taught postgraduate and PG Cert programmes, please apply directly to University of Worcester. You can download an application form, or can contact the Admissions office on 01905 855111 / pg-admissions@worc.ac.uk

Please post your completed application form to:
Admissions Office
University Of Worcester
Henwick Grove
Worcester
WR2 6AJ

Alternatively you can apply online for postgraduate programmes at University of Worcester via the Prospects online directory of postgraduate programmes. There is no fee for using the online application service.

When we receive your application form, your details will be passed to the Masters Programme Leader who will contact you to arrange an informal interview. You may include additional material, such as references, in support of your application or bring them with you to interview.

You can apply for postgraduate taught courses and PG Certs at any time, but preferably as early as possible before the start of the academic year, which begins in September.

Study options

This course is currently only available on a Part-Time basis

The programme is taught in blocks, with each module being two blocks of two days (Friday and Saturday). The days are organized into blocks of different learning activities, eg presentation/facilitation by the tutor, practical exercises (individual and/or group task), discussion and reflection. Importantly, between the blocks the students are supported with additional reading, provided in the form of primary source articles, book chapters and practitioner journal articles.

The programme has an 80% attendance requirement.

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Victoria Galbraith
v.galbraith@worc.ac.uk

Tess Parkinson
t.parkinson@worc.ac.uk

Normally, an Honours degree at 2.2 or above, preferably in an associated subject or equivalent professional qualifications

A recognised Diploma in counselling or psychotherapy, or equivalent professional practice

A counselling placement or present work within a counselling context

International students must hold a qualification equivalent to a UK first or second class hours degree. All international students for whom English is not their first language are required to achieve IELTS 6.5 or equivalency

Any student who wishes to use their counselling practice with children or vulnerable adults, for their practice placement will have to have a current enhanced Criminal Records Check (CRB). Many placements will require students to have a current enhanced CRB irrespective of their client group. In either case, students are responsible for funding their CRB check.

The programme is open to those already in counselling or psychotherapeutic practice and to those with the appropriate background who wish to develop competence or pursue a career in Cognitive Behavioural interventions. Given that CBT training is emotionally as well as intellectually demanding, and that the research evidence identifies that a sustained therapeutic relationship is crucial to positive client outcomes, it is professionally and ethically important that due consideration is awarded to the readiness of the applicant to undertake these demands. With this in mind, all prospective students are interviewed by two tutors and will participate in a number of reflective activities as part of this interviewing process.

In addition, candidates will be required to obtain satisfactory health clearance.

The University is committed to widening participation to candidates from diverse backgrounds, abilities and ages.

Modules

The Role of the Therapeutic Relationship (MATI 4004)
Psychology of Mental Health (MPSY4010)
Enabling Individuals and Teams to deliver Therapeutic Interventions (MATI 4005)

On completion of the 3 above compulsory modules (total of 60 credits), exit/interim award is Postgraduate Certificate Psychological Therapies

Advanced Research Analysis (MPSY4002)
Developments in Therapeutic Interventions (MATI 4006)
Work Based Practice (MATI 4007)

On completion of 6 of the above compulsory modules (total of 120 credits), plus 200 hours of supervised clinical practice, the exit/interim award is Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Interventions

Dissertation (MPTH4003)

On completion of all 6 compulsory modules, 200 hours of supervised clinical practice, PLUS 60-credit dissertation (total of 180-credits), exit award is MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Interventions

The programme has an 80% attendance requirement.

Assessment

Learning will be structured around a range of teaching methods including group seminars, lead lectures, individual tutorials and online resources. The modules offer different kinds of assessment such as essays, case studies, practical skills work, research analysis, research reports, data analysis, seminar papers and presentations.

A 15-20,000 word Independent Research Project is required for the MSc award.

Academic department

Institute of Health & Society

“The University is a leading innovator in the fields of health and social care. Unique appointments such as the UK’s first professors of perinatal education and tissue viability demonstrate our commitment to research excellence.”
Louise Jones, Head of Institute

Employability

Masters students will often be employed whilst undertaking the course, many in clinical roles, in statutory, non-statutory and voluntary sectors in the mental health field. The degree aims to enhance professional development and employability. Specific careers in counselling or working with clients in health and social care settings will be open to successful graduates.

Students may progress to higher degrees in research. The award, or selected modules, may be used to fulfil CPD, professional, regulatory, individual or employer needs. Ability to produce work at masters level is strong evidence of personal and professional competence. The award may be accepted as a ‘feeder’ course for BABCP (British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy) approved CBT Postgraduate Diploma courses (required for practice as CBT Therapist).