What does the Programme Entail?
This is an 18 month, part-time training which begins in January. Students need to arrange for one day a week release from their jobs during the first academic year of the Programme (January through to December) and for ten or more additional days in the second year (January through to June). Written confirmation to this effect is required from the student's manager.

The training takes place on a Thursday each week and combines formal teaching sessions with supervised practice. The lectures and workshops are provided in modern facilities at 20 Eastbourne Terrace, London W2, adjacent to Paddington Station. Supervision is provided in the supervisor’s place of work.

Core areas covered by the formal teaching programme include the following (note: this is a sample only):

• Essential CBT interviewing skills
• Structuring sessions
• Developing formulations
• Identifying and testing negative automatic thoughts
• Behavioural principles and methods
• Working with enduring cognitions
• Working with imagery
• Treating simple phobias
• Anxiety disorders
• PTSD
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Psychosis
• Personality disorders
• Substance misuse
• Chronic fatigue
• Chronic pain
• Working with resistance
• Working with complex and intractable disorders
• Schema-focused therapy
• Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
• CBT Supervision

Supervised practice
Supervision is a central component of the Programme and is provided by members of the Course Staff Team.
Supervision takes place in small groups of 3-4 students. The groups remain ‘closed’ for the duration of the Course. This enables the development of supportive working relationships and also helps supervisors monitor their students’ progress and work with them to address their learning needs.

Those enrolling on the Programme are required to carry a caseload of at least three to four CBT cases at any one point in time. Eight cases must be completed by the end of the Programme. Cases need to be accessed through students’ own places of work and also need to be approved as suitable for training purposes by their Course Supervisor.

How is competence assessed?
We recognise that our students bring to the Programme a wide variety of professional, academic and vocational qualifications and experience. Our approach to assessing competence reflects this diversity and provides a range of learning opportunities to help you hone your skills in critical analysis, reflective practice and specific CBT competences.

The range of assessment methods used reflects the academic and professional aims of the Programme and includes the following:

• Clinical case studies that assess students’ ability to (1) make theory-practice links; (2) devise and implement appropriate intervention plans and (3) critically evaluate and reflect upon their work
• Written assignments in the form of short and extended essays to examine knowledge of theory and research
• Audiotapes of clinical sessions, played regularly in supervision as well submitted for formal examination
• Use of the Cognitive Therapy Scale for self-assessment and formal examination of clinical competence
• A log book detailing casework carried out during the training
• Case presentations to the peer group
• Regular attendance at, and participation in, both the formal teaching and supervision components of the Programme

Additional support for student learning is available through our Personal Advisor Scheme, personal tutorials and individual supervision sessions. Our students also have access to the support services available at Royal Holloway University of London.

What are the entry requirements?
The Diploma accepts applications from individuals who possess a recognised professional training and qualification in a mental health profession. Successful applicants also typically have an upper second class honours degree. Those with a different level of qualification who can demonstrate the required level of preparedness for post graduate academic work are also welcome. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate that they have at least one year of post qualification experience in mental health care preferably with some experience of supervised practice in CBT.

Because the Diploma is an advanced qualification, the Programme will only accept applicants who are able to demonstrate core professional skills. These include an ability to form therapeutic relationships with clients, effective listening and communication skills and an ability to conceptualise clients’ difficulties using psychological principles.

Selection is a competitive process, based on the applicant’s level of previous learning and experience in CBT as well as the suitability of training for their current work context. Short-listed applicants are invited for a selection interview which takes place in November.

MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
The MSc involves undertaking a piece of supervised research in an area of relevance to CBT. Research teaching is provided as a series of seminars which cover a variety of topics including research design, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis and research ethics.

In order to qualify for the MSc, students will need to:

• Have successfully completed the Diploma
• Have completed undergraduate level study in research methods and statistics
• Have previous experience of completing empirical or qualitative research
• Provide an Academic Referee’s report that can confirm the ability to undertake research at Master’s level

Course Fees
Course Fees for the 2010/11 Programme are £6965.00. This includes supervision. An additional fee will be payable for those completing the MSc option. Please contact us for further details.

How and when do I apply?
To download an application form, click here

Please send your completed application form to:

Admissions Tutor
Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
Department of Adult Psychology
7a Woodfield Road
London W9 2NW

The closing date for applications for the January 2010 intake is 16 October 2009.