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Postgraduate Programme Specification

PgDip Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title PgDip Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Postgraduate Diploma
Programme Code NAM-PD-CBP UCAS Code HECoS Code 100254 - Psychotherapy - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

All eligible applicants will be interviewed.

Mode of Study Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Part Time - 2 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 120
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Nursing & Midwifery

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Counselling and psychotherapy

Accreditations (PSRB)

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 31-03-15

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

No

Programme Specific Regulations

The course is taught during 18 months over 2 year period leading to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma and to a recognised qualification with the BABCP. Students must complete the course within 5 years of commencing studies

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

Yes
Students are subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Regulations, in conjunction with those of their professional accrediting body.

Educational Aims Of Programme

The overall aim of this interdisciplinary cross faculty Postgraduate Diploma programme is to offer a high quality, supportive and transformational learning experience that will enhance, extend and embed the student’s knowledge, skills and attitudes in the competent application of cognitive and behavioural psychotherapy:

develop intellectual and practical skills for the continuing professional development of health and social care professionals in evidence based cognitive behavioural therapies

participate in high quality education and training in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) designed for professionals working with patients with emotional and mental disorders particularly depression and anxiety disorders

prepare for the world in and beyond higher education, in employment and the wider community – particularly in promoting the improvement of standards of service and care received by the consumers of personal, social, and health services

advance academic knowledge, through the fostering of staff development, professional competence, academic achievement and promotion of research minded clinical practice.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Critically evaluate empirical research and evidence–based strategies

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Formal lectures, independent research using library and other web based materials

Methods of Assessment

Essays and case studies

Assess contrasting ideas, explanations and theories to conceptualise maintaining factors in a mental ill health.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Workshops
Small group seminars

Methods of Assessment

Essays and case studies

Demonstrate the ability to plan and implement sophisticated treatment models for specific disorders

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Formal lectures, class discussion and role plays

Methods of Assessment

Recorded practical assignments

Develop competence in using problem-focused, and problem-solving techniques and methods

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Small group supervision workshops

Methods of Assessment

Recorded practical assignments

Demonstrate an ability to synthesise and discuss academic literature

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Workshops, independent research using library, and other web based materials

Methods of Assessment

Essays

Develop the ability to reflect in critical and constructive ways on their own learning.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lecture, tutorials, independent study

Methods of Assessment

Practical, written assessment, clinical portfolio

Critically explore how knowledge translates into policy and policy into practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Analysing patient/client material

Methods of Assessment

Practical, written assessment, clinical portfolio.

Evaluate critically the intricacy and diversity of the experiences of common mental disorders, how they present and respond to treatment.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lecture, tutorial, clinical supervision.

Methods of Assessment

Practical, written assessment, clinical portfolio.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate a high level of competence in conducting assessments of clients using a CBT framework

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Workshops
Small group exercises
Group supervision

Methods of Assessment

Case studies
Recordings of clinical sessions
supervision.

Elicit key cognitions and apply relevant behavioural and verbal re-attribution techniques

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Supervision groups

Methods of Assessment

Recordings of clinical sessions
supervision

Systematically measure outcomes in treatment and synthesize evidence

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Guided study and reading

Methods of Assessment

Case studies
portfolios

Use case supervision and reflection to critically evaluate practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Supervision groups

Methods of Assessment

Cases studies
portfolios

Advance continued personal learning through, inter alia, use of library based research and other networks

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Independent research using library and other web based materials

Methods of Assessment

Essays

Use information technology to access and analyse information from a wide range of sources including government papers, academic journals and electronic databases

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Guided study and reading
Independent research using library and other web based materials

Methods of Assessment

Essays
Case studies

Work with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures and develop skills to reflect on clinical practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Small group exercises

Methods of Assessment

Portfolios

Develop advanced written and verbal communication skills, problem solving, teamwork, autonomy, use of online tools, critical thinking personal reflection, researching and appraising literature, writing at Masters level, debating and listening, and enhancing professional confidence and competence

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures
Small group exercises
Guided study and reading
Independent research

Methods of Assessment

Essays
Case studies

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of the theoretical base, principles and values of CBT as applied to mental disorders

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Formal lectures and workshops

Methods of Assessment

Essays
Case studies

Evaluate the research evidence of the efficacy of CBT with clients specific with mental health disorders

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Workshops
Small group discussions

Methods of Assessment

Case presentations

Identify the key change elements of CBT in relation to clients with mental disorders

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Role-plays
Case presentation
Audio and video material

Methods of Assessment

Case studies

Incorporate Socratic methods in relation to clinical practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Audio and video material
Supervision groups

Methods of Assessment

Recorded clinical sessions
Supervision

Use a specialist CBT perspective to understand and address crisis, hopelessness and suicidality

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Formal lectures
Role plays

Methods of Assessment

Case presentations
Case studies

Assess evidence critically, synthesise data from digital and printed sources, particularly online catalogues and databases, research library catalogues, archival inventories, and other traditional and digital resources relevant to the subject area.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Clinical supervision, tutorials

Methods of Assessment

Practical, written assessment, clinical portfolio

Solve problems of conflicting sources and conflicting interpretations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Clinical supervision

Methods of Assessment

Practical, written assessment, clinical portfolio

Question interpretations, however authoritative, and reassess evidence for themselves

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Tutorial, seminars, workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Practical, written assessment, clinical portfolio

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Apply cognitive theories to clients’ clinical problems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Formal lectures
Workshops
Supervision groups

Methods of Assessment

Essays
Case studies

Construct cognitive behavioural formulations for clients with specific disorders

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Workshops
Case presentations
Demonstration role plays

Methods of Assessment

Supervision
Case studies
Portfolios

Apply cognitive behavioural clinical skills to therapeutic work with clients with specific disorders

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Workshops
Small group supervision

Methods of Assessment

Supervision
Case studies

Systematically measure psychological treatment outcomes by the use of quantitative and qualitative measures

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Formal lectures
Independent research using library and other web based materials

Methods of Assessment

Essays
Case studies
Case presentations

Demonstrate originality on the practical understanding of
common mental disorders, together with a practical understanding of formulation based assessment and intervention

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars, observation, role play/simulated practice

Methods of Assessment

Practical, written assessment, clinical portfolio

Engage in, develop and disengage from therapeutic relationships through the use of appropriate interpersonal skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Observation/role-play/simulated practice

Methods of Assessment

Practical, written assessment, clinical portfolio

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders CBP7104 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Training supervision for the application of CBP Models and Skills for Complex Disorders CBP7105 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Training Supervision - application of CBP Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety Disorders. CBP7103 7 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders CBP7102 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Self-Practice / Self Reflection in CBP SWK7106 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Core Concepts and Skills of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Depression CBP7101 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Evidence Based Practice HSN7076 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%

Notes

This programme is shared by the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work.
Students commencing the programme in academic years Sept 2021 and 2022 will be managed by the School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Modules that must be undertaken in the first year of the programme include CBP7101, CPB7102, CPB7103 and one of the optional modules. Please liaise with the programme lead Colin Hughes for advice regarding the optional module.