Courses

Postgraduate Programme Specification

MSc Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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

MSc Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master of Science

Programme Code

SWK-MSC-CB

UCAS Code

HECoS Code

100993 - Cognitive psychology - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

Health Check Required

Portfolio Required

Applicants from a non-core profession will be expected to provide a portfolio of evidence and references to demonstrate suitable core knowledge, skills and attitudes in line with KSA guidelines produced by BABCP.

Interview Required

All 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

180

Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution	Queen's University Belfast
School/Department	Social Sciences, Education and Social Work
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
Accreditations (PSRB)
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies	Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 16-09-14

Regulation Information

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

Exemption from Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) regulations (5.4) to allow full credit to be awarded to students instead of one third. Exemption from RPL regulation 4.4 to allow credit to be granted for modules which have already contributed towards an award.

Programme Specific Regulations

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Candidates with a relevant PG Diploma in CBT may apply for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL). This will exempt them from the first year of the MSc in Specialist Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (Trauma) (80 CATS points). RPL applicants must provide a record of modular content of prior PG Dip in CBT training and relevant CPD. These applicants will be assessed by interview and a DVD recording of current CBT practice. The DVD will be assessed by the CTSR scale and candidates must have secured the permission of the patient for the DVD to be used in this way. Such candidates may be required to surrender their PG Dip certificates if successful in completing the MSc before the new award can be issued.

All clinical practice assignments (recorded CBT sessions) must be passed as an essential component of assessment for fitness to practice. Clinical assignments are assessed using the Revised Cognitive Therapy Scale (CTSR), an established valid measure of therapist performance. Ethical approval for all clinical and research assignments will be provided by the students Agency in line with university requirements.

The minimum attendance requirement for this programme is 80%. A student is eligible to obtain the academic award, if they meet the minimum attendance requirement; however, in order to obtain professional accreditation for the course, any teaching and time lost due to absence must be made up elsewhere.

Students with protected characteristics

Student support will be provided as appropriate in line with university policies.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No
Students are subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations.

Educational Aims Of Programme

Demonstrate improved intellectual and practical skills for the continuing professional development of health and social care professionals in evidence based psychological therapies.

Demonstrate an understanding and ability to practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for clients 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.

Provide a comprehensive understanding of the content and efficacy of a range of CBT based models for the treatment of PTSD and other trauma related disorders.

Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills to conduct a systematic literature review in the subject area.

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 and research project.

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 and research project.

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; portfolio; research project.

Use case supervision and reflection to critically evaluate practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Supervision groups.

Methods of Assessment

Cases studies portfolio.

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; research project.

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; research project.

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

Portfolio.

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; research project.

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.

Synthesise a study of CBT and set of results into a systematic and rigorous presentation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Formal lectures and supervision.

Methods of Assessment

Research project and extended case review.

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.

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

Case studies; case presentations; research project.

Demonstrate a knowledge of and ability to apply specialist trauma focused CBT models.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Formal lectures; workshops; supervision groups.

Methods of Assessment

Research project and extended case study; recorded clinical sessions supervision.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title	Module Code	Level/ stage	Credits	Availability		Duration	Pre-requisite			Assessment
				S1	S2			Core	Option	Coursework %	Practical %	Examination %
Training Supervision - application of CBP Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety Disorders.	CBP7103	70	20	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Complex Disorders	CBP7104	70	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Training supervision for the application of CBP Models and Skills for Complex Disorders	CBP7105	70	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Anxiety Disorders	CBP7102	70	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Core Concepts and Skills of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy for Depression	CBP7101	70	20	YES	--	12 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%
Evidence Based Practice	HSN7076	70	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Self-Practice / Self Reflection in CBP	SWK7106	70	20	--	YES	12 weeks	N	--	YES	100%	0%	0%
Appraisal and Application of CBT for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & Other Trauma Related Disorders	SWK8100	70	60	YES	YES	24 weeks	N	YES	--	100%	0%	0%

Notes

All assignments must be passed. Students may have one re-submission attempt for failed assignments.