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MSc Specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Academic Year 2017/18

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 and Enhancement processes as set out in the DASA Policies and Procedures Manual.

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

JACS Code

L500 (DESCR) 100

Criteria for Admissions

A second class honours degree in a cognate area or equivalent professional qualification(s) and

• Have at least two years CBT practice experience in a statutory or independent mental health or related setting and
• Provide evidence of prior basic knowledge of psychological therapies preferably CBT, and
• Be currently employed in a clinical or practice setting within an organisation providing therapeutic or counselling services, and
• Be in a role for the duration of the Programme to access a suitable client group for practice and supervision purposes.

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.

All applicants will be interviewed.

Progression from the PG Dip onto the MSc will be subject to successfully completing all PG Dip modules and assessment of suitability for study of research methods and advanced CBT practice which must be approved by the Course Director.

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) (90 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.

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

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

2 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

180

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Awarding Institution/Body

Queen's University Belfast

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

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)

N/A

Programme Specific Regulations

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.

More specific programme regulation details are in the course handbook.

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

Programme Requirements

Module Title

Module Code

Level/ stage

Credits

Availability

Duration

Pre-requisite

 

Assessment

 

 

 

 

S1

S2

 

 

Core

Option

Coursework %

Practical %

Examination %

Core Concepts and Skills of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

SWK8087

70

30

YES

12 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Anxiety Disorders

SWK8088

70

30

YES

12 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Other Specific and Complex Disorders

SWK8090

70

30

YES

12 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Application of Cognitive Therapy Models and Skills for Depression and Anxiety

SWK8089

70

30

YES

YES

24 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

12 weeks

N

YES

100%

0%

0%

Notes

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