Entry requirementsEntry Conditions Applicants must normally have gained; (i) an Honours or non-Honours degree or (ii) an equivalent standard in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate or an approved professional or other qualification; and (iii) have at least three years clinical/practice experience in a statutory or independent mental health or related setting (iv) provide evidence of prior training in psychological therapy (v) be currently employed in a clinical or practice setting within an organisation providing therapeutic or counselling services (vi) be in a role for the duration of the Course to access a suitable client group for practice and supervision purposes
Academic titlePostgraduate Diploma/MSc in Cognitive Therapy
Course descriptionThe course is provided in conjunction with the Omagh based Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation and shall provide advanced education in the principles and practice of Specialist Cognitive Therapy. On completion Graduates shall be expected to have; a broad overview of the theories underpinning cognitive therapy; developed the ability to conceptualise mental disorders within cognitive formulations; extensive practical experience of the application of the cognitive model to clinical work; and be able to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills to a range of mental disorders.
Duration and Mode of Attendance
The course is only available on a part time basis
PG Diploma: Three semesters over one year.
MSc: Two years.
Structure and Content
The course has core PG Diploma modules; Core Concepts and Skills of Cognitive Therapy; Application of Cognitive Therapy to Specific Anxiety disorders; Other Specific & Complex Disorders. From September 2009 the MSc modules are PTSD adn Other Trauma Related Disorders; Research Methods; and a research project.
Professional Recognition
The Course has been designed to meet the standards required by BABCP and has been submitted for accreditation to BABCP. Specifically for social work applicants the course has been accredited at the Advanced Award level by the Northern Ireland Post Qualifying Partnership.
Careers And Postgraduate Opportunities
Recent Government Mental Health publications have provided powerful and unambiguous support for an expansion in cognitive therapy services. The demand for personnel with a recognised training qualification in Cognitive Therapy is increasing, both in health-service settings and in university, clinical and research based settings.