About this course
This course is subject to revalidation.
PGCert CBT (Advanced Level Practice) is suited to practitioners wanting to develop Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) knowledge and treat different presentations. Expand your clinical expertise and learn new interventions in a flexible study environment.
You’ll learn to engage, assess and treat people through interactive workshops and personalise this PGCert CBT course by studying subjects you’re interested in.
This Postgraduate Certificate in CBT (Advanced Level Practice) is suited to those who have already completed a PG Diploma or have CBT experience.
If you’re a practitioner specialising in one set of presentations, this course will allow you to develop your knowledge and skills in other areas (such as psychosis or personality presentations). This advanced practice certificate offers you the opportunity to broaden your clinical expertise and develop new skills.
On this advanced certificate in CBT you’ll gain the expertise to help people with particular presentations. As part of your studies, you’ll take part in workshops with demonstrations and interactive learning techniques like role-play.
When you complete this PGCert cognitive behavioural therapy course you’ll:
- understand cognitive behavioural concepts, models and methods
- understand theoretical and empirical literature to improve clinical decision making
- develop skills in collaborative assessment, formulation and treatment
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
This course is led by Dr Katherine Newman-Taylor. Katherine works on the CBT and Clinical Psychology programmes at the University, and as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with the local NHS trust.
Their clinical interests are in working with people with psychosis, and in adopting a cognitive behavioural approach to living well with voices and paranoia. Learn more on Dr Newman-Taylor's staff profile page.
Accreditations

Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
Academic
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:
- psychology
- medicine
- social work
- occupational therapy
- nursing
- or an equivalent professional qualification
If you have a nursing qualification that is not a degree, it must be equivalent to an undergraduate PG diploma.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
Professional
You'll need to be already working at a level approaching competency in CBT. This can be demonstrated by one of the following:
- successful completion of a certificate or diploma in CBT (including a CTS-R rating of 30 or above)
- 50 clinical hours of CBT under supervision of an accredited CBT practitioner (including a CTS-R rating of 30 or above)
You must also have prior training, experience or knowledge in:
- CBT
- interpersonal skills
- mental health problems
- interviewing
- general assessment
- understanding of ethical and professional issues
We usually receive applications from qualified mental health professionals (for example, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and Mental Health Nurses).
If you have a different professional background, you may be considered on an individual basis, by submitting a portfolio of evidence linked to the BABCP 'Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes' criteria.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 7.0 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 7.0
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 7.0
- listening
- 7.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
The Postgraduate Certificate in CBT (Advanced Level Practice) is usually completed over 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. The exact timing depends on the modules you choose to study.
The module structure of this course allows you to specialise in the areas you’re most interested in and that meets the needs of your clinical practice. This is a flexible programme with most students working in clinical settings and attending the University at least one day a week.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must choose your modules from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through lectures, interactive workshops (role-play and demonstrations) and small group discussions and projects.
Throughout your studies, you’ll need to independently read academic texts, journal articles and other select sources. This will consolidate your learning and help you to understand some topics better.
You’ll develop a clear understanding of cognitive behavioural concepts, models and methods. You’ll also gain skills in collaborative assessment, formulation and treatment, and develop sound clinical decision making.
Assessment
We’ll assess your academic and clinical skills through:
- case reports
- essays
- therapy recordings
Academic Support
We’ll assign you a personal tutor, and you’ll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
Many of our students already work in a mental health service. This course will expand your knowledge in CBT practices.
This PGCert in CBT provides a pathway towards BABCP accreditation. If you continue your training towards full accreditation you can start a professional career in CBT as a cognitive behavioural therapy practitioner or therapist.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Course fees are subject to change. If you are an NHS clinician working with people with severe and enduring mental ill-health, you may be eligible for Health Education England (HEE) funding.
Please contact us to discuss further:
- Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
- Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £3,550.
- EU and international students pay £6,950.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Single module (CPD) applications
To apply for a single module (CPD), you'll need to fill in a physical application form that you can download from our continuing professional development pages.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000