About this course
Develop your cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) knowledge and skills with this advanced course in CBT for severe mental health conditions. This year long postgraduate certificate aligns with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) requirements and can count towards your accreditation as an individual practitioner.
You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of cognitive behavioural concepts, models and methods.
By studying both theory and research-based evidence, you’ll develop essential skills in:
- colaborative assessment
- formulation and treatment
- critical decision-making
Your choice of modules will allow you to develop specialist skills in line with the needs of your clinical practice:
- CBT for psychosis and bipolar
- CBT for personality presentations
This is a flexible programme, with most students working in clinical settings and attending the University at least one day a week.
The key difference between this award and the CBT (Severe Mental Health) (PG Dip) is that applicants for this advanced course already have a good working knowledge of CBT for anxiety and depression.
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.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
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 degree.
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
- 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 all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 7.0
- reading
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
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
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:
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £8,000.
- This course is not available to EU and international students.
Check fees for other versions of this course.
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.
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
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
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 aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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