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Begin your journey to accreditation with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP) as a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist. This course will equip you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills necessary to become a proficient psychological therapist, specialising in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
We have been running the Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy since 2008 working in partnership with NHS England and local NHS Talking Therapy Services. We train the next generation of cognitive behavioral psychotherapists. If you live in the West Midlands region and you seek help from the NHS for difficulties related to anxiety or depression, there is a good chance that the therapist you will see is one of our former students. We only select applicants with a proven track record comprising both academic achievement and direct experience in the provision of mental health care in the year that they spend with us. Students engage in a full time program of study and practice where they learn how to apply the latest evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy techniques under supervision on placement with local service providers. We are committed to providing a stimulating teaching environment full of opportunities for both theoretical and experiential learning. We are passionate about equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to make a meaningful contribution to the psychological well-being of the local community. Since we are exclusively focused on teaching. We can't measure impact in the way that the university traditionally does. And according to our best estimates, the therapists that we have trained since 2008 have delivered about two million hours of psychotherapy to people within the West Midlands and beyond. This equates to around 250,000 of your relatives, friends and colleagues who will be sleeping more easily, engaging in their roles in society more effectively and simply living better because of the help that our students have offered to them. as part of England's first civic University. We are proud of our reputation for providing high quality psychotherapy, training and of the therapists that we train who go on to serve the wellbeing and prosperity of our society.
CBT is an increasingly popular form of evidence-based psychological therapy. Upon completion of this course, you’ll be well-equipped to use CBT to help people explore and change the patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to difficulties with anxiety and depression.
This course has been an amazing experience, both in terms of what I've learned professionally, and also personally, in terms of growth and endurance. I would recommend it to others and I hope I do the course team proud in terms of my practice going forward. You have made a difference to our lives as students, and to the lives of our service users.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. The below information is based on a full time Masters course.
30/09/2025 - 18/12/2025 (12 weeks)
The first term focuses on foundational knowledge and skills with most of the teaching sitting within the introductory 'Principles and Practice of CBT' module. You will learn the basics of CBT theory, how to assess and formulate from a CBT perspective, and key cognitive and behavioural intervention strategies.
Funded entirely by NHS England, this course offers a unique opportunity for salaried postgraduate training for aspiring High Intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapists. The course is specifically designed to train therapists to work within the NHS Talking Therapies service, providing therapy to people experiencing problems with anxiety and depression. It focusses on helping students gain the necessary knowledge and clinical skills to utilise evidence-based CBT interventions. We set you up to offer ‘high intensity’ CBT for people with 'moderate' and 'moderate to severe' depression and anxiety to function as skilled and independent cognitive behavioural psychotherapists.
in the UK for Psychology (QS World University Rankings 2024)
The School of Psychology has been ranked 74th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024)
The course is delivered as a full-time programme of study, with two days each week in University, and the remaining three days on a clinical placement within an NHS or NHS-commissioned Talking Therapies service. A wide range of teaching methods are used to give you a varied understanding of CBT.
The course begins with an initial 15-day teaching block, delivered over three full weeks. Thereafter, teaching is delivered over two days each week including placement days for the remainder of the three semesters.
Unlike most University courses, the PGDipCBT does not have set term modules. Instead, its four modules run concurrently throughout the course. Please be aware that the funding is only available to applicants employed in a 'Trainee CBT Therapist' post in an NHS Talking Therapies or NHS Talking Therapies-commissioned service within the West Midlands region. Thus, the placement element is undertaken at the students' place of employment.
The PGDipCBT is a 120 credit degree. These credits are awarded over three modules that run concurrently throughout the year. These are 'Principles and Practice of CBT', 'CBT for Depression', and 'CBT for Anxiety Disorders'. The final 'Practice Portfolio' module is not credit bearing, although must be passed in order to graduate.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Principles and Practice of CBT | 40 | Full Term |
CBT for Anxiety Disorders | 40 | Full Term |
CBT for Depression | 40 | Full Term |
Practice Portfolio | 0 | Full Term |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
or an equivalent level 6 qualification and a mental health professional qualification or equivalent skills.
You must be employed in a clinical placement in which it is possible to undertake three days per week of supervised CBT practice where you can make audio/video recordings of your therapy sessions, which will be submitted as part of assignments. To qualify for NHS England funding, this placement must be within an NHS Talking Therapies or NHS Talking Therapies-commissioned service. Because this course is for NHS (or NHS-commissioned) employees only, you can be nominated by services that you are already working in. If this does not apply to you, you will need to apply for an NHS post at the same time as making an application to the University. Local 'Trainee CBT Therapist' posts are usually advertised on the NHS jobs website. Please note that, whilst we may be able to provide some guidance, it is not the role of the University to source relevant employment positions for applicants.
We operate our selection procedures jointly with placement providers in line with NHS Values Based Recruitment.Please read our FAQ page for further guidance.
The PGDipCBT is designed to meet the criteria for accreditation with the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. Thus, to be eligible to enter training, you must have relevant academic and professional experience as detailed below.
You must have a degree or an equivalent level 6 qualification. You must also demonstrate that you have mental health professional qualification or be able to demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes equivalent to a mental health professional.
Thus, there are two routes to entry:
Please see our FAQs for details of BABCP 'core' professions and the criteria of the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) framework.
You must also have a clinical placement in place prior to admission to study. We operate our selection procedures jointly with placement providers in line with NHS Values Based Recruitment.
As the entry requirements for this course are somewhat complex, we highly recommend that you read our FAQ page.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Gain the experience you need to meet the requirements to become accredited as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the BABCP.
BABCP accreditation is a highly sought after standard among psychotherapists both within the NHS and in other services. A large number of graduates enter employment immediately upon successful completion of the programme, with the vast majority of these taking up posts within the NHS or third sector organisations. A smaller number sign up for locum posts with employment agencies or set up in private practice.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.