Overview
Our programme is designed to train you in evidence based, innovative CBT approaches. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological or “Talking” therapy which has proven effective for helping people with a range of mental and physical health problems. In this programme we focus on developing the knowledge and skills required to treat common mental health problems (anxiety & depression) as recommended in NICE guidance.
This is a level 2 BABCP (British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy) accredited professional qualification in CBT which offers CBT practitioner-level training for healthcare professionals who have already completed introductory and/or intermediate CBT training and who have some supervised experience of providing CBT.
Our programme is delivered by highly committed and experienced CBT therapists, trainers, and supervisors, and is designed to train you in evidence based, innovative CBT approaches. We aim to recruit trainees who share our values. Trainees are:
- committed to placing client care at the heart of everything we learn and do
- committed to our personal and professional development and lifelong learning
- aspiring to be skilled CBT therapists who can adapt therapy to individuals from a range of diverse backgrounds enabling people to reach their full potential
We pride ourselves in giving our trainees the best possible start to a vibrant and fulfilling career as a CBT therapist. After completing the programme you will be eligible to apply for BABCP accreditation which will enable you to work as a fully qualified CBT therapist within the NHS or private sector.
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
We provide practical, intensive and detailed training to facilitate the development of competent CBT skills, to NHS & BABCP defined standards.
We aim to integrate CBT skill development with the necessary knowledge and attitudes to be open-minded, informed and reflective CBT practitioners.
We promote a critical approach through engagement with relevant theory, models and evidence.
Our training equips trainees to become competent in the psychological assessment & treatment of anxiety disorders, major depression and a range of other mental health conditions in full accordance with BABCP guidance for good practice.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGDip modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Fundamentals of CBT | 20 |
| CBT for Anxiety Disorders | 40 |
| CBT for Depression | 40 |
| CBT Practice | 20 |
How you’ll learn
Two models of skill acquisition inform the teaching methods for this course. Individual workshops will follow the training model developed by Barton (2018). This outlines the main components of a successful training process, and the interactions between them, which are:
-
guidance
-
demonstration
-
reflection
-
practice
-
feedback
The second model is the Declarative Procedural Reflective (DPR) model (Bennett-Levy, 2006). This emphasises experiential learning and transforming factual knowledge into practical knowledge or skills. This is done through the process of reflection. You will learn to decide which skill to apply to which client, under a set of circumstances, at a point in therapy. The didactic element of our workshops means you’ll develop the knowledge required for the topic. Workshop leaders offer a range of experiential learning opportunities. These include demonstrations of specific clinical skills and skills practices. These enable formative feedback and give you the chance to reflect on your learning.
Individual tutorials will help you reflect on your learning and progression. They’ll also allow you to develop effective learning strategies. You’ll have specialist group CBT supervision from a BABCP accredited practitioner. This will help you embed theory into your clinical practice. You’ll receive formative feedback on the quality of your clinical work. You’ll reflect on the personal impact of your work and develop effective self-care strategies. You’ll also receive clinical supervision in your host service. This will provide further feedback on your skills and the opportunity for formative practice through role play.
You’ll be encouraged to develop reflective practice and to record your reflections using a reflective log. CBT therapists regard reflection as the “engine” of lifelong learning (Bennett-Levy et al., 2007). Driving personal and professional development is an essential learning activity for this programme.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
- Report
- Reflective log
Your future
You will be eligible to apply for practitioner accreditation with BABCP and to seek work as an independent CBT practitioner in both the private and public sectors. Your development will be measured against the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) guidelines for good practice, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to the further development of CBT.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Psychology – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 200 for Psychology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 90 for Life Sciences and Medicine – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Professional accreditation and recognition
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)
As a graduate of this course, you will be eligible to apply for practitioner accreditation with BABCP.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The School of Psychology is based on the University campus in the Dame Margaret Barbour Building. This is a state-of-the-art purpose built facility for the School of Psychology, Sport and Exercise Science and Human Nutrition and Dietetics. There are designated post-graduate study spaces, social learning spaces, seminar rooms, comfortable teaching rooms, “brew stations” social spaces.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
The eligibility criteria to apply for the programme are set by the accrediting body (BABCP). You must be:
- a graduate in an approved mental health profession (e.g. nursing, psychology, psychiatry, education, counselling, social work), OR a graduate in a relevant discipline experience with equivalent experience (e.g. Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner) as demonstrated by a Knowledge Skills and Attitudes (KSA) Portfolio.
- in stable employment with the support of your employer to undertake this training OR in a placement or work setting where you are able to treat appropriate clients using CBT.
- fluent in spoken and written English.
