How long does it take to be come a CBT?

It takes 2 years to gain the Postgraduate Diploma and therefore be eligible to apply for accreditation. You can continue to study an MSc and then apply (so two to three years, 200 clinical hours, and 40 hours of clinical supervision).

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Postgraduate Degree

Name: Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, MSc
Price: £1,050 per 20 credits GBP

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Attendance

Campus

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Duration

3 years

Start

September 2025

Delivery

In-person

This MSc will prepare you to practice in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP). This type of therapy is one of the leading treatments for a wide range of mental health issues.

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) is recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as the treatment of choice for a range of mental health issues. Our CBT degree is a progressive professional training programme which will give you the advanced skills and knowledge needed to practice as a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist.

We’ve designed this programme to meet the minimum training requirements of the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) for training Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists.

You’ll gain an understanding of key concepts and theories in CBP, evaluate different approaches to solving problems, and integrate theory and practice as you plan your future academic, professional and personal development. This course is ideal for those working in the medical profession, social work, psychologists, counsellors, mental health nurses, psychotherapists and others with experience and an interest in mental health.

Why study with us

You’ll be taught by staff with a wide range of expertise and skills within Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
The course leadership and teaching is overseen by a BABCP accredited cognitive behavioural therapist.
The MSc prepares you for working with a wide range of mental health and complex mental health needs.

Interested?

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What you'll do on the CBT degree

You’ll undertake a clinical placement, completing 200+ therapeutic hours in a professional setting.
You will access clinical supervision from an BABCP accredited therapist, and your supervisor will assess your clinical practice.
You will receive over 200 hours of teaching and this will be delivered using a blended approach to your learning with an emphasis on clinical skill development.

Modules

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

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Academic experts

Bryan Dalgleish-Warburton

Senior Lecturer

Alison Elliott

Senior Lecturer in Mental Health

Sarah Traill

Deputy Head

Become a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist

After completing this course you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge you need to advance your career as a professional cognitive behavioural psychotherapist (CBP).

CBT degree FAQs

To become a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), you need one of two things.

Either a clinical qualification with 2 years’ experience, such as mental health nurse, occupational therapist, social worker or clinical psychologist. See the list of core professions.

Alternatively you could have an undergraduate degree in a health or social care related topic with at least 2 years’ experience working in mental health or social care roles (with the completion of a KSA portfolio).

An accredited course means that a professional body/regulator has recognised that the course follows a set curriculum.

As such, students who complete the course are able to apply for accreditation with that professional body. This is a key requirement for psychotherapist roles, especially if you wish to work in the NHS.

This CBT course, including the leadership and teaching, is overseen by a BABCP accredited cognitive behavioural therapist.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold at least a 2:2 degree in health and social care or related area including experience in a relevant field
Applicants with a core profession in Mental Health Nursing or Occupational Therapy or Social Work or Psychiatry or Clinical or Counselling Psychology will require at least two years of experience in working with vulnerable adults and or those with mental health problems
Applications without a recognised core profession can be considered through the development of a Knowledge, Skills and Attitude portfolio of evidence plus at least two years of post-qualification experience in mental health consistent with admission guidelines provided by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
IELTS: Score of at least 6.0 with no component score lower than 5.5 or equivalent
A satisfactory Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland) is required for this course

Fees and funding

2025/26

Part-time£1,050 per 20 credits

Scholarships and bursaries

We have a wide range of bursaries, scholarships and funds available to help support you whilst studying with us.

Select your country to see eligibility information and how to apply by selecting more info on the cards below.

Select your country/region

Dependants Bursary
Students with financially dependent children may be eligible for our Dependants Bursary as part of our financial support package. 
Find out more about Dependants Bursary
Carers Bursary
If you need extra support because you have unpaid caring responsibilities alongside your studies.
Find out more about Carers Bursary
Sports scholarships
We offer student athletes support and opportunities for their playing careers whilst they study a high-quality degree.
Find out more about Sports scholarships
Alumni Loyalty Discount
UK students with a previous award from us will receive 20% tuition fee discount.
Find out more about Alumni Loyalty Discount

As you progress through the course you’ll develop your theoretical knowledge and clinical competence in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy through a combination of lectures and workshops, clinical supervision, self-practice/self-reflection tutorials and written assignments, role play, audio-visual resources, case study review, and problem-based learning.

You’ll be expected to engage in independent learning, prepare materials before class, and access materials on Blackboard, our online virtual learning platform.

We’ll assess your progress through a combination of coursework (such as essays, practical assignments, reflective reports, presentations, etc.).

In order to complete the course you’ll be required to complete a minimum of 200 hours of direct client contact within an agreed clinical placement. You’ll also be required to complete a dissertation.

Interested?

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This course is delivered by the School of Health, Social Work and Sport

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our student contract page

Your saved courses

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy

Why study with us

What you'll do on the CBT degree

Modules

Modules studied

Compulsory modules

CBT facilities

Academic experts

Accreditations

Become a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist

CBT degree FAQs

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Scholarships and bursaries

Dependants Bursary

Carers Bursary

Sports scholarships

Alumni Loyalty Discount

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy

Why study with us

What you'll do on the CBT degree

Modules

Modules studied

Join us on campus

CBT facilities

Academic experts

Accreditations

British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) level 2

Become a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist

CBT degree FAQs

What qualifications do you need to become a CBT?

What are accredited CBT courses?

How long does it take to be come a CBT?

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Additional costs

Scholarships and bursaries

Dependants Bursary

Carers Bursary

Sports scholarships

Alumni Loyalty Discount

Learning and assessment

Pathway opportunities