PgCert Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Course type
- Postgraduate
- Course qualification
- PgCert
Course summary
What is the fee?
For all course options, see fees and funding
Where will I study?
School of Health and Society
How long will I study?
One year
Overview
This course is aimed at a wide range of healthcare professionals, including podiatrists, occupational therapists, counsellors, psychotherapists, psychological therapists, and other suitably qualified professionals who work therapeutically, to implement Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) into their practice at an introductory level.
You will:
- Understand and evaluate the theory and practical application of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
- Have the opportunity to practice the skills you are learning with peers in your class and in a placement/workplace setting.
This is for you if...
You have a degree qualification in a health and social care related discipline.
You are interested in supplementing your therapeutic work with CBT skills.
You have access to clients/patients where you can practice your CBT skills whilst on the course.
How you learn
Future careers
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) stipulates CBT as the therapy of choice for anxiety, depression, addictive behaviour, and anxiety disorders. This course supplements the training of counsellors, psychotherapists, and healthcare professionals, leading to increased employability opportunities.
Modules
This is a one-year part-time course that runs over two semesters each of ten weeks in duration.
Year one, semester one
Introduction to CBT – 20 credits
This module provides you with the competencies related to CBT for use with people who have mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression. You will practice your skills with other students in your class and you will access a placement/work setting where you can utilise your CBT skills. Assessment is by a theoretical and reflective essay and a live assessment of your CBT skills with another student.
Year one, semester two
CBT for Anxiety Disorders and Addictive Behaviour – 20 credits
This module looks more in depth at a range of anxiety disorders such as social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and health anxiety. It will also explore some disorders where addictive behaviour may be prevalent, such as alcohol and drug misuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, eating disorders and self harm.
We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.
Our postgraduate taught courses are normally made up of 30 credit modules which are equal to 300 hours of learning time, or 15 credit modules which are equal to 150 hours of learning time. A Master’s degree typically comprises 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, and a PGCert 60 credits.
Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to be currently working/volunteering in health care practice either as a counsellor/psychotherapist or in a health/ social care related discipline.
You will also be required to use CBT skills within their work/voluntary placement setting and will need to access a minimum of one client and 20 hours of supervised practice.
Standard entry requirements
Undergraduate degree
A 2:1 honours degree in psychology or other health/ social care related discipline or an honours degree (in any discipline, 2:2 or above) and a diploma in Counselling or its United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or British Psychological Society (BPS) equivalent.
Alternative entry requirements
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
Fees and funding
2026/27
| Type of study | Fees |
|---|---|
| Full-time | £3,120 per year |
Additional costs
Additional costs may include clinical supervision of up to £210 (based on three sessions at £30-£70). This is a mandatory requirement however in some cases, this will be incorporated in the voluntary placement. Costs are approximated based on the current academic year.
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
How to apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:
By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545