Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Complex Cases (30 Credits, Level 7)
Part-time
Distance Learning
One semester
February 2026
In a nutshell
Develop and enhance your skills in the use of CBT, enabling you to work with clients with complex and/or long-term needs. This module explores the importance of engagement and the development of a therapeutic relationship in supporting clients through the change process.
You will:
- Build upon existing skills
- Develop your practice to meet the needs of clients with complex needs
- Be taught by staff who are subject experts in their field
This is for you if ….
You are interested in how to apply your CBT skills to complex client groups
Want to learn how to formulate a wide range of complex mental health disorders
Want to learn how to treat a wide range of complex mental health disorders
Discover how to build a strong therapeutic alliance with a range of client groups
Utilise standardised assessment measures in multiple contexts
All about the course
This module will explore:
- Effective Supervision in CBT (peer and clinical)
- Case formulation (initial, complex, stress vulnerability, problem)
- Working with people with severe and or enduring mental health problems
- Working with people with personality problems
- Evidence supporting interventions in complex cases
- Therapeutic engagement and the development of a therapeutic alliance
- Identification of problems, strengths and needs (problem statements)
- Standardised assessment measures
- Interventions with complex needs
- Early interventions and relapse prevention
The School of Health and Society
The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real world impact.
Our courses are informed by the latest research and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice.
What about after uni?
This module will enhance your skills and knowledge in CBT and you will be able to apply these skills to your existing practice.
Further Study
MSc Applied Psychology (therapies)
MSc Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
What you need to know
If you are a CBT psychotherapist working in practice and would like to develop your skills working with a range of complex presentations, this is the module for you.
Previous study and experience
A PG Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy unless already enrolled onto the CBP Programme at Salford.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)
We welcome applications from students who may not have formal/traditional entry criteria but who have relevant experience or the ability to pursue the course successfully.
The Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process could help you to make your work and life experience count. The APL process can be used for entry onto courses or to give you exemptions from parts of your course.
Two forms of APL may be used for entry: the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to successfully pursue a programme of study in higher education. Students who do not have formal entry qualifications are required to sit a written assessment which is designed for this purpose. Support in preparing for the written assessment is available from the University.
Supporting information: you should include details of your current post and role and previous study at level 5 / 6.
Personal statement: please outline the reasons why you wish to undertake this module.
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 |
£1,530 |
| Part-time | 2026/27 | £1,570 |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's apply
Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us: