Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Complex Cases (Level 6, 20 credits)
Part-time
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
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(recovery model)
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running 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 are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
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 practice.
Further study at the University of Salford could include:
PgCert Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
MSc Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
MSc Applied Psychology (Therapies)
Career Links
We work with over 100 health and social care organisations so our links with industry are very strong. These relationships will be of direct benefit to you because our academic team work in practice in some of these organisations at a senior level so are able to keep you at the forefront of developments in the sector which in turn help you provide a better service.
What you need to know
This module runs for 16 weeks.
Potential students looking to enrol on the module should be registered nurses (adult, CYP, MH), healthcare professions (OT, Physiotherapy, Podiatry), medical staff, nurse/industry advisors. You will need written agreement from placement for use of client material for coursework.
Previous study and experience
- You will need to demonstrate evidence of study at Level 5 / an ability to study at Level 6.
- You should be a registered health and social care professional looking to enhance your skills.
Accreditation for 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).
How much?
| Type of study | Year | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Part-time | 2025/26 | £925 per 20 credit module |
| Part-time | 2026/27 | £965 per 20 credit module |
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.