Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Top-Up) University of Portsmouth

Overview

If you have a DipHE in counselling (or an equivalent Level 5 counselling qualification), you can top it up to a Bachelor's degree on this 1-year course.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a technique used to treat depression, anxiety, stress and phobias by helping individuals to understand the way they perceive things that happen to them and around them. It seeks to identify and address negative thoughts that can lead to patterns of negative behaviour. 

You'll learn the latest trends and developments in CBT and how to apply them to your practice, with professional development support in the form of workshops, supervision and networking. You'll also complete a research project on a topic that matches your interests and ambitions.

If you're in employment, this course can fit around your working week, with timetabled teaching taking place 1 day a week, workshops on 6 Saturdays throughout the course, and occasional events in the evenings and at weekends.

After the course, you could work as a cognitive behavioural therapist in areas such as education, the police service, the prison service or the voluntary sector. The advanced skills and experience you gain will allow you to work with a wider variety of clients with more complex needs.

Course highlights

• Learn advanced cognitive behavioural therapy skills, building on the knowledge you developed on your DipHE
• Develop your research skills by undertaking an in-depth research project that matches your interests and career ambitions
• Learn from experienced, industry-trained staff who've worked in organisations or run their own private practices
• Study at South Hampshire College Group - Southampton College Campus with access to support and services at the University of Portsmouth 
• Apply for student membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and get access to member resources including journal subscriptions, free courses and job boards while you study

Careers and opportunities

Increased awareness in society about mental health has boosted the demand for counselling and therapy services.

As a counsellor specialising in cognitive behavioural therapy, you can have a significant positive impact on people's health and wellbeing, and help take the pressure off other health services such as GPs and hospitals.

Public, private and charity sector settings you could work in after the course include:

• Education
• Alcohol and drug services
• Eating disorder services
• Mental health services
• GPs
• Police and prison services

When you complete the course successfully, you can sit the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Certificate of Proficiency to become a registered member of the BACP.

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Portsmouth to find course entry requirements.

View foundation and pathway programmes to help you meet academic and language entry requirements.