COURSE CURRICULUM

The Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy uses a diverse and practical teaching approach designed to develop both academic knowledge and professional clinical competence. Learning is delivered through a combination of lectures, problem-solving activities, group work, and skills-based practice, ensuring students gain a strong balance of theoretical understanding and hands-on experience. As all members of the teaching team are practising cognitive behavioural therapists, students benefit from current clinical expertise, evidence-based teaching, and real-world insights into professional practice. Throughout the programme, each student is supported by a personal tutor who monitors academic progress, provides guidance, and assists with professional development. Assessment is designed to evaluate students' ability to integrate theory with clinical practice and demonstrate the competencies required for professional accreditation. Students complete critical case studies that assess their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real clinical situations, alongside observed examinations and video-recorded clinical practice sessions that evaluate advanced therapeutic skills, professional judgement, and the ability to critically reflect on and improve their own performance. A reflective portfolio forms a significant part of the assessment, enabling students to demonstrate their ability to apply research evidence, solve clinical problems, evaluate therapeutic outcomes, and meet the professional standards required for accreditation with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). In addition, students complete written assignments that develop their ability to critically analyse evidence, synthesise research findings, and communicate complex ideas effectively. The programme also includes a clinical examination designed to assess professional judgement, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking in realistic therapeutic scenarios. Together, these teaching and assessment methods ensure graduates develop the knowledge, practical skills, reflective practice, and professional competence required to deliver safe, ethical, and evidence-based cognitive behavioural psychotherapy in contemporary healthcare settings.