Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (Severe Mental Health) (PGDip)

Academic

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects: 

• psychology 
• medicine 
• social work 
• occupational therapy 
• nursing 
• or an equivalent professional qualification 

If you have a nursing qualification that is not a degree, it must be equivalent to an undergraduate degree.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

Professional

You must provide evidence of at least 4 years' full time experience, and prior training, experience or knowledge in:

• CBT  
• interpersonal skills 
• mental health problems 
• general assessment  
• understanding of ethical and professional issues  

We usually receive applications from qualified mental health professionals (for example, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and Mental Health Nurses).  

If you have a different professional background, you may be considered on an individual basis, by submitting a portfolio of evidence linked to the BABCP 'Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes' criteria. 

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If don’t have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning. 

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview. 

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

This part-time-only course usually runs over 24 months. You’ll usually attend the University for 1 day a week. 

You’ll study a combination of compulsory modules (modules which all students on the course take) and optional modules (modules  we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options). 

You'll need to pass all of your modules in order to achieve the postgraduate diploma. The pass mark for all modules is 50%. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include: 

• lectures 
• interactive workshops 
• group work 
• independent learning 

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• case reports 
• essays 
• therapy recordings 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

This training provides a pathway towards British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) accreditation, allowing you to pursue a professional career in CBT. 

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Health Education England (HEE) will pay your fees for this course.

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £8,000.
• This course is not available to EU and international students.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Contact your Service or Trust Lead for information on application deadlines.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references. 

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000