There are two routes of entry to this course.
Route 1 : For students who want to complete the full 39 month MSc in CBT
Route 2: For students who already have a Post Graduate Diploma/ High Intensity Diploma or other equivalent qualification in CBT who can apply for Accreditation of Prior Learning for the first 120 credits and can enter for Year 3 only to complete the ‘Dissertation Component’ of the MSc qualification.
ALL STUDENTS APPLYING FOR THE MSc IN CBT MUST DEMONSTRATE
1) Potential to be able to make significant use of CBT and research skills in current work-setting on being awarded an MSc in CBT, and future ambitions concerning practicing as a CB Therapist.
2) References and managerial support - How confidently the applicant’s TWO referees confirm the statements and evidence supplied by the applicant and a written statement of support from your manager.
3) Ability To meet the various demands and requirements of the MSc – the application form requires applicants to confirm that they can meet all of these.
4) In addition standard English language requirements apply
PLUS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ROUTE 1
1. A good first degree in a health or social care related area (2:1 or above)
If this requirement is not met we may consider other degrees or higher education qualifications plus work experience in a related area, this will be at the discretion of the course director.
AND
2. Background (i.e. ONE of the A B or C below)
a) Typical health, social care or other relevant professional qualification (e.g. nursing, occupational therapy, social work, psychiatry, psychology, counselling, teaching) AND 2 years full time equivalent post qualification relevant work experience.
b) Applications from those who do not have a prior professional qualification as above will be considered, if they have an honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Psychology, Health, Social Sciences) in which they achieved a 2:1 or above PLUS 3 years relevant full time equivalent post degree relevant work experience (e.g. in mental health or social care services), which should include relevant continuing professional development experiences gained as part of this work experience.
c) In exceptional circumstances , applications from those who do not have an honours degree at 2:1 or above AND/OR do not have a typical health, social care or other relevant professional qualification will be considered if the if they have 5 years full time equivalent post full-time education relevant work experience (e.g. in mental health or social care services), which should include relevant continuing professional development experiences gained as part of this work experience, and preferably also some relevant further or higher education courses that will be indicative of their academic ability beyond a GCSE or ‘A’ level limited education. In this situation the student will also need to demonstrate the ability to work at a Masters level. This decision will be based on the marks achieved in years 1 and 2 of the MSc demonstrated by grades overall of 60% or above.
(NOTE: The alternatives 2 a) and 2c) are included as there are some experienced clinicians who do not have a professional qualification, and yet have significant clinical experience, and although already making a welcome contribution to health and social care services, appropriately wish to formally develop their CBT skills. The BABCP also have acknowledged that a CBT training - and the option of eventually applying for BABCP accreditation - should be open to those without a core professional training. Thus, those applicants who may apply for the MSc under criteria 1b) or 1c) are advised to consult the BABCP website and review the requirements within the alternative accreditation route for those without a core professional qualification - which is called the Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) route. )
3) Module 1 equivalent learning & experience
Formal learning and experience gained during either 1a), b) or c) above that is at least equivalent to the content of module 1 on of the MSc Psychological Therapy Foundation Course (see ‘before you apply– 1’ below for a summary of the content of this module).
4) Overall experience in the psychological therapies, including counselling and CBT
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ROUTE 2
1) Prior CBT qualification:
a) A PGDip or equivalent qualification from the University of Birmingham. Previous CBT awards should be at the level of merit (60%) or above for entry to the MSc. However, where such a grading is not available or was not achieved, decisions for entry to the course will be at the discretion of the Course Director.
b) A PGDip in CBT or equivalent from another institution from which the credits may be transferred subject to University Accreditation of Prior Learning requirements and at the discretion of the course director. Previous CBT awards should be at the level of merit (60%) or above for entry to the MSc. However, where such a grading is not available or was not achieved, decisions for entry to the course will be at the discretion of the Course Director.
2) If the time since obtaining any prior professional qualification, degree, PGDip in CBT or equivalent qualification is more than 5 years, the applicant would be expected to provide evidence of their relevant continuing professional development over the intervening period.