This course is aimed at people who currently work in a typical health or social care environment.
1. Professional background (i.e. ONE of the following:)
a) Typical health, social care or other relevant professional qualification (e.g. Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Psychiatry, Psychology, Counselling, Teaching) PLUS 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) 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 (see note below).
c) Applications from those who do not have a prior professional qualification OR an Honours degree in a relevant subject as above will be considered, 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 (see note below) .
(NOTE: The alternatives b) and c) 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 British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (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 Diploma under criteria b) or c) 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. )
2. Module 1 equivalent learning & experience
Formal learning and experience gained during either a), b) or c) above that is at least equivalent to the content of Module 1 on of the Diploma, Psychological Therapy Foundation Course (see ‘Before YOU APPLY – 1’ below for a summary of the content of this Module).
However, the selection process will also take into account the factors below (and for more details on these factors see the ‘Before You Apply - 2’ section below and the Application Form itself)
3. Overall experience in the psychological therapies, including counselling and CBT
4. If the time since obtaining any prior professional qualification or degree is more than 5 years, the applicant would be expected to provide evidence of their relevant continuing professional development over the intervening period.
5. Potential to be able to make significant use of CBT skills in current work-setting on obtaining a Postgraduate award in CBT, and future ambitions concerning practicing as a CB Therapist.
6. 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.
7. Ability to meet the various demands and requirements of the diploma– the application form requires applicants to confirm that they can meet all of these.
Please also note this programme is subject to a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise regulations, to which trainees are required to sign up