Postgraduate PgCert

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

Attendance

Part-time

Course

One year

Next enrolment

September 2025

Introduction

In a nutshell

This course is aimed at a wide range of healthcare professionals, including podiatrists, occupational therapists, counsellors, psychotherapists, psychological therapists, and other suitably qualified professionals who work therapeutically, to implement Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) into their practice at an introductory level.

You will:

  • Understand and evaluate the theory and practical application of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
  • ​​​​​​​Have the opportunity to practice the skills you are learning with peers in your class and in a placement/workplace setting.

This is for you if...

1.

You have a degree qualification in a health and social care related discipline.

2.

You are interested in supplementing your therapeutic work with CBT skills.

3.

You have access to clients/patients where you can practice your CBT skills whilst on the course.

Course details

All about the course

This is a one-year part-time course that runs over two semesters each of ten weeks in duration.

Year one, semester one

Introduction to CBT

This module provides you with the competencies related to CBT for use with people who have mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression. You will practice your skills with other students in your class and you will access a placement/work setting where you can utilise your CBT skills. Assessment is by a theoretical and reflective essay and a live assessment of your CBT skills with another student.

Year one, semester two

CBT for Anxiety Disorders and Addictive Behaviour

This module looks more in depth at a range of anxiety disorders such as social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and health anxiety. It will also explore some disorders where addictive behaviour may be prevalent, such as alcohol and drug misuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, eating disorders and self harm.

Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

What Will I Be Doing?

Assessment

You will be assess through the following methods on this programme:

  • 3,000 word theoretical and reflective essay.
  • Live assessment from peers and tutors on CBT skills.
  • Reflective Practice Portfolio which includes 20 hours of supervised skills practice.

The School of Health and Society

The School of Health and Society is a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact.

Our courses are informed by the latest research, and we work closely with organisations from both the public and private sector to ensure our teaching is at the forefront of practice. The University has received approval for a new health building on the Frederick Road campus which will create brand new teaching spaces, including new Podiatry spaces. Construction will begin in late 2024, with completion expected by Autumn 2026. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a health and wellbeing hub, supporting popular healthcare courses and community services. It will feature sustainable design elements and provide modern clinical facilities to enhance student learning and community engagement. Find out more about our new Health Building.

In time community healthcare clinics will also take place there as partnerships are developed to explore research opportunities and to provide a range of therapeutic sessions.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) stipulates CBT as the therapy of choice for anxiety, depression, addictive behaviour, and anxiety disorders. This course supplements the training of counsellors, psychotherapists, and healthcare professionals, leading to increased employability opportunities.

Requirements

What you need to know

Applicants are required to be currently working/volunteering in health care practice either as a counsellor/psychotherapist or in a health/ social care related discipline. 

You will also be required to use CBT skills within their work/voluntary placement setting and will need to access a minimum of one client and 20 hours of supervised practice.

Standard entry requirements

Undergraduate degree

A 2:1 honours degree in psychology or other health/ social care related discipline or an honours degree (in any discipline, 2:2 or above) and a diploma in Counselling or its United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or British Psychological Society (BPS) equivalent. 

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).

How much?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2025/26 £3,083 per year

Additional costs

Additional costs may include clinical supervision of up to £210 (based on three sessions at £30-£70). This is a mandatory requirement however in some cases, this will be incorporated in the voluntary placement. Costs are approximated based on the current academic year.

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Still have some questions? Register for one of our Open Days or contact us:

By email: enquiries@salford.ac.uk
By phone: +44 (0)161 295 4545

Enrolment dates

September 2025

September 2026