The Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) at Oxford University is a part-time course for qualified healthcare professionals, providing high-quality training and supervision in CBT theory and practice. Oxford is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in CBT and the course draws on an impressive body of local specialist skill and knowledge.
The course is taken part-time over 9 months. Students attend 21 days of teaching in Oxford over two terms, including weekly supervision groups. During the course they are expected to practice and develop their CBT skills within a treatment setting, and to complete an essay and a written case report.
After successful completion students are awarded a Postgraduate Certificate from the University of Oxford. This award can contribute towards a Postgraduate Diploma in CBT, accredited by The British Association of Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies at Level 1.
Aims
Course aims
The Course aims to provide students with:
- A sound knowledge of cognitive behavioural models, concepts and methods.
- An understanding of issues of importance relating to the theory and practice of CBT. These include:
- the relationship between CBT theory and therapy
- the use of CBT with a variety of client groups and disorders
- related research on outcome and process
- Competence in assessing patient suitability for CBT
- in developing CBT case-formulations
- in devising and implementing individual treatment programmes
- in evaluating their effects
- The ability to convey clearly the central concepts of CBT and to communicate basic treatment skills.
The Course does not aim to prepare students to teach and supervise CBT. The emphasis is on acquiring, practising and communicating specialised clinical skills, within an explicit theoretical framework in relation to associated empirical research.
Teaching
The course begins with a four-day teaching block followed by one full day per week over two terms. In teaching sessions, emphasis is placed on observation of CBT in action and on experiential learning with participation in role-play and other practical exercises.Students receive two hours of small group supervision weekly.
Reading and completion of written assignments will be undertaken in addition to the teaching days. Many students find it effective to set aside six to seven hours a week for private study.
Students will be expected to have access to treatment settings with regular clinical and CBT supervision where cognitive behavioural therapy skills can be practiced and refined on a regular basis throughout the course.
Assessment
Students are required to:
- take an active part in teaching and supervision sessions, and carry out CBT with the required number of patients
- complete a 2000 word essay on CBT theory, research and practice
- complete a 4000 word case report of one treated case
- submit audio/video recordings of CBT sessions for formative and summative assessment
