Master in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy Pgdip

At Queen's University Belfast, tuition comes to 20,800 GBP per year, while applications for the Sep 2027 intake close on Jun 2, 2027.

This programme offers a direct route to professional accreditation by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) at Level 2, positioning graduates to practice as competent and evidence-informed Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists. Jointly delivered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work, the curriculum is specifically designed to meet the rigorous competency standards required for treating common mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Clinical Integration and Professional Standards

The course is uniquely structured for practitioners who are already working within a clinical setting. By requiring students to manage a caseload of eight clients while under the supervision of an experienced BABCP-accredited therapist, the programme ensures that academic theory is immediately applied to real-world practice. Students attend weekly workshops and small-group supervision sessions, creating a collaborative environment where they can refine their clinical skills through recorded sessions, case studies, and reflective practice. This intensive focus on practical application, combined with academic rigour, fundamentally reshapes how clinicians approach therapy and patient outcomes.

Queen's University Belfast is a historic and research-led university located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded as Queen's College Belfast in 1845 and established as an independent university in 1908, Queen's combines a long heritage with modern ambitions. The campus sits within a designated conservation area and serves a diverse community of around 24,915 students, including roughly 3,500 international students, creating a lively and inclusive environment for study and social life.

Academically, Queen's is a Russell Group member with strong disciplinary strengths and a clear focus on employability. The university hosts four flagship Global Research Institutes addressing Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety, offering students opportunities to engage with impactful research. Career-facing initiatives such as Degree Plus and targeted employer workshops enhance internships, placements and graduate prospects, while sustained investment in campus infrastructure has delivered new teaching facilities, a student centre and a cutting-edge clinical simulation centre for health-related programmes.

For international students, Belfast offers an affordable and welcoming city experience with rich cultural life and efficient transport links across the UK and Ireland. University support services help with arrival, visas and accommodation, and a variety of clubs, societies and volunteering options make it easy to build networks and gain practical experience. Queen's is a strong choice for students seeking rigorous teaching, active research opportunities and clear pathways into careers in the UK and beyond.