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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the best evidence-based psychotherapy for a range of mental and even physical disorders, ranging from depression, anxiety and phobias to eating disorders, schizophrenia and chronic pain/health conditions.

Healthcare professionals are increasingly required to demonstrate a flexible, multidisciplinary approach to make the best use of skills and resources. The NHS actively promotes provision of evidence-based management. CBT is the evidence-based psychotherapy par excellence. It can be effective as a stand-alone treatment and can also be used in conjunction with other medical or psychological treatments. The model is versatile, creative and its techniques can be used selectively in general medical, psychological and nursing practice, as well as informing whole courses of integrated treatment.

This course will help you develop and refine your CBT skills, empower you to use the model in a range of clinical situations and focus on the development of a respectful and pro-active relationship with patients. The therapeutic alliance is central to the delivery of CBT and the course will teach you to forge a positive collaborative relationship with patients as a means of improving and maintaining the patient’s mental health.

Structure and exit awards

You can opt to study for the full MSc (180 credits), a PgDip (120 credits) or a PgCert (60 credits).

Teaching, learning and assessment

The teaching and learning methods used will encourage participative and independent learning. The approaches will engage you in lectures, problem-based learning, workshops, small group discussion, seminars, observation and skills practice. As part of the course, you will be required to see patients weekly and to attend group supervision for the duration of the course.

Assessment methods will include essays, audio recordings of therapy sessions, case studies, and supervisor assessments.

Placements/work-based learning

There are no placements on this course. Students will already be in employment and utilise their own workplace as a learning and practicing environment or organise their own placement. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) trainees must be able to access a caseload of patients with mild to moderate anxiety or depression. Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) trainees will be expected to access cases with more complex mental health issues.

Teaching hours and attendance

You will attend a 10-day induction block followed by a three-day teaching block every month. The PgCert requires 301 hours of independent study and the PgDip requires 358 hours.

Class sizes

Class sizes are usually around 30 for the PgCert and 15 for the PgDip. 

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff on this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

For the award of PgCert, you will complete:

• Principles of Cognitive Therapy (20 credits): This module focuses on providing you with a critical understanding of the underpinning theories, principles and literature relating to core therapy and specific CBT therapy processes and to facilitate reflection on practice.
• Application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits): This module focuses on providing you with a critical understanding of the underpinning principles and skills relating to core therapy and specific CBT therapy and their application.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety and Depression (20 credits): This module focuses on providing you with an overview of the main CBT theories related to low intensity anxiety and depression disorders and the application of CBT interventions appropriate to these disorders.

To obtain a PgDip, you will also complete:

• Research Skills in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits): This module will provide you with an understanding of research methods, management of data and critical analysis of research studies relevant to the discipline.
• Advanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Anxiety Disorders and Major Depression (20 credits): This modules will provide you with an overview of the main CBT theories related to advanced anxiety disorders and major depression and CBT interventions appropriate to these disorders.
• Introduction to Complex Adaptation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (20 credits): This module will provide you with a critical understanding of complex disorders and CBT interventions which facilitate complex adaptation.

To obtain an MSc, you will then complete:

Practice-based Research Project (60 credits): The research project will be within a chosen specialist area of CBT. Components of the dissertation will include: a research proposal, a literature review and a paper for publication.

NB The modules listed are correct at time of posting (October 2024) but are subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please check back here for updates.

There is a growing demand for cognitive behavioural psychotherapists specifically trained in this field. This course will enable you to develop your career and the service you provide.

Entry requirements

Honours degree, or equivalent, plus a mental health qualification. Applicants will be expected to be familiar with individual casework, history-taking and case load management and must normally be a UK registered health professional. Non- standard entrants may be considered if they can demonstrate that they have the necessary work-based experience, skills and aptitude demonstrated by a Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) portfolio. .

Non-standard applications and Recognition of Prior Learning must be referred to QMU for consideration.

After application there will be an interview held in Edinburgh.

International students: This course is currently only available to professionals working in the UK.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

You should apply for the MSC Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Course via the NHS Lothian website:

Application deadline

The application deadline is 31 October 2025. Find more details of the South of Scotland CBT Course NHS Lothian website: 

Terms and Conditions

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2025/26 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).

Some students on the course are self-funded and some receive employer support. Fees are paid to NHS Lothian once a place has been offered. See the NHS Lothian website for more information on

Find more details of the on the NHS Lothian website.Ìý

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