PGCert/GradCert Psychological Therapies Practice
(Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | Standard Route (12 months) Adapted Part-Time Route (18 months) |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | Applicants must be employed within NHS Talking Therapies services |
|---|---|
Why study PGCert/GradCert Psychological Therapies Practice
(Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) at Exeter?
- Pursue a career as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
- Develop your clinical competency in the low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy clinical method
- Gain an understanding of ways to adapt your practice to accommodate diversity and increase access to evidence-based psychological therapies
- You will study within a vibrant, stimulating and internationally-recognised research environment, where members of your teaching team have first-hand experience within the clinical setting.
- Your learning experience will be enriched by nationally-recognised, innovative, clinical teaching approaches, designed to develop you on your terms.
Clinical Education Development and Research (CEDAR)
This programme is delivered by Clinical Education, Development and Research (CEDAR): an applied psychological practice centre of excellence, focussed on training the new psychological therapies workforce of the future.
Competency-based training, delivered according to the latest evidence-informed clinical teaching approaches
Dedicated training facilities equipped with video and audio recording
A strong emphasis throughout the programme is placed upon your personal and professional development
CEDAR is 1st in the sector for student satisfaction in three out of seven themes
National Student Survey 2025
Course content
This programme will provide you with an outstanding opportunity to develop the competencies and knowledge associated with practice as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner.
The programme aims to:
- Provide a thorough grounding in the NHS England curriculum for Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners (PWPs), equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for practice within NHS Talking Therapies or similar services. The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), ensuring that your training meets nationally recognised professional standards.
- Develop your understanding and clinical competency in the low intensity CBT clinical method and enable you to adapt your practice to work effectively with patients with diverse needs.
- Provide you with the foundations to establish a commitment to continuing professional development and becoming an evidence-based practitioner.
- Provide you with a high quality and stimulating learning experience in a supportive environment that is enriched by an internationally-recognised research environment, nationally-recognised innovative clinical teaching approaches and current clinical practice.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
60 credits of compulsory and non-condonable modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Engagement and Assessment of Patients with Common Mental Health Problems | 20 | |
| Evidence-Based Low Intensity Treatments for Common Mental Health Problems | 20 | |
| Values, Diversity and Context | 20 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
20 credits of compulsory modules, 40 credits of compulsory choice modules.
You must choose two of the three compulsory choice modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Supervising Evidence-Based Psychological Therapies (Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) | 20 | |
| Compulsory Choice 2 | ||
| Evidence-Based Practice | 20 | |
| Enhanced Practice | 20 | |
| Introduction to Leadership | 20 | |
The psychological wellbeing practitioner role
What is a psychological wellbeing practitioner?
A psychological wellbeing practitioner (PWP) is a mental health worker who supports patients experiencing common mental health difficulties. PWPs often practice within NHS Talking Therapies services or other similar organisations. They are trained to carry out patient-centred interviews and deliver low-intensity interventions based on cognitive-behavioural therapy. The interventions delivered by PWPs include psychoeducation groups, computerised or text-based support, and 1:1 guided self-help treatment.
What is the mental health stepped care model?
The stepped care model works on the principle that patients should be offered the least intrusive and most effective level of care. This ensures that the treatment options available are appropriate to the patient’s needs and preferences.
There are five steps of mental health care, ranging from self-management (step one) to specialist and acute services (step five). PWPs work within step two of the stepped care model by delivering low-intensity interventions to patients with mild to moderate presentations of anxiety or depression.
See page 17 of the NHS Talking Therapies manual for more information on the stepped care model.
Entry requirements
This programme is only open to people employed within NHS Talking Therapies services with their places funded by Health Education South West.
Qualifications
- This programme is offered at both final year undergraduate degree level (GradCert) for those who can demonstrate having studied at least at the second year of a degree or equivalent, or at postgraduate level (PGCert) for those already holding a degree. The topics you will study are the same for both levels. Please contact the administrative team for more information.
- The subject of your previous studies does not matter; however, demonstrating previous experience in mental health is a requirement (see below).
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate in the region of one year of substantive related experience within a mental health setting or working extensively with patients with mental health difficulties.
- Be working within a NHS Talking Therapies Service or one in which the trainee has a caseload of patients with mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression. Some places on the programme are often offered as a position a NHS Talking Therapies Service as part of the trainee recruitment; applicants do not have to be in an NHS Talking Therapies Service before applying for the training - they are sometimes offered together.
- Receive supervision as per the National NHS Talking Therapies requirements, specifically one hour per week individual case management; and one hour per fortnight clinical skills supervision for low intensity CBT which can be individual or group based. This does not have to be gained before applying, but is part of the NHS Talking Therapies programme so will be provided by your employed NHS Talking Therapies service.
- Be able to commit to the attendance (minimum 100%) and study requirements of the programme.
- Demonstrate values consistent with those as specified in the NHS constitution.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
How to apply
Applications to this programme may only be made through NHS Talking Therapies services recruiting trainees and not directly through the University of Exeter. Posts are typically advertised by NHS Talking Therapies services on NHS jobs websites or equivalent.
Applicants without a degree
This programme is offered at both postgraduate level (PGCert) and at final year undergraduate degree level (GradCert). If you do not hold an undergraduate degree you may be eligible for enrolment on the GradCert programme. The topics you will study are the same for both programmes. Please contact the administrative team for more information.
Preparing for a PWP interview
An interview is an opportunity to showcase your knowledge. It will be helpful to demonstrate an understanding of the PWP role, how common mental health problems present and the stepped care model. You will likely need to demonstrate some knowledge about the employer you are applying to work for, their organisational values, and how these relate to the role of a PWP. Please see the further reading list for helpful resources to expand your understanding in these areas.
It is important to reflect your skills and experience to demonstrate how you will succeed in the role. PWPs are required to have a varied skillset, which includes:
- Interpersonal skills, including empathy, collaboration, and ability to work with diverse patients.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work within a team of different professionals (also referred to as a multidisciplinary team).
- Time management and organisational skills.
- Study skills and ability to learn independently.
- Skills in identifying risk or vulnerability concerns and escalating concerns appropriately.
- Self-reflection and ability to prioritise wellbeing.
To prepare for your interview, it will be helpful to think of some examples from work, voluntary, lived or personal experience, where you can demonstrate these skills. Spend some time thinking or making notes about different examples. The STAR method can be helpful to structure these examples.
Situation: What was the situation you were faced with?
Task: What was the responsibility or task you had within the situation?
Action: What action did you personally take?
Result: What was the outcome of that action? What did you learn? How may this learning relate to the role of a PWP?
Interview top tips
- Get prepared! Make sure you have any resources you need in advance. You may want to check out the interview location and travel plans if attending an in-person interview; or ensure that the interview link, webcam, and microphone are set-up if completing a remote interview. Gather anything you need ahead of time, including any pre-interview materials and personal items such as a water bottle.
- Manage nerves. It is normal to feel nervous or anxious before an interview. Finding ways to feel relaxed and confident will enable you to perform at your best. It can be helpful to practice any relaxation techniques in the run up to your interview to help you remain calm under pressure. Breathing techniques or a guided meditation can be a good starting point!
- Self-reflection. It is important to demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest for the role during an interview. Taking some time reflecting on your motivations and ambitions will enable you to articulate why you want this opportunity, and the unique strengths you can bring to the role.
- Practice. Talking about your strengths and abilities to a panel is a skill that develops with practice. Have a go at answering example interview questions aloud. It can also be helpful to do roleplay with a friend or family member, to help with thinking on the spot and answering questions clearly to someone who may not know much about your skills or experience. You don’t have to remember or know everything, but having some practice will help you to provide answers that are clear and related to the interview question.
- Think about questions you want to ask. There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions to the interview panel at the end of the formal questions. It is helpful to think in advance about any questions you would like to ask. This can demonstrate your interest and curiosity in the role.
Further reading
Adapted part-time route
The Adapted Part-Time Route is designed for trainees who are employed less than full-time, typically between 0.6 and 0.8 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE). Trainees working at 0.8 WTE may choose either the standard 12-month route or the adapted part-time route, depending on their circumstances and service agreement.
The adapted part-time route provides the same curriculum, teaching, learning outcomes and assessment requirements as the standard programme, while offering additional time and support to enable trainees to meet course competencies alongside reduced working hours.
Key features
- 18-month programme duration (compared with 12 months for the standard route).
- Identical teaching content, modules and learning outcomes to the standard route.
- Wherever possible, part-time and full-time trainees learn together through shared teaching sessions.
- The programme delivers the same total taught content, including theory, skills teaching and simulation activities.
- Teaching is structured to support part-time trainees, with teaching blocks planned to avoid excessive attendance requirements (normally no more than three consecutive teaching days).
- At least 50% of teaching is delivered in person.
- Practice-based learning requirements, including University Directed Days, are identical in total to those required on the standard route.
- Additional teaching and support sessions are provided following completion of the standard teaching timetable to support ongoing competency development, clinical practice and assessment preparation.
- Assessment requirements remain the same as the standard route, with extended and phased submission deadlines to support achievement across the longer training period.
- Assessment timelines are designed with support to ensure part-time trainees are not disadvantaged by extended gaps between teaching and assessment activities.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for the Adapted Part-Time Route are identical to the standard route:
- Graduate Certificate route: Level 5 qualification or equivalent.
- Postgraduate Certificate route: Level 6 qualification or equivalent.
Availability
The Adapted Part-Time Route is subject to NHS Talking Therapies service availability and commissioning arrangements and must be agreed between the trainee, employing service, programme team and NHS England at the start of training (or within the first six months of the programme at the latest).
| Feature | Standard Pathway | Adapted Part-Time Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Programme duration | 12 months | 18 months |
| Eligibility | Trainees undertaking the programme at full-time equivalent hours | Designed for trainees employed at 0.6–0.8 WTE. Trainees working at 0.8 WTE may choose either the standard or adapted part-time route. |
| Entry requirements | Graduate Certificate: Level 5 qualification or equivalent. Postgraduate Certificate: Level 6 qualification or equivalent. |
Identical to the standard pathway. |
| Teaching content | In line with PWP national curriculum. | Identical curriculum, teaching content, learning outcomes and competencies in line with PWP national curriculum. |
| Core Teaching delivery | Delivered according to the standard programme timetable. | Wherever possible, part-time trainees attend teaching alongside standard-route trainees. Teaching is structured to be accessible for part-time working patterns. |
| Theory, skills and simulation teaching | Full programme requirements. | Identical programme requirements and total taught hours. |
| In-person teaching | Minimum 50% delivered in person. | Minimum 50% delivered in person. |
| University Directed Days / practice-based learning | Standard programme requirements. | Identical requirements and total number of days. |
| Additional teaching and support | Teaching concludes at the end of the standard timetable. | Additional sessions are provided after the standard teaching timetable ends to support continued competency development, clinical practice and assessment preparation. Additional formative tape submission to support clinical skills development. |
| Assessment requirements | Standard assessment requirements. | Same assessments and competency requirements as the standard route. |
| Assessment deadlines | Standard submission deadlines. | Extended and phased deadlines designed to support achievement across the longer training period. |
| Module-specific assessment | Standard module assessments. | Same assessments as standard route. |
| Academic tutoring | Academic support throughout the programme. | Extended support across the 18-month programme, with tutor contact aligned to the extended training period and assessment schedule. |
| Supervision requirements | NHS Talking Therapies supervision requirements. | Identical supervision requirements; supervision frequency is not reduced because trainees are part-time. |
| Protected study time | Standard programme requirements, of a minimum of 10 self-directed study days. | Includes 10 protected self-directed study days spread across the programme. |
| Agreement process | Standard recruitment and enrolment processes. | Route must be agreed between the trainee, employing service, programme team and NHS England at programme commencement (or within the first six months at the latest). |
| Availability | Subject to commissioned training places advertised by employing services. | Subject to NHS Talking Therapies service availability and commissioning arrangements. |
Fees
UK/EU fees per year:
This course is funded by NHS England, so fees are not typically payable by candidates. If you work for a non-NHS employer and are interested in a self-funded place, please contact our Programme Administrator for more information.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Teaching and research
Teaching consists of full days of lectures, in blocks. Sessions will include role play, practical exercises and small group discussions. Guided independent study is also expected to take place. Assessments will include an essay, competency assessment, exam, tape submission, reflective essay, presentation and three clinical outcomes documents. Details of assessment criteria may be found in the module descriptors for the programme.
Careers
This programme is designed for individuals who are already working within NHS Talking Therapies, or a similar service. It provides an excellent opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required to practise effectively as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP), supporting your continued professional growth and career development.
A strong emphasis throughout the programme is placed upon your personal and professional development.
Advantages of the programme are that:
- You will study within a vibrant, stimulating and internationally-recognised research environment, where members of your teaching team have first-hand experience within the clinical setting.
- Your learning experience will be enriched by nationally-recognised, innovative, clinical teaching approaches, designed to develop you on your terms.
