PGDip Psychological Therapies Practice
(High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time or 2 years part-time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | Evidence of undergraduate-level study and relevant professional experience |
|---|---|
Why study PGDip Psychological Therapies Practice
(High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) at Exeter?
- Aimed at clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and other professionals with experience of delivering mental health such as nurses and counsellors.
- Provides intensive skills training in accordance with British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (BABCP) guidelines for good practice.
- The programme is suited to those pursuing a career as a High Intensity therapist, defined under the NHS Talking Therapies initiative.
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
Entry requirements
PGDip Psychological Therapies Practice (High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:
Qualifications
- An undergraduate degree or equivalent, ideally in a discipline connected to mental health (e.g. psychology, neuroscience, or a BABCP recognised core professional qualification).
Those without an undergraduate qualification but with evidence of the ability to study at third year of undergraduate degree level (level 6) will also be considered.
Experience
OR
- The ability to complete a KSA* (Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes) portfolio to show you meet programme requirements in line with BABCP accreditation standards.
- At least two years’ full-time work experience in mental health settings (or at least three years if your undergraduate degree is in an unrelated discipline)
*Depending on your professional background, you will be required to submit either a full or condensed KSA. You can find out if you’re eligible for a condensed KSA here. (Please note that due to funding requirements, PWPs – Psychological Wellbeing Practitioners – cannot apply until two years after they have qualified).
If you have started or completed any NHS-funded training in the psychological professions, you need to wait until 2 years post-qualification before being eligible for further NHS-funded training (https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/mental-health/psychological-professions/nhs-funding-psychological-professions-training-programmes).
Additional requirements
- Availability to attend university as required, which will include blocks of teaching of up to four days. Most teaching will be 2 days per week in conjunction with a minimum period of high intensity CBT clinical practice per week*
- Evidence of interpersonal skills to engage and develop working alliances with colleagues and patients
- Evidence of an openness to learning new knowledge and skills
- Demonstrable values and behaviour that aligns with the values of the NHS Constitution
- The willingness to become a member of the BABCP at the start of training
*Please note: the number of days required to meet the educational objectives and skills based competences covered during the respective courses are only achievable if a minimum number of days occur in clinical practice, in addition to the required days spent within the University. Please consult national guidance for information concerning the contracts required for this workforce.
Applicants without a core professional background
- Applicants without a core professional background are required to submit the full KSA portfolio prior to interview for assessment. Appointment of a training place will only be offered on assessment of this.
- If you are unsure whether you hold a Core Profession then please refer to the BABCP website for more information.
- All successful applicants will need to become members of the BABCP at the start of the training to ensure that they have a code of professional conduct to work when starting the training.
- Every effort will be made to have a KSA representative from the University on any interview for a KSA candidate. If this is not possible, any offer of a training place will only be made subject to KSA being reviewed by a KSA representative from the University.
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.
Course content
If you have experience of delivering mental health services (such as a nurse, OT, social worker, clinical psychologist, psychotherapist or counsellor), this programme will support you to pursue a career as a High Intensity CBT Therapist, as defined under the NHS Talking Therapies initiative.
You will receive intensive skills training in-line with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (BABCP) guidelines for good practice. This is a level 2 BABCP accredited training programme, which means that upon completion, you will receive the training required to fulfil all of the BABCP’s minimum training standards.
High intensity therapists assess and treat primary care patients with common mental health problems (principally anxiety and depression) using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is recommended in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines as part of the stepped-care approach. The approach works to alleviate symptoms and have a positive impact on social inclusion, employment and productivity. Practitioners will work closely with other agencies to assess and maximise employment opportunities for each client.
The programme prepares you to provide high-intensity CBT within Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services. It adheres to the National Curriculum for High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Courses (2022). The School maintains a firm commitment to evidence-based clinical practice and as such we endeavour to ensure all of our training programmes are firmly embedded within current research.
Aims of the programme
The programme has a cognitive-behavioural theoretical base, favouring approaches with the soundest evidence and where cognitive and behavioural techniques are integrated in therapy and fully compliant with the NHS Talking Therapies curriculum.
In addition to providing practical intensive and detailed skills training to facilitate skill development to a defined standard of competency, the programme will aim to:
- increase your knowledge base of therapy and research in CBT
- promote a critical approach to the subject
- equip you to become a skilled and creative independent High Intensity therapist, in accordance with BABCP guidelines for good practice and to contribute to the further development of CBT.
The programme will provide opportunities for you to develop and demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills in the following areas:
- To develop practical competency in cognitive behavioural therapy for common psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety
- To develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature relating to CBT
Progression
After completing this programme, students may wish to progress to:
- MSc Psychological Therapies Practice and Research
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120 credits of compulsory and non-condonable modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| The Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy | 30 | |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Depression | 30 | |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety Disorder | 30 | |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Clinical Practice | 30 | |
PYCM037: The Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
This module will provide a means for you to develop and update your knowledge of the fundamental principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) theory, research and practice and develop a critical and reflective approach to such theory, research and practice.
The module will aim to enable you to have an understanding of how the scientific principles inform CBT clinical practice.
This module will focus on core clinical competencies (skills) necessary in undertaking CBT.
The aim of this module is to enable you to develop:
- An advanced knowledge and understanding of how scientific principles inform CBT clinical practice.
- An advanced knowledge of core clinical skills necessary for CBT practice.
- Practical competency in the fundamentals of CBT
- The capacity to reflect critically on CBT theory, research and practice.
PYCM038: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Depression
This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop skills in CBT for depression to an advanced level, improving proficiency in the fundamental techniques of CBT, developing competency in the specialist techniques used in the treatment of depression. Specific cognitive and behavioural models of depression, empirical evidence, and assessment and specialist cognitive and behavioural treatment strategies will be covered in the teaching.
You will develop practical competencies in CBT for depression. You will also develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature in relation to CBT for depression.
It will also examine modifications to theory and practice for diversity factors.
The aim of this module is to enable you to develop:
- Critical knowledge and understanding of the theory and research literature underpinning CBT for depression.
- Practical competencies in the treatment of depression using fundamental and depression specific CBT skills.
PYCM039: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety Disorder
This module will provide you with an overview of the state of the science and practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It will also examine modifications to theory and practice for diversity factors.
This module aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop skills in CBT for anxiety disorders to an advanced level, improving proficiency in the fundamental techniques of CBT, and developing competency in the specialist techniques applied to anxiety disorders and trauma-related disorder.
You will develop practical competencies in CBT for anxiety disorders. You will also develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature in relation to CBT for anxiety disorders, in order to have a strong foundation in the evidence-base.
The aim of this module is to enable you to develop:
- Critical knowledge and understanding of the theory and research literature underpinning CBT for anxiety.
- Practical competencies in the treatment of anxiety using fundamental and anxiety specific CBT skills.
PYCM040: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Clinical Practice
This module will provide you with a context for the development of practical skills in providing supervised clinical practice in the treatment of common mental disorders; the particular focus will be on PTSD, anxiety and depressive disorders with the aim of achieving therapeutic competency and meeting BABCP accreditation criteria for supervision and supervised clinical practice.
The aim of this module is to enable you to:
- develop practical competencies in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for PTSD, depression and anxiety under appropriate clinical supervision.
- develop skills in reflective practice that enable you to make best use of supervision in order to further your clinical skills and improve clinical practice.
How to apply
Trainee NHS Talking Therapies posts are typically advertised by NHS Talking Therapies services on NHS jobs websites or equivalent. Please keep an eye on these websites for posts and updates on future intakes.
We welcome applicants from diverse cultural and personal contexts, mature applicants with extensive life experience, and applicants with disabilities. Candidates with disabilities are welcome to contact us to discuss the programme's capacity to meet their training needs. Please contact the Programme Administrator or Wellbeing Services for further details.
If you are a prospective student and would like to apply for this course:
Our PGDip Psychological Therapies Practice (High Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) programme is aimed at experienced healthcare professionals working with mental health patients. If you are currently working in an NHS Talking Therapies Service we advise that you speak to your manager about courses available to you. If you are a healthcare professional not working in an NHS Talking Therapies service we recommend you refer to the NHS Talking Therapies website for further details.
If you are a manager and would like to submit a candidate for this course:
Selection
Selection processes including shortlisting and interviews are carried out jointly between NHS Talking Therapies services and the University. As such, successful applicants will be required to meet the requirements of the employing service’s job description and person specification and the University entry requirements listed below.
Our hope is that an Exeter trainee will maintain and advance the standards of High Intensity CBT while providing excellent service to clients, carers and colleagues within their NHS Talking Therapies services. In partnership with the recruiting NHS Talking Therapies services, we therefore want to attract and select trainees who have the required competencies, as well as being able to demonstrate that their values and behaviours align with the values of the NHS Constitution.
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 and half day workshops and group tutorials. Sessions include role-play, practical exercises and small group discussions. There will also be regular supervision sessions with University supervisors. Guided independent study is expected to take place.
Types of assessments include:
- case reports
- self-practice/self-reflection tasks and blog
- recorded CTSR sessions with reflective summaries
- essays
- case presentations
- and a clinical portfolio.
Some students will be required to complete a KSA portfolio prior to the course beginning.
Careers
This programme is training people already in a career within the NHS or NHS Talking Therapies service. It will provide you with an outstanding opportunity to develop your competencies and knowledge associated with practice as a Practitioner.
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.
