PGDip Psychological Therapies Practice (Severe Mental Health Problems: CBT for Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder or Personality Disorder)
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years part time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | At least two years of post-qualification experience with psychosis and/or bipolar disorder or personality disorder, plus some knowledge of CBT |
|---|---|
Why study PGDip Psychological Therapies Practice (Severe Mental Health Problems: CBT for Psychosis and Bipolar Disorder or Personality Disorder) at Exeter?
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If you have at least two years’ experience of working (or volunteering) with psychosis and/or bipolar disorder or people with a diagnosis of personality disorder, this programme will support you to pursue a career as a Cognitive Behaviour Therapist.
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You might be a mental health professional with a BABCP-recognised core profession, or you may have the equivalent knowledge, skills and attitudes to train as a CBT therapist (see entry requirements).
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This training was developed in response to the UK government initiative to achieve access to NICE-recommended care packages for individuals experiencing these problems.
- We will support you to develop practical competency in CBT for psychosis and bipolar disorder or CBT for people with a diagnosis of personality disorder within the context of secondary care services. You will also develop practical competency in CBT for depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD, as well as develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature relating to CBT in the context of these difficulties.
Post-course accreditation with the BABCP
The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) is the accrediting body for CBT psychotherapists and for CBT training courses. This course adheres to the BABCP minimum standards for CBT training, its good practice guidelines, and its Professional Code. The course is not yet accredited but provides all of the criteria for BABCP Individual Practitioner Accreditation. The Clinical Portfolio required to complete this award is designed to easily support post-course accreditation with the BABCP.
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
This is a programme for clinicians who’ve only had minimal CBT training and require formal training in CBT for depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD as well as in CBT for Severe Mental Health Problems.
Applicants need to meet the below entry criteria, as stipulated by NHS England:
- To be qualified in one of the core mental health professions as outlined by the BABCP or equivalent
OR
- The ability to complete and submit a Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes (KSA) portfolio
The below criteria are also essential:
- At least two years’ experience of working with psychosis and/or bipolar disorder or people with a diagnosis of personality disorder
- Some introductory knowledge and experience in CBT
- Successful completion of an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) or evidence of previous successful study at third year undergraduate degree level
Please note that all applicants will need to ensure that they adhere to the 2-year psychological professions funding rule.
Staff should have the support of their manager to attend the teaching programme and be able to practice as a CBT therapist post-training.
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
Cognitive Behavioural Therapists working in NHS secondary care services will assess and treat clients with psychosis and bipolar disorder or personality disorder, and comorbid common mental health problems using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
CBT is recommended in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines as part of the evidence-based care packages for people with a diagnosis of psychosis. CBT for personality disorder is one of the therapies recognised within the NICE guidance for people with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. The approach works to reduce distress, enhance understanding, alleviate symptoms and have a positive impact on social inclusion, employment and productivity.
Studying on this programme will allow you to:
- Develop and update your knowledge of the fundamental principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) theory, research and practice.
- Develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of how scientific principles inform cognitive behavioural clinical practice.
- Develop an advanced knowledge of core clinical skills necessary for CBT practice with people experiencing psychosis, bipolar or personality disorder.
- Develop the capacity to reflect critically on CBT theory, research and practice.
- Be able to demonstrate how you meet the competencies required to deliver NICE-concordant CBT for psychosis and bipolar or personality disorder.
- Develop a portfolio of training, assessment and supervised practice that would allow you to apply for accreditation as a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapist with the BABCP.
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 | ||
| The Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy | 20 | |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety and Depression - Theory | 20 | |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety and Depression - Clinical Practice | 20 | |
PYCM104: The Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
This module will focus on delivering a systematic knowledge of the fundamental principles of CBT. You will be encouraged to develop a critical understanding of the theoretical and research evidence and an ability to evaluate the evidence. The module will aim to enable you to have an understanding of how scientific principles inform CBT and will also focus on core clinical competencies. This covers cognitive models, maintenance and developmental conceptualisations, and key processes of CBT (such as formulation, measurement, rationale giving, structuring sessions, agenda setting, summarising, agreeing intersessional work, and relapse management). Teaching sessions will address the most up-to-date evidence for the effectiveness of CBT and training in applying CBT, including role-play, experiential exercises and video and case demonstrations. Experiential exercises will encourage self-reflection, increase in self-awareness, and skill acquisition. Sessions will also incorporate a focus on therapists' beliefs.
The module is underpinned by the Roth and Piling (2007) CBT Competency Framework for the delivery of CBT to people with depression and anxiety disorders and the National Curriculum for CBT for SMHP (NHS England and NHS Improvement, 2019).
The module is delivered by BABCP-accredited CBT therapists and the content is updated regularly in line with the emerging evidence base.
The aim of this module is to enable you to develop:
PYCM105: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety and Depression - Theory
This module will focus on common mental health disorders (depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD) frequently presenting in secondary care services. The module aims to develop advanced skills in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for these disorders, improving proficiency in the fundamental techniques of CBT, and developing competencies in the specialist techniques applied to common mental health disorders. Specific models, evidence base, assessment and specialist treatment strategies will be covered in workshops.
The module is underpinned by the Roth and Pilling (2007) CBT Competency Framework for the delivery of CBT to people with depression and anxiety disorders and the national curriculum for CBT for SMHP (NHS England and NHS Improvement, 2019).
The module is taught by BABCP-accredited CBT therapists, and the content is updated regularly in line with the emerging evidence base.
The aim of this module is to enable you to:
· Develop critical knowledge of the theoretical and research literature, and how scientific principles inform CB clinical practice
· Develop knowledge and practical competency in CBT for common mental health disorders, including skills in formulating and adapting treatment protocols
· Develop the capacity to reflect critically on theory, research and practice
· Develop skills in reflective practice
PYCM106: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety and Depression - Clinical Practice
This module will focus the development of clinical competency in CBT for Anxiety Disorders and Depression for people accessing secondary (Step 4 MH care). The module aims to develop advanced skills in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for these disorders, improving proficiency in the fundamental techniques of CBT, and developing competencies in the specialist techniques applied to depression and anxiety disorders. Expert Clinical CBT Supervision will be the vehicle for scaffolding the development of clinical competency aligned to the theoretical workshops and lectures within modules PYCM104 and PYCM105 . Clinical Skills sessions in modules PYCM104 and PYCM105 will further support this development. There will be an emphasis on formulating these disorders both in isolation and when presenting co-morbidly with psychosis and bipolar disorder, or with personality disorder, with a consideration of adaptions to treatment in the presence of diagnostic complexity.
The module is underpinned by the Roth and Piling (2007) CBT Competency Framework for the delivery of CBT to people with depression and anxiety disorders and the national Curriculum for CBT for SMHP (NHS England and NHS Improvement, 2019).
The module is taught/supervised by BABCP-accredited CBT therapists and/or clinical psychologists, and the content is updated regularly in line with the emerging evidence base.
This module will provide you with supervision of your clinical practice in order to develop the core clinical competencies (practical skills) necessary to deliver CBT for common mental health disorders.
The aim of this module is to enable you to:
- Develop practical competency in CBT for common mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders.
- Develop practical skills in formulating and adapting treatment protocols in the presence of co-morbid psychosis or bipolar disorder.
- Develop confidence in articulating clinical formulations underpinned by relevant and up-to-date theory and research.
Through attending the clinical skills in modules PYCM104 and PYCM105 and supervision sessions in this module you will develop the following academic and professional skills:
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 | ||
| The Fundamentals of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy | 20 | |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety and Depression - Theory | 20 | |
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety and Depression - Clinical Practice | 20 | |
Studying on this programme will allow you to develop and update your knowledge of the fundamental principles of CBT theory, research and practice and gain advanced clinical skills for working with people who have a diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar or personality disorder.
Dr Hayley Keeble, Programme & Academic Lead
Clinical Psychologist & BABCP accredited CBT Therapist
How to apply
Applications to this programme may only be made through NHS services recruiting trainees and not directly through the University of Exeter. Posts are typically advertised internally within NHS services.
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 the University AccessAbility department for further details.
Fees
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
How you'll learn
Teaching will consist of full and half-day workshops delivered online, as well as a small number of teaching blocks taking place in-person in Exeter, Devon. All sessions will include a theoretical and clinical skills component. Role play practice, practical exercises and small group discussions will occur regularly. There will also be guided independent study.
The course requires a minimum of two days per week, usually consisting of one day attending university (online) and one day delivering CBT. There are some block weeks of teaching throughout the year.
To complete the programme students must complete:
- A minimum of 40 hours of university individual equivalent clinical supervision.
- A minimum of 200 hours of attendance of teaching hours.
- A minimum of 200 hours of supervised CBT practice.
- Eight ‘completed’ CBT clients, including three closely supervised university clients. In year 1 trainees maintain a caseload of a minimum of four clients per week and so will very likely work with more than eight clients across the two years.
Assessments
Assessments will include:
- oral case presentations
- essays
- written case reports
- completion of CTSR competency assessments and accompanying documentation
- and a clinical portfolio.
Careers
This programme is training people already in a career within the NHS. It will provide you with an outstanding opportunity to develop your competencies and knowledge associated with practice as a CBT 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.
