Historical development and scientific foundations of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Core cognitive and behavioural theories underpinning CBT models of mental health and psychological distress.
Critical analysis of the empirical research base informing the development and effectiveness of CBT.
Application of CBT in contemporary clinical practice across a range of mental health presentations.
Evaluation of clinical guidelines relevant to CBT practice, including NICE recommendations.
Consideration of the suitability, limitations, and empirical contraindications of CBT interventions.
Cultural, ethical, and inclusive considerations in CBT theory and practice, including values-based approaches and adaptation for diverse populations.
Structure and organisation of mental health services, including the stepped-care model.
The role and professional responsibilities of the CBT practitioner within multidisciplinary mental health services.
Core principles of CBT practice, including therapeutic structure, assessment, and collaborative formulation.
Application of CBT theory to the development of practical clinical skills.
Use of empirical outcome and process measures to monitor therapeutic change in CBT.
Critical appraisal of psychometric properties, clinical utility, and ethical use of CBT outcome measures.
Application of outcome monitoring to evaluate CBT processes and therapeutic effectiveness in practice.

Students will be required to complete 2 summative assessments.

1) Written case study based on material from an evidenced treatment case in clinical practice (either closely or non-closely supervised), demonstrating knowledge of key principles of CBT assessment. Includes a case presentation of a client assessment, evidencing the use of empirically grounded CBT clinical measures.

2) Online CBT Clinical Formulation OSCE demonstrating simulated clinical competence through role-play in collaborative construction of a CBT formulation with a client.

The module will commence with an induction designed to orient students to the structure, expectations, and learning outcomes of the course. This will be followed by a programme of synchronous learning delivered through interactive weekly lectures and seminars. These sessions will support the development of theoretical understanding and applied skills through structured role-play activities, group presentations based on clinical vignettes, assignment preparation workshops, academic mentoring sessions, and directed problem-based learning.

Learning will be further supported through peer and tutor observation of CBT assessment and formulation role-play, with structured feedback provided to support reflective practice and skills development. A blended learning approach will be adopted, integrating classroom-based and online activities to enhance accessibility and engagement.

In addition to timetabled teaching, students will undertake approximately 3.5 hours per week of placement-based self-directed learning. This asynchronous learning is designed to consolidate and extend taught content and to support preparation for assessment. Activities will include engagement with key texts and peer-reviewed literature, work-based self-assessment, reflective practice, supervised observation and shadowing, skills rehearsal with peers and supervisors, and guided self-practice of CBT interventions with structured reflection.

Independent study will further support learning by enabling students to engage with a wider evidence base and to develop critical understanding of theory, research, and clinical application, thereby supporting the integration of academic learning with professional CBT practice.

1. Critically evaluate and apply foundational CBT theories, models and processes to complex clinical presentations, articulating their relevance, limitations and implications for assessment and intervention.

Knowledge & Understanding
Application & Problem Solving

2. Integrate advanced reflective practice to evaluate therapeutic decision-making and potential biases, generating ethically reasoned justifications for CBT-informed formulation and planning.

Reflection
Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

3. Demonstrate advanced application of foundational CBT models by constructing a coherent, evidence-informed real-time formulation that synthesises theory, client data and clinical judgement.

Application & Problem Solving
Research Skills

4. Communicate complex CBT formulations and therapeutic rationales clearly and ethically to diverse audiences, demonstrating advanced interpersonal and academic communication skills.

Communication
Knowledge & Understanding

Students will require personal IT facilities for learning.
Students will require a verified clinical placement with access to work as a trainee with adult service users experiencing common mental health problems.
Students will require weekly access to a clinical supervisor in the workplace, who is a BABCP Accredited Practitioner, offering individual supervision.
University library has a range of learning and teaching texts and journals, including an online reading list.
Content session resources are updated on a weekly basis, via Blackboard site.

Beck, J. S. (2020). Cognitive therapy: Basics and beyond (3rd Ed.). Guilford Press.

Cockx, A. (2016). Assessment and case formulation in cognitive behavioural therapy (2nd ed.). Sage.

Daiches, A. & Golding, L. (2005). Racism, Diversity and Responsibility. Clinical Psychology, 48, 5-6.

Kennerley, H., Kirk, J., & Westbrook, D. (2017). An introduction to cognitive behaviour therapy: Skills and applications (3rd Ed.). Sage.

How does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) work, and how do practitioners learn to apply it effectively?

In this module, you will explore the core theories, scientific foundations, and evidence base underpinning CBT and how these inform contemporary clinical practice. You will develop an understanding of mental health service structures, including the stepped-care model, and the role of the CBT practitioner within these settings.
You will apply CBT theory to practice by developing skills in assessment, formulation, and formulation-driven intervention planning, alongside the use of standardised outcome measures to monitor therapeutic progress. The module supports the development of professional CBT competencies, preparing you for effective practice and progression within psychological therapy roles.