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Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Course Details
| Course Code | SG_NCOGN_O09 |
|---|---|
| Level | 9 |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Credits | 60 |
| Method of Delivery | On-campus |
| Campus Locations | St Angelas |
| Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
The overarching aim of this programme is to provide education and advanced skills training for Registered Mental Health Nurses (RPNs/RMNs) to progress their competence to become autonomous Clinical Nurse Specialists in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP). On successful completion of the programme, the graduate will act as a member of the therapeutic team to provide Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy to suitable clients with a wide range of mental health presentations. The programme has been designed with both NMBI/HSE and BABCP criteria in mind for accreditation purposes.
NMBI, HSE and DOH CNS Criteria:
The programme has been designed to meet criteria for Category 2 approval with NMBI and at level 9 fulfils the CNS criteria as laid out by the HSE (see below).
The HSE CNS career pathways was developed in line with the DoH (2019) A Policy on the development of Graduate to Advance Nursing and Midwifery Practice. As part of the HSE Interim CNS pathways candidates are required to be required to demonstrate that they have completed the required postgraduate education or agree and are supported to undertake the required postgraduate education, at level 9 qualification (equivalent to 60 ECTS or above) relevant to the specialist area.
NB. Application to NMBI for category 2 course approval currently in progress
Psychotherapy Accrediting Body Criteria
Careful consideration of minimum accreditation training standards as documented currently by The British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP) have also underpinned the course content, level of training and assessment of clinical competence.
In year 2 of the programme the student will complete a taught master’s dissertation. This is supported by Research Dissertation in this specialist area of practice that runs over both semesters of year 2. The Postgraduate Diploma phase of the programme is offered over one calendar year academic year (September to August) with approximately 42 days college attendance required.
NB. Although careful consideration has gone into designing programme in keeping with BABCP criteria, BABCP accreditation is not automatic on graduating from this programme and graduates will need to process their individual application.
Recommended Study Hours per week
250 hours of study are recommended per module throughout the year
Examination and Assessment
The programme will be assessment by a mixture assessment mediums e.g. academic assignments, practical examinations and case presentations.
On-Campus Attendance Requirement
On campus attendance is required throughout the year and will be in the region of 42 days in total
Progression
On successful completion of Postgraduate Diploma phase of the programme, students can then choose two options:
Option One: Exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy
Option Two: Continue their studies, for one further academic year, bypassing the Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy award, and continuing to complete a 30 ECTS research dissertation module for the award of Master of Health Science in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Minimum Academic Standard:
Applicants must have a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) a minimum of 2.2 classification in a relevant Health Care Profession (e.g. Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Occupational Therapy).
Professional Experience:
- Applicants must provide evidence of current registration with the relevant professional regulatory body (e.g. NMBI, the Health & Social Care Professions Council etc) and have post-qualification experience for a minimum of minimum of 3-5 years with clients presenting with a variety of mental health challenges.
- Currently employed in OR have access to an area of practice (500 hours during the calendar year Jan-Dec) where Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP) is employed as a treatment modality.
- Be able to provide evidence of support from their line manager/ director of services stating their support for the applicant to undertake the programme.
- Be able to provide a named CBP therapist within the area where placement will take place and their signed agreement to act as the students’ supervisor throughout their clinical placement.
NB. Potential students may be interviewed as part of the application process.
Garda Vetting
Applicants to the programme are required to undergo Garda vetting prior to the commencement of their Professional Practice Placement.
Applicants to the programme are required to undergo Garda vetting prior to the commencement of their Professional Practice Placement.
English Language Requirements
The English Language Requirements for this programme are in line with the ATU Policy and as published in the Access, Transfer and Progression Policy.
The English Language Requirements for this programme are in line with the ATU Policy and as published in the Access, Transfer and Progression Policy.
Careers
Following the completing of year 1 of this programme, students can exit the programme at that point with a post graduate Diploma in CBP. This will allow them to apply for roles as Clinical Nurse Specialists in CBP in mental health settings. Therefore, graduates of year 1 are eligible to be employed as clinical nurse specialists in CBP within mental health.
Also, theoretical contact hours and hours of supervised clinical practice have been aligned to BABCP accreditation criteria and standards of good practice. This leaves graduates eligible to apply for professional accreditation with such a psychotherapy accredited body. Gaining BABCP accreditation would provide graduates an opportunity to practice CBP in private practice independently from their CNS role in mental health.
Further Information
Application Closing Date
Tuesday, January 7th, 2025.
Start Date
January 2025
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for Registered Mental Health Nurses/ Register Psychiatric Nurses who wish to progress their careers and develop specialist knowledge and skills and become Clinical Nurse Specialists in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.
Contact Information
School of Nursing, Health Sciences and Disability Studies
Department
Nursing, Health Sciences & Disability Studies
