Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy

Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Sonraí an Chúrsa

Course Code	SG_NCOGN_O09
Céim	9
Fad ama	1 year
Creidmheasanna	60
Modh Seachadta	On-campus
Suímh campais	St Angelas
Modh Seachadta	Páirtaimseartha

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Forbhreathnú Cúrsa

This programme is designed to provide comprehensive education and advanced skills training for Health and Social Care Professionals working in mental health settings. Its overarching goal is to develop and enhance their competence in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBP), enabling them to develop into autonomous and highly skilled Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapists. Upon successful completion, graduates will be fully equipped to practice independently across a range of mental health care settings, delivering evidence-based interventions to support diverse client needs.

NMBI, HSE and DOH CNS Criteria relevant to Registered Nurses :
The programme is approved at Category 2 level by the 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.

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 (January to December ) 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.

Uaireanta Staidéir Molta in aghaidh na seachtaine

250 hours of study are recommended per module throughout the year

Scrúdú agus Measúnú

The programme will be assessment by a mixture assessment mediums e.g. academic assignments, practical examinations and case presentations.

Riachtanas Tinrimh ar an gCampas

On campus attendance is required throughout the year and will be in the region of 42 days in total

Dul chun cinn

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

Réamheolaire Iarchéime Online, Flexible and Professional Development Prospectus

Riachtanais Iontrála

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.

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.

Táillí

Total Fees EU: €10000

Tuilleadh eolais faoi tháillí

Gairmeacha

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

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This programme is ideal for Nursing and Allied Health and Social Care Professionals working in Mental Health Settings who wish to progress their careers and develop specialist knowledge and skills at Postgraduate level in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.