Cognitive Behavioural Studies

The Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Studies is part of a comprehensive Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) training programme, which has been renowned for its consistent record of excellence in CBT practice, training and supervision over the past 25 years.

Oxford is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in CBT and the course draws on an impressive body of local specialist skill and knowledge.

The course aims to provide students with:

• a sound knowledge of cognitive behavioural models, concepts and methods;
• an understanding of issues of importance relating to the theory and practice of CBT, including the relationship between CBT theory and therapy;
• an understanding of the use of CBT with a variety of client groups and disorders;
• related research on outcome and process; and
• the ability to convey clearly the central concepts of CBT.

The course does not aim to prepare students to practice, teach or supervise CBT. The emphasis is on acquiring an understanding of the theory and practice of CBT treatment and supervision, within an explicit theoretical framework in relation to associated empirical research. To this end, students will attend and complete the theoretical components of the PGCert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and relevant PGCert in Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy specialisms, thus covering CBT treatment for common psychological disorders, psychological trauma, psychosis and bipolar and CBT supervision and training. This course is appropriate for researchers seeking to gain a strong theoretical foundation in CBT.

The course structure will vary according to the order in which the modules are attended. Reading and completion of written assignments will be undertaken in addition to the teaching days. Many students find it effective to set aside six to seven hours a week for private study. In order to complete the PGCert in Cognitive Behavioural Studies, students are required to complete the following components:

This must be taken in year 1 of the programme. Students will attend 3 days of teaching in September and 2 days in October, and submit a 2,000 word essay in November.

This can be taken in year 1 or year 2 of the programme. Students will attend 4 days of teaching in October, and submit a 2000 word essay in November.

This can be taken in year 1 or year 2 of the programme*. Students will attend 4 days of teaching in October and 2 days in November, and complete an assessed presentation in November or December.

This can be taken in year 1 or year 2 of the programme*. Students will attend 2 days of teaching in October, and 1 day of teaching in February, and submit a 2000 word essay in March.

*Students cannot take the Psychosis and Bipolar and Psychological Trauma components in the same academic year, but can indicate a preference for which order they would like to complete them in.

To complete the PGCert in Cognitive Behavioural Studies you will need to:

• take an active part in teaching and supervision sessions;
• complete three 2,000-word essays on CBT theory and research; and
• complete one research presentation of up to 20 minutes duration.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. A supervisor may be found outside the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre.

Completion of the course provides access to a growing network of course graduates and to an ongoing programme of follow-up workshops on CBT and related topics.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

All graduate courses in medical and health sciences offered by this department

Cognitive Behavioural Studies PGCert

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy MSc

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGDip

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGCert

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy DPhil

Continuing Education DPhil

Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy PGCert

Evidence Based Health Care (Medical Statistics) MSc

Evidence Based Health Care (Systematic Reviews) MSc

Evidence-Based Health Care DPhil

Evidence-Based Health Care MSc

Experimental and Translational Therapeutics MSc

Health Research PGDip

Health Research PGCert

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy MSt

Paediatric Infectious Diseases MSc

Paediatric Infectious Diseases PGDip

Patient Safety PGCert

Psychodynamic Counselling PGCert

Psychodynamic Practice MSt

Psychodynamic Practice PGDip

Qualitative Health Research Methods PGCert

Surgical Science and Practice MSc

Teaching Evidence-Based Health Care PGCert

Translational Health Sciences MSc

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Entry requirements