Cognitive Behavioural Therapy MSc (top-up)
Course Code
HLST239
Location
Coventry University (Coventry)
Study mode
Part-time
Online/Blended
Duration
1 year part-time
Start date
May 2023
Course overview
Study level: Postgraduate
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of evidence-based psychological therapy recommended by NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) as a first line intervention for many psychological disorders.
This course is aimed at cognitive behavioural practitioners who wish to gain a master's qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Achieving this award gives students the ability to seek promotion opportunities within the psychological therapies field and improve their career prospects.

Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunities
Teaching excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
Employability
Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeedWhy you should study this course
- This MSc award is aimed at cognitive behavioural practitioners who wish to gain a master's qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
- Facilitates the development of skills, knowledge and competencies as psychological therapists with evidence-based interventions to maximise professional development.
- Gaining a master's qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy gives students the ability to seek promotional opportunities within the psychological therapies field and improve their career prospects.
- Offered on a part-time basis and delivered using a combination of online and face-to-face teaching.
- Aims to give you a direct practical experience of how to design, conduct, and report experimental research.
More than just a degree
The experience of learning on the MSc was very positive. Whilst the pace of the course is fast, the level of support is second to none. The week-to-week lectures and self-study were structured in a way which promoted engagement which great opportunities to learn new skills. I highly recommend this course and cannot praise enough the tutor support and general assistance of the university.

What you'll study
The MSc award has been designed to meet the needs of students who wish specifically to undertake a master’s level educational programme and is aimed at cognitive behavioural practitioners who wish to gain a master's qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
How you'll learn
This MSc course is offered on a part-time basis, and is delivered via methods including:
- Keynote online lectures
- Self-study online materials
- Face-to-face or online tutorials (student’s choice) during Research Project module
- Guided reading
You will be encouraged to use forums to ask questions related to lectures or self-study guided materials.
Teaching contact hours
For the MSc top-up course, you will be required to attend an induction session scheduled at the beginning of the first semester – this lasts for 2 hours and will be held either on the Coventry University Coventry Campus or remotely. In addition, you will be encouraged to use an online learning platform to ask questions related to lectures or self-study guided materials throughout the course. For the third piece of coursework (systematic literature review) you will be provided with 10 hours academic supervision, either face-to-face or online.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2022/2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Assessment
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.
Assessment methods include:
- Methodological assessment
- Research proposal
- Systematic literature review
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.
International experience opportunities
The faculty takes pride in offering a multicultural, international experience, attracting students from a wide range of diverse backgrounds and different countries, who provide global insight and experience. Many of the organisations we have links to operate on an international basis and we also collaborate with internationally renowned researchers across the globe.
Completing the MSc has given me greater confidence in my knowledge, both of the research subject and my understanding of the range of research methods and their strengths and limitations. I have felt more confident debating aspects of my work with colleagues having completed the MSc. Doing the course while working full time can be a challenge. The support and guidance from the course tutor, however, was invaluable and I would reserve my greatest praise for this aspect of the course.

Entry requirements
Fees and funding
2022/23 Tuition fees
Student | Full time | Part time |
---|---|---|
UK | £3,533 per year | Not available |
International | £5,650 per year | Not available |
For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page.
We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.
Facilities
As this course is taken as a blend of online and in-person teaching, a large portion of it will use an online teaching platform. Our platform provider is currently Aula, an online learning platform accessible from your phone, desktop or tablet. The design is based on existing social media platforms, so it feels familiar and easy to use. This course is also part of the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and therefore any in-person teaching will take place in our school buildings4.
Careers and opportunities
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has a continually evolving evidence-base with emphasis on therapy outcomes and robust, universally applicable treatment methods.
On successful completion of the MSc CBT top-up course, you will be able to:
- Critically appraise the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Critically evaluate research literature.
- Critically evaluate quantitative or qualitative research designs and methods of data collection.
- Critically evaluate the ethics of doing psychological research.
- Systematically review and critically evaluate a specific area of literature within the field of cognitive behavioural therapy.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Work within ethical guidelines and demonstrate initiative and skill in planning, problem-solving, information gathering and investigation.
- Structure and present information in a format suitable for publication in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of the most effective of available treatments across a range of psychological problems, specifically depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD and phobia. As such, CBT is the basis of much mental health practice. It has become government policy for NHS Trusts to provide patients/clients with access to CBT.
Achieving this award would enable you to seek promotion opportunities within the psychological therapies field and broaden your career prospects.
Where our graduates work
Recent graduates have gained employment in a range of therapeutic services, both in primary and secondary care. Graduates of the course have successfully progressed to supervisory roles and posts in management.
What our alumni say
Having been uncertain beforehand, I am so glad that I decided to do the CBT Master's top-up. The course helped me further my academic ability in a challenging but highly supportive manner. It has been my best educational experience to date and brought out the best in me.

How to apply
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UK Students
To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.
For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.
Chat with our admissions team
Complete our contact form.
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International Students
Full-time international students applying to start in September should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.
How to applyFor further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.
You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.
Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.
Chat with our admissions team.
Complete our contact form.
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Disclaimers
1Accreditations
The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
2UK and international opportunities
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.
3Tuition fees
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.
For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.
4Facilities
Facilities are subject to availability. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Student Contract
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2022/23 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.