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Course Code
YHPB1949A1
Level
Level 5
Course Type
Higher Education
Study Mode
Part-time
Duration
1 Year
Start & End
16 September 2026 - 2 June 2027
Days
Wed
Time
17:30-21:30
Location
Ballymena
Interview Required
Yes
  • This course is designed for applicants who have completed a higher-level qualification in Counselling (e.g. CPCAB Level 4 Diploma or UU Foundation Degree in Integrative Counselling Practice) of at least 450 hours and wish to extend their knowledge of working using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • It is designed to enhance the employability of counsellors in organisational settings and as independent practitioners by giving them a solid grounding in CBT skills and theory.
  • CBT is one of the NICE recommended psychological therapies and counsellors with CBT skills are often favoured above those without in multidisciplinary psychological therapy teams especially the Increasing Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) teams.

The course involves a large amount of practical role plays. 90% attendance is a mandatory part of the course. As part of the course applicants will be expected to carry out client work where they can apply the theory of CBT to the counselling process. Group Supervision is also a requirement of the course.

  • Completion of a personal learning record on an ongoing basis (approx. 500 words per criterion)

Assignments:

  • x2 assignments (3000-3500 words each) as part of internal assessment;
  • External assessment client case study (also 3000-3500 words)
  • Presentations & small and whole group discussion
  • Supervisor’s report; log of hours (30 hrs of client work required using CB tools etc.)
  • Ongoing feedback from tutor  (Tutor observation) and peers (Testimony).

The main aspects of the course deal with:

  • Work safely, legally & ethically as a counsellor using the CBT approach
  • Use the CBT framework to structure the therapeutic relationship
  • Integrate understanding of diversity in CBT work
  • Use a coherent approach to work with individual clients and their needs
  • Work with self-awareness as a counsellor using the CBT approach
  • Use CBT theory, research and techniques coherently within counselling work
  • Monitor and maintain professional effectiveness as a counsellor using the CBT approach

Teaching Methods

  • Interactive Lectures will be used as the primary means of teaching and guidance on subject matter, reading and assignments. Active learning in pair and group work will also be used with case studies, problem solving and role play.
  • Practicals will be used to learn skills and knowledge. The course involves a large amount of practical role plays.
  • As part of the course applicants will be expected to carry out client work where they can apply the theory of CBT to the counselling process. Group Supervision is also a requirement of the course.
  • Seminars will be used as part of the group work experience.
  • Tutorials part of the studies advice and pastoral system; to give guidance on difficulties associated with learning outcomes and to provide feedback and clarification.

For further information on course content, delivery, and assessment, please see the candidate guide on the CPCAB website, which can be found at http://www.cpcab.co.uk/qualifications/cbt-l5#documents.

This course is designed to enhance the professional development of an existing counsellor who has professional accreditation. Successful candidates may progress on to the CPCAB level 6 certificate in counselling supervision.

Applicants must be over 19 years of age; it is strongly recommended that the applicant is over 25 years of age. All applicants should:

  • Be practicing counsellors and have completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling of their RPL equivalent
  • Have completed a minimum of 50 hours post-qualification client work
  • Have professional body accreditation or be working towards this

All applicants will be invited to an information session in June.

Where students wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, in lieu of meeting the full course entry requirements, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions. APEL applications must be submitted at least 2 weeks before the start date of the programme. More details can be found in the APEL Policy.

Course Fees

Year Fee Reduced Fee*
Year 1 £1000 £731
Total

*For eligibility criteria, visit our fees and funding page.

Payment of fees must be arranged prior to course commencement and at the beginning of each academic year, regardless of whether your programme of study is one, two, or three years in duration. Fees for subsequent years (Year 2 and/or Year 3) may be subject to change due to annual increases in awarding body charges, such as registration or examination fees. 

Please contact any Campus Reception to arrange payment of your course fees or to confirm you have uploaded evidence of your funding application or entitlement to the online admissions portal. Confirmation of your funding entitlement should also be forwarded to studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk.

If your fees are being paid by a sponsor/employer, you must upload an approved Employer Consent Form to the online admissions portal.

Payment Options

You can pay your fees in full by cash, cheque, credit/debit card, direct debit payment or via a Student Loan.  For further details visit our fees and funding page

Contact Details
Student Loan Queries
T: 028 9085 5048
E: studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk

Direct Debit or Payment Queries
E: finance@nrc.ac.uk


Funding Options including Scholarships

There are several funds available to help with costs related to your course such as grants and scholarships.  For further details visit our student finance page


Additional Mandatory Costs

Additional mandatory costs are essential expenses which are required in order to complete your course. These costs are separate from, and in addition to, any course tuition fees. Most courses do not have any additional mandatory costs. Examples of additional mandatory costs includes trips which are included as a component of your course, essential textbooks which are not available from our learning resource centres, essential equipment which is not provided by the College, professional memberships which are linked directly to the course.

These costs do not include stationery materials or items which a student may choose to purchase, personal computer equipment or software or additional textbooks or journals, memberships of professional bodies not essential for your course. Many students will choose to purchase their own equipment and materials during their course, these are not mandatory costs. For most courses, equipment and materials will be provided by the College.

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