About the course

This course aims to provide students with a high-level of expertise in applying evidence-based findings to clinical practice.

Research strand (TM_GT9P9C3)

The strand guides students through the process of developing and implementing an independent research project in their own clinical setting. This two-year, research-based award is an extension to the PGDip in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and provides a foundation for carrying out research and publishing an academic paper.

This strand is designed to help you achieve certain aims. If you are admitted to this strand, by the end of the course you should be able to.

• display knowledge and understanding of general research principles and methodology, and demonstrate how these may be used within their own clinical work, and in the design and completion of an independent research project
• interpret and evaluate theoretical literature relevant to the provision of cognitive therapy or cognitive therapy services
• use established bodies of knowledge as a basis for developing their own ideas for research
• understand the value of an evidence-based approach to psychological treatment, including the distinctive contributions of efficacy and effectiveness research trials to clinical practice, and the use of clinical audit and other service evaluation approaches
• show evidence of the capacity to apply knowledge of research principles and practice in designing and carrying out an independent research project, using appropriate methodology and analysing and discussing results
• use and interpret a variety of appropriate psychometric instruments to assess patient pathology and evaluate progress and outcome in treatment
• write clear and literate assignments (research project proposal and final dissertation) that comply with established conventions of presentation and referencing

The teaching element of this strand of the course is provided through tutorials. These are spread out over two years with an initial three-day meeting followed by one- or two-day tutorials several times during the year. Supervision is additionally provided on a one-to-one basis throughout the course.

Some of the teaching days on this strand of the course may be made available to a wider audience as publicly bookable workshops via the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre. All participants will be expected to have an appropriate level of competence to participate fully.

Examination and assessment
Research strand (TM_GT9P9C3)

To complete the Research strand of the MSc in CBT , you will need to submit a dissertation, which comprises.

a research paper, which is prepared to a standard that is acceptable for submission to a peer reviewed journal (maximum of 14,000-14,500 words)

a reflective critique of the research experience (500-1000 words).

Graduate destinations
Research strand (TM_GT9P9C3)

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. Further supervision through OCTC may also be negotiated, for example, for participants wishing to achieve accreditation by the British Association of Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies as a therapist, supervisor and/or trainer.

Clinical strand (TM_GT9P9C4)

The clinical strand of the course is a new strand for entry in 2021-22. Students who previously completed the research strand have used their MSc project as the foundation for further studies at a doctoral level.