Key information
UCAS code:
B943
Typical offer:
Level 3 Counselling skills qualification, English GCSE or equivalent at C and a maths GCSE or equivalent at D, and/or relevant A levels
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Do you have a background in counselling or psychology and a level 3 counselling qualification? Would you like to learn how to help people challenge negative thinking so they can approach situations more positively?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a technique used to treat depression, anxiety, stress and phobias by helping people to understand the way they perceive things that happen to them and around them. It seeks to identify and address negative thoughts that can lead to patterns of negative behaviour.
On this Cognitive Behavioural Therapy DipHE, you'll learn the practical knowledge and interpersonal skills you need to pursue a career as a cognitive behavioural therapist.
If you're in employment, this course can fit around your working week, with timetabled teaching taking place 1 day a week, workshops on 6 Saturdays throughout the course, and occasional events in the evenings and at weekends.
After the course, you could top up your diploma to a Bachelor's degree. You could also work as a cognitive behavioural therapist in areas such as education, the police service, the prison service and the voluntary sector.
South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus
This course takes place at South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus.
While studying at South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus, you can access the University's student support services and community, including study support, the Students’ Union and our library's online resources.
Find out more about higher education courses at South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus in partnership with the University of Portsmouth on the South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus website.
Course highlights
- Study modules that give you a strong foundation for your future career, covering topics including counselling theory and skills, CBT theory and skills, mental health issues, and counselling specific groups
- Learn from experienced, industry-trained staff who've worked in organisations or run their own private practices
- Apply your knowledge and skills with at least 100 hours of supervised counselling on a placement in the community
- Study at South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus with access to support and services at the University of Portsmouth
- Apply for student membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and get access to member resources including journal subscriptions, free courses and job boards while you study
Alternative counselling and therapy courses
Not sure this course is right for you? Take a look at our other counselling and therapy courses to compare your options
If you're interested in gaining a Level 5 counselling qualification with a specialism in Gestalt Counselling, take a look at our DipHE Gestalt Counselling course.
If you're interested in gaining a Level 5 counselling qualification with a specialism in Humanistic Counselling, take a look at our DipHE Humanistic Counselling course.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
DipHE Cognitive Behavioural Therapy entry requirements
Qualifications or experience
- Level 3 Counselling skills qualification, English GCSE or equivalent at C and a maths GCSE or equivalent at D, however we welcome applications from A level students with A levels in Psychology, Psychotherapy or Sociology (112 UCAS points) and will consider on an individual basis subject to a successful interview and interpersonal skills role-play.
- A levels - BBC
- International Baccalaureate - 25
Selection process
- All applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting the course.
You may need to have studied specific subjects – See full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Qualifications or experience
- Level 3 Counselling skills qualification, English GCSE or equivalent at C and a maths GCSE or equivalent at D, however we welcome applications from A level students with A levels in Psychology, Psychotherapy or Sociology (112 UCAS points) and will consider on an individual basis subject to a successful interview and interpersonal skills role-play.
- A levels - BBC
- International Baccalaureate - 25
Selection process
- All applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) before starting the course.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Careers and opportunities
CBT is a tool for helping people deal with difficulties including anxiety, depression, stress, phobias, eating disorders and obsessions.
Increased awareness in society about mental health has increased the demand for counselling and therapy services. As a cognitive behavioural therapist, you can have a significant positive impact on people's health and wellbeing, and help take the pressure off other health services such as GPs and hospitals.
Public, private and charity sector settings you could work in after the course include:
- Education
- Alcohol and drug services
- Eating disorder services
- Mental health services
- GPs
- Police and prison services
You could also top-up your diploma to a Bachelor's degree on our BSc (Hons) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy top-up course.
When you complete the course successfully, you can sit the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Certificate of Proficiency to become a registered member of the BACP.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Supervised counselling placement
You'll complete 100 hours on a supervised counselling placement as part of your course.
Recent students have taken placements at CRUSE Bereavement Care, Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling (PARCS), Yellow Door (counselling for sexual and domestic abuse victims) and other counselling services.
We'll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You'll get mentoring and support throughout, including regular supervision and skills clinics every other week. You'll enter into a written contract with the placement provider and South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus and your practical counselling skills will be assessed by case study and a coursework portfolio.
All placements provided are evaluated to ensure the setting provides a suitable learning environment for you.
Modules
On this course, you'll study modules worth 240 credits.
What you'll study
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
It provides you with the opportunity to consolidate and develop a foundation for your pathway specific counselling skills. Integrated counselling skills - Solution Focused Counselling Approach (Egan, 1975) are introduced towards the end of this module in preparation for Gestalt, CBT and Humanistic (Person-centered) Counselling skills module at level 5. You'll practice skills using the following techniques: Feedback skills, internal supervisor, and the use of supervision, Egan's Stages of Counselling, Roger's Empathy, Congruence and Unconditional Positive Regard, non-verbal communication skills, active listening, reflecting, paraphrasing, open questions, summarising, challenging, contract setting, boundary management, immediacy and basic Gestalt skills.
An understanding of this material enables trainee counsellors to ground in a historical context of the core Gestalt, CBT and Humanistic (Person-centered) theoretical approaches taught in level 5 modules Gestalt, CBT and Humanistic (Person-centered) theory. Similarities and differences between approaches will be explored and evaluated and their application within a therapeutic setting will be considered. You'll reflect on how these models apply to `self' and look at different approaches such as The Psychodynamic approach to counselling, The Cognitive Behavioural approach to counselling, Gesalt and Humanistic (Person-centered) approaches to counselling and Integrative approaches.
An understanding of the importance of self-awareness will enable you as a student counsellor to be psychologically ready and available to work with clients in a placement setting. Through participation in a personal development group, you'll reflexively engage with the interaction between self-awareness and counselling practice while following the BACP (2018) Ethical Framework. You'll engage in the giving and receiving of constructive feedback to enhance the your developing self-awareness. You'll reflect on the purpose of personal development, engage in self examination and give and receive feedback. You'll assess and integrate feedback, gain awareness of the impact of yourself on others, and of anti-oppressive practice, and ethical considerations.
You'll be introduced to a variety of components of practice which are then explored further in subsequent modules. You'll investigate local agencies in readiness for your placement applications and cover the following:
- Boundaries in life, counselling and different contexts
- Personal and BACP Values
- Principles and Moral Qualities
- Anti-oppressive practice (AOP)
- BACP Guidance on Good Practice and Professional Conduct Procedure
- Managing ethical dilemmas
- Legal issues
- Clinical supervision models, responsibilities and arrangements
- Diagnosis, assessment and referral criteria
- Psychopharmacology
- Skills practice in breaking confidentiality
- Other ethical frameworks, agency exploration and information gathering
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
You'll develop an ability to work reflectively, integrating theoretical knowledge, skills and self-awareness to maintain ethical, anti-oppressive practice. The importance of working holistically and empirically will be emphasised and the opportunity to explore and experience various CBT methods through self-exploration and reflexivity will be presented. This module will provide an opportunity for you to work on and develop essential CBT skills, through the use of cognitive restructuring or reframing, guided discovery, exposure therapy, journaling and thought records, activity scheduling and behaviour activation, relaxation and stress reduction techniques, role playing, and other contemporary CBT interventions. This module will allow you to apply the core concepts and generic skills of CBT, including case formulation, the therapeutic relationship, and cognitive, behavioural and physiological therapeutic strategies through practical application of how these techniques can be applied to the most common mental health problems and ensure that theory translates into real-life practice through your triad work and placements. In addition, this module will address cultural diversity in greater depth, the current topicality of CBT, especially within the NHS, and the impact of the third wave CBT.
You'll explore and analyse key concepts underpinning evidence based Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT). You'll gain understanding of the link between theory, practice and self-awareness in ethical practice. Equal opportunities and anti-oppressive practice (AOP) will be explored and evaluated from a CBT perspective. You'll gain knowledge of the history and development of CBT. This module will enable you to use the CBT framework to structure the therapeutic relationship, integrate understanding of diversity in CBT work and use CBT theory, research and techniques coherently within counselling practice. The overall aim of this module is for you to work safely using the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy framework and work with difference and diversity. You'll be able to complete a basic assessment of a person's problems using CBT methods and concepts including development of CBT specific treatment plans. You'll be able to distinguish between types of change techniques and evaluate which techniques are effective for different problems. You'll also understand the core concepts and methods used in CBT, such as core beliefs, dysfunctional assumptions and negative automatic thoughts. You'll be able to understand and critically evaluate the differences between types of CBT formulations through the understanding of basic principles of therapeutic engagement and building and sustaining an effective therapeutic alliance. This module will cover fundamentals of the cognitive model and the way in which cognition is conceptualised, originated by Beck (1976). You'll be able to foster an environment of collaborative empiricism and those that support the structured, problem-orientated focus of CBT.
This knowledge and these skills enable you as a trainee counsellor to modify your chosen pathway (Humanistic (person-centred), Gestalt and CBT Counselling) approach to suit specific client groups and to work professionally, ethically and legally within different social and agency contexts. You'll gain knowledge and skills for working with young people, the elderly, clients who have been abused, Lesbian / Gay / Bisexual clients, Transgender clients, disabled clients, clients with different cultural backgrounds and clients who have experienced a major loss. You'll explore themes, similarities and differences in working with different client groups in an AOP way and practice your skills with role-played clients from specific client groups.
The module seeks to develop your interest in, and understanding of, the benefits of research in providing evidence-based practice, which is increasingly called for in the counselling profession. You'll gain an appreciation of research methods and the language used in published papers. You'll be encouraged to reflect on your potential influence in the field through future participation in research projects. You'll use quantitative and qualitative research methods, use outcome research contrasted with process research and use standardised measures (e.g. CORE) in outcome research.
You'll have an introduction to statistics, including the concept of statistical significance, evidence-based practice, and critiques of this. You'll research on a specific client group relevant to your placement, using ethical issues in your research and receive an overview of the published research on therapeutic relationships.
An understanding of this material enables you, as a trainee counsellor, to work with clients with anxiety, depression and/or stress through the lense of Gestalt, Humanistic (person-centred) and CBT practice whilst maintaining safety and anti-oppressive practice (AOP). You'll discover what is meant by mental health, and ill health or psychopathology, DSM and ICD classification systems and psychopharmacology. You'll review Humanistic assessment and treatment models, current CBT assessment and treatment models and practice, Gestalt and CBT assessments when working with anxiety, and develop a Humanistic (person-centred) view of mental health. You'll also review Gestalt and CBT assessments when working with depression, and Gestalt and CBT assessments when working with stress. You'll discuss feminist and culturally-sensitive viewpoints. and the service users view of mental health services.
You'll be able to demonstrate your psychological readiness for practice in the profession, and effectively communicate your understanding of the importance of on-going personal and professional development.
Regular skills clinics provide you with the opportunity to develop your practice in a safe environment and evidence your growing ability to integrate theory and practice. You'll learn to evaluate in greater depth the importance of personal development, apply underlying principles and concepts into your skills practice, engage in increasingly sophisticated self-awareness and reflexivity, effectively communicate feedback, assess feedback and integrate it in an increasingly sophisticated manner, understand your competency limits and your need for additional and on-going training, and critically understand anti-oppressive practice and ethical considerations.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
Teaching
In year 1, you'll develop foundational counselling skills and explore all the counselling approaches available to practitioners, including gestalt and humanistic counselling.
In your second year, you'll focus on developing the practical skills you need as a cognitive behavioural therapist. This includes putting what you learn into practice by conducting 100 hours of supervised therapy. You'll also develop skills you need to work with different types of clients and learn about mental health issues.
You'll gain skills, knowledge and competence through learning methods that include:
- Work-based learning
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Saturday workshops
- Skills clinics
- Personal development groups
- Tutorials
- Module handbooks
- A virtual learning environment (VLE)
You'll also complete a minimum of 30-hours personal therapy. You'll demonstrate your personal learning and awareness from this process in a learning journal. We recommend you budget £750–£1500 a year for your personal therapy.
Teaching staff include experienced experts who have industry experience in paid counselling roles in organisations, or who run their own private practice.
How you're assessed
On this counselling diploma, you'll be assessed through:
- Essays
- Live skills assessments (role play scenarios)
- Individual and group presentations
- Portfolios of evidence
- Case studies
- Personal learning journals
- Professional requirements (a 'Fitness to Practice' assessment)
- Supervised work-based learning
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
Feedback is central to this course. You'll get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future, as well as on your application for the 'Fitness to Practice' assessment. You'll also practice giving feedback during live skills assessments, where you'll receive feedback from your peers, as well as the assessment tutor.
How you'll spend your time
We recommend you spend at least 28 hours a week studying for your DipHE:
- In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as workshops and tutorials for 1 day a week. You'll spend about 20 hours a week on independent study such as research into areas of specific interests, maintaining your learning journal, personal therapy, and on placement.
- In your second year you'll spend about 12–15 hours a week on independent study and have less scheduled teaching, but this can vary.
Teaching days and times
Timetabled teaching takes place 1 day a week. You'll also attend workshops on 6 Saturdays throughout the course. You may occasionally need to go to University and other course events in the evenings and at weekends.
September 2024 start
Timetabled teaching will take place on Mondays, 1.15pm–9.00pm
February 2025 start
Timetabled teaching will take place on Mondays, 1.15pm–9.00pm
Term times
September start
The academic year runs from September to May with breaks at Christmas and Easter.
- September to December – teaching block 1
- January to May – teaching block 2
February start
The academic year runs from February to February with breaks at Christmas and Easter.
- February to July – teaching block 1
- September to February – teaching block 2
You can find more detailed information on the South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus 'Key dates' webpage.
Supporting you
Even though you'll study at one of our partner colleges, you'll still be a student of the University of Portsmouth.
You'll have access to support via video, phone and face-to-face from University teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following University services:
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £6,165 a year
- EU residents – £6,165 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,200 a year
- UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £6,165 a year
- EU residents – £6,165 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,200 a year
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
You'll need to become a student member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Student membership costs £82 a year.
You need to attend 30-hours of personal therapy on this course. We recommend you budget £750–£1500 a year for your personal therapy.
You'll do at least 100 hours of supervised work placement, so we recommend you budget for travel expenses to and from the placement.
Contact our Housing Support Team if you need help and advice about accommodation.
- Telephone: +44 (0)23 9284 3214
- Email: student.housing@port.ac.uk
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in September 2024 or February 2025, please contact us.
You can start your application now and submit it later if you want.
Applying through UCAS
To apply through UCAS, you'll need:
- the UCAS course code – B943
- our institution code – P80
- the campus name – South Hampshire College Group - Eastleigh Campus
- the campus code – E
Apply now through UCAS (September 2025)
Apply now through UCAS (February 2026)
Applying directly
To apply directly, use our online form:
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.