CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory

This qualification is for candidates who are already working as counselling practitioners and who want to develop their skills in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and use these skills as an integral part of their work. Closing date is 1 June 2025

Academic Year: 2025/26
Course Code: 10127
Campus: Newtownards
Study Type: Part-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Health & Care
Course Structure

This Qualification is made up of one mandatory unit which has seven learning outcomes:

  • Work safely, legally and 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 CBT 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.

The qualification is awarded by CPCAB Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body.  This qualification comprises one unit T/600/9985 Working as a Counsellor using the CBT approach which has seven learning outcomes and associated eassessment criteria (internally assessed).  For the External Assessment candidates will write a structured case review.

Candidates are required to undertake a minimum of 30 hours of one-to-one client work with at least three clients using the CBT approach, although it is recognised that they may also be working with other approaches in their client work setting.
In addition candidates are required to have external supervision of their counselling work (which may or may not be all within a CBT framework) in accordance with BACP or BABCP minimum requirements.
 
Candidates are expected to be working with clients within a professional framework in order to apply their learning on this course and to meet the assessment requirements.

Accreditation of prior learning is a process by which you may be awarded credits for learning that you have gained in the past and which is relevant to the course to which you have applied.  It may be certificated or experiential learning. 

Please contact the Counselling course co-ordinator, Scourt@serc.ac.uk if you require any further information.

If you are already working as a counselling practitioner, this course will help you to develop your skills in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), allowing you to use these skills as an integral part of your work.

Candidates must have completed the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling or their RPL (prior learning) equivalent.  They must be a practicing counsellor.    Candidates should be a member of BACP or BABCP. 

Entry to the course is subject to interview.  Should the prospective student already have obtained the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, this Level 5 course can be combined with several Open University modules and result in the awarding of an Open University Foundation Degree in Counselling. www.cpcab.co.uk  

General Entry Requirements 

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.  You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.  Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process. 

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

  • GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. 

AND

  • GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

  • Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics as above) at GCSE level (grades A* - C*/9-4), or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

CPCAB

  •  CPCAB Level Level 4 Diploma In Therapeutic Counselling or its equivalent APEL / RPL (prior learning, see below)

International Students English Language Requirements

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:

  • IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)
  • PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)
  • Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk

Admissions

  • Successful completion of the admissions process. This will include a formal scored interview. Interviews will be conducted between May and August of year of enrolment. All applicants will be informed of admission decisions after the completion of all interviews.

APEL

  • Provide evidence of ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the accreditation of prior experiential learning.  Further details on APEL can be found in the admissions section and must satisfy CPCAB Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy that can be found at https://www.cpcab.co.uk/public_docs/recognition-of-prior-learning-rpl-policy  

Internal and external assessment based assignment based.  

* Tutor assessment of candidate portfolio evidencing minimum assessment requirements.

* Two internally assessed assignments (3000, 3500)

* One externally assessed Case Review (3000, 3500)

Candidates are required to undertake a minimum of 30 hours of one-to-one client work with at least three clients using the CBT approach, although it is recognised that they may also be working with other approaches in their client work setting. In addition candidates are required to have external supervision of their counselling work (which may or may not be all within a CBT framework) in accordance with BACP or BABCP minimum requirements.  

 Currently the NHS are required to provide CBT counselling in primary care.

 


Accordingly, it is advisable that counsellors consider training in CBT skills

 None

 You will be accredited with a Level 5 qualification

Enquiries Information

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

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