Entrance requirements
Graduate
A 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a cognate area or equivalent professional qualification(s) and at least two years clinical practice experience in a statutory or independent mental health or related setting. All applicants must:

- Provide evidence of prior basic knowledge of psychological therapies preferably Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and

- Be currently employed in a clinical or practice setting within an organisation providing therapeutic or counselling services, and

- Be in a role for the duration of the Programme to access a suitable client group for practice and supervision purposes.

Applicants from a non-core profession must provide a portfolio of evidence and references to demonstrate suitable core knowledge, skills and attitudes in line with KSA guidelines produced by The British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP).

All eligible applicants will be interviewed. Late applications may be considered.

Progression from the Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) onto the MSc will be subject to successfully completing all PG Dip modules and assessment of suitability for study of research methods and advanced CBT practice, which must be approved by the Course Director.

Applicants with a relevant PG Dip in CBT may apply for Recognition of Prior Certificated Learning (RPCL) under the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy. This will exempt them from the first year of the MSc in Specialist Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (Trauma) (80 CATS points). Applicants applying under the RPCL Policy must provide a record of modular content of prior PG Dip in CBT training and relevant CPD. Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB for more information.

International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/

English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Closing date for applications: Monday 11th May 2026

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.