Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- Degree Structure - Start In
- Semester 1 (February)
Support positive behaviour change and mental health with this part-time programme.
60
The Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (PGCertCBT) provides you with professional practice in talking and cognitive change therapies to help support the wellbeing of people with mental health and substance use problems.
Study in this programme takes advantage of UC's long-standing clinical psychology training programme with local industry contacts, community disaster response, and research expertise in this area.
UC is the only university to offer training in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in Te Waipounamu South Island.
Current work of at least 0.5FTE in a clinical health-related field with opportunities for CBT practice, and access to approved CBT supervision, is required to enrol.
You will also need to have previously completed a bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related area, such as nursing, social work, counselling, etc with a B- Grade Point Average in your 300-level courses.
If English is not your first language, you are also required to meet UC's Postgraduate language requirements. See how to provide your English language evidence to UC. If you need help meeting these requirements, or would like to practise your English skills before studying, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) language programmes.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or use the admission requirements checker.
Note: this degree is currently not open to new enrolments in 2026. Contact Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing for updates on when enrolments reopen.
A special application to enrol is required by 1 November, and places are limited to 24 students. Late applications may be considered subject to availability of placements.
Selection is based on various factors including grades, prerequisites, and letters of recommendation from nominated referees.
Applications are accepted via myUC. You must also complete this additional CBT Application form, and upload this as part of your enrolment in myUC.
For information on the application process, please contact Te Kura Mahi ā-Hirikapo | School of Psychology, Speech and Hearing.
See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.
The PGCertCBT is made up of 60 points of courses, which includes case studies and supervised clinical practice:
Courses are taught in one-week teaching blocks to accommodate working professionals.
Beginning in February each year, the programme will take one year of part-time study to complete.
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
UC also offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, which includes the same courses as the Certificate, two advanced CBT courses, plus clinical practice over an additional one-to-two years of part-time study.
You may choose to transfer your completed courses from the Certificate to the Diploma, with approval.
There is a steady increase in need for graduates with these skills in mental health services all over the globe. Professional skills in CBT are highly sought after by a range of health, educational, and social service settings.
Our graduates will be able to fulfil the need for increased access to mental health services and support mental wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.