The Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is an 18-unit program offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Except with the permission of Faculty Board, students must complete the program in no more than two consecutive semesters.

It articulates with the 36-unit Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and the 72-unit Master of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. The sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards upon successful admission into the subsequent awards. A student who has completed the Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy may be granted credit for up to 18 units of topics if admitted into the Graduate Diploma.

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a health-related area.

However, the Faculty Board may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Course aims

The Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy will equip individuals with a defined and structured knowledge of Low Intensity CBT (LICBT) interventions and complimentary evidence-based focused psychological strategies for people experiencing psychological disorders across a continuum. The course aims to provide the opportunity for individuals working in health related areas, to increase and develop their knowledge in evidence based assessment and interventions for high prevalence psychological disorders within a competency-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) framework.

Learning outcomes 

On completion of the course, graduates will have met basic competencies in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and be able to:

  • Assess and provide Low Intensity CBT interventions to individuals with high prevalence psychological disorders within a stepped-care model
  • Demonstrate competencies in determining appropriate treatment models for high prevalence psychological disorders within a collaborative CBT framework
  • Apply learning and behavioural theories to practical applications in clinical settings
  • Determine appropriate referral and transfer of care options for people with a range of
    high prevalence psychological disorders.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, a student must complete 18 units as specified below with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

Except with permission of the Faculty Board the award of a grade of fail (F) on more than one occasion in the same topic may constitute prima facie evidence of unsatisfactory progress for the purposes of the University's Policy on Student Progress.

Core - Year 1 topics

MHSC8018  Low Intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychological Disorders (4.5 units)
MHSC8019  Fundamentals of Clinical Practice  (4.5 units)
MHSC8020  Theory and Models of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (4.5 units)
MHSC8021  Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychological Disorders (4.5 units)