CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory
Looking to further your career with a specialist, comprehensive Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory? Apply for our course today, now recruiting for September 2026 intake, delivered by doctoral-trained clinical psychologists, accredited CBT practitioners and educators.
CBT is the front-line, evidence-based intervention for the range of mild to severe mental health difficulties in the United Kingdom. Set yourself apart for your career - be it in the NHS, university settings or independent practice - by upskilling in CBT. Designed and delivered by expert, leading practitioners, researchers and educators in the field, with personalised student support, developmental feedback and practical skills training.
Our September 2026 intake will be delivered as follows:
Duration: 12 months, part-time
Format: Online
Accredited by: CPCAB (*pending approval as of February 2026)
Entry requirements: Level 4 counselling/psychotherapy qualification or equivalent
Cost: £2700 + £385 CPCAB registration fee
Enquire for a free 20-minute consultation to discuss the program, fit and eligibility with the Course Director, Dr Alastair Pipkin, by clicking below.
Learn about Unlock Psychology Ltd and our clinical services from our founder, Dr Alastair Pipkin
Comprehensive CBT Training to Further Your Expertise
This comprehensive Level 5 Diploma provides counsellors, psychotherapists and equivalent mental health practitioners with a robust grounding in the theory and practice of CBT. It is specifically designed for practitioners who want to integrate Cognitive Behavioural Therpeautic skills and theory to successfully treat mental health difficulties and improve lives. You will have a mixture of didactic, experiential and interactive teaching workshops, alongside completing at least 30-hours clinical practice and specialist supervision, to become a well-rounded, evidence-based CBT practitioner.
You will gain:
- An in-depth understanding of CBT theory and models
- Practical skills to deliver effective CBT interventions
- Professional accreditation recognised by CPCAB (*pending approval as of February 2026)
- Confidence to work with clients using CBT approaches for a range of presentations
- Expertise in treating all common mental health difficulties
- A recognised qualification to further you career in the NHS, charity, university and private practice settings
- A supportive, developmentally-focused environment with colleagues and peers
Is this qualification right for you?
This qualification is designed for:
- Qualified counsellors and therapists at Level 4 minimum seeking to specialise in CBT
- Mental health professionals with a core professional qualification, such as mental health nurses, occupational therapists and social workers, wanting to add CBT to their skillset
- Practitioner psychologists, including clinical, counselling, health and forensic psychologists, wanting to upskill in CBT and boost BABCP accreditation applications
Entry Requirements:
- A Level 4 or equivalent qualification in counselling/psychotherapy (e.g. CPCAB Level 4 Diploma)
- A core professional qualification in mental health practice
Enquire with us today for a free, no obligation consultation with the Course Director, Dr Alastair Pipkin, to discuss eligibility.
Meet The Course Director, Dr Alastair Pipkin
HCPC-Registered Clinical Psychologist, BABCP Fully Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
Dr. Alastair Pipkin is a HCPC-registered clinical psychologist, fully accredited cognitive behavioural therapist with the BABCP, and an associate fellow of the higher education academy. He has setup, designed and delivered training for front-line psychological practitioners using CBT, written university-level courses in counselling and mental health, and trained hundreds of mental health professionals in CBT.
Unlock Psychology Ltd exists to provide accessible, robust, evidence-based and personalised training to equip the next generation for therapists. By sharing years of expertise in CBT, education and mental health treatment experience, the team of doctoral-trained therapists provide excellent learning environments to promote effective change.
What you'll learn
The CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory is an Ofqual-regulated qualification. By the end of the programme, you will be able to demonstrate the following 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.
Course structure and delivery
The program is delivered over 3 terms of 10 weekly live sessions. The cohort contains no more than 16 people to enable a mixture of live skills demonstrations, practice, group discussions, reflective activities and didactic and interactive lectures. There are additional reading lists, resources and reflective activities to enhance your learning.
Format: The course is delivered via live, online lectures, totalling 120 hours. The course totals 390 guided learning hours.
Duration: The course lasts 12 months, spanning three terms of 10 weeks.
Support: You will have regular tutorials with your tutor, supervision groups, peer learning and regular learning reviews.
Assessment: There are seven assessments in total, including essays, case reports, live recordings of sessions, a clinical audit task and clinical portfolios. You must also complete a placement including 30 hours of CBT practice and specialist CBT supervision.
Award: You will be awarded a recognised Level 5 Diplola in CBT, awarded by the CPCAB (*pending approval as of February 2026).
Investment and dates
The CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory costs £2700 plus £385 CPCAB registration fee. There are no extra or hidden costs. The fee includes:
All teaching materials, including lecture slides, booklets, learning materials, resources and additional webinars
All taught components and tutorial support, including personal and professional development support
Personalised, developmental feedback across all assignments, during skills demonstrations and for career progression
Payment options include:
Non-refundable booking deposit and remaining fee due 14 days before the course start date
Payment plans available monthly
Funding options may be available - please liaise with us directly
Upcoming start dates:
7th September 2026
Ready to start your CBT training?
Our accredited CPCAB Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapeutic Skills and Theory is taking applications from counsellors, psychotherapists and mental health professionals today for our September 2026 intake. Advance your career with our comprehensive, robust grounding in CBT skills and theory. Enquire today for a free, no obligation 20-minute discussion with the Course Director, Dr Alastair Pipkin, by clicking below.