Dnr HS 2013/164 Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Programme Study Plan Master Programme in Psychology: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Programme Code Programme Title: VAKBT Master Programme in Psychology: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Credits/ECTS: 120 Programme Approval Language of Instruction: Degree Type: The Programme Study Plan was approved by the Faculty Board for Economy, Communication and IT on 4 April 2013 and is valid for students admitted to the program the autumn semester 2013 and later. Swedish General Prerequisites Bachelor s Degree of 180 ECTS credits and at least 90 ECTS cr. in Psychology. Upper Secondary Swedish course 3 or B or Swedish as a Second Language course 3 or B and English course 6 or A or equivalent. Introduction The programme is designed for students with first-level education in psychology, health care, sociology, social work or similar disciplines. It is also suitable as specialist qualifications in psychiatry for physicians and further training for psychologists, social workers and nurses.
2(5) The programme gives eligibility for applying to the psychotherapy education, 90 ECTS cr with an emphasis on cognitive behavioural therapy provided that all other requirements specified are met. Aims and Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the Master Programme, students must, as specified in the Higher Education Ordinance, be able to: Knowledge and understanding - demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the main field of study, including broad knowledge of the field and substantially specialised knowledge in certain areas and in-depth insight into current research and development, and - demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the methodology in the main field of study. Competence and skills - demonstrate ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and handle complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information, - demonstrate ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate problems, and carry out qualified tasks using adequate methods within given timeframes, thereby contributing to knowledge development, and to evaluate the work, - demonstrate ability to clearly give an account of and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which these are based in dialogue with different groups, orally and in writing in national and international contexts, and - demonstrate the skills required for participating in research and development work or for working independently with other qualified tasks. Judgement and approach - demonstrate ability to make assessments in the main filed of study with consideration of relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects and demonstrate awareness of the ethical aspects of research and development, - demonstrate insight into the potentials and limitations of science, its role in society and our responsibility for how it is used, and - demonstrate ability to identify their own need of further knowledge and to take responsibility for upgrading their knowledge. Local aims In addition to the general requirements, the students completing the Master programme in psychology at Karlstad University must be able to: - independently work according to the foundational principles of cognitive behavioural therapy ( stage 1 ),
3(5) - independently identify, describe, explain and work with mental health/illness on the basis of behavioural and cognitive analysis, - identify and develop different therapy approaches and reflect on them, - compile and develop methods to measure changes in functional level, quality of life and symptoms and apply these to enhance the quality of life for patients with psychic disorder and for their next-of-kin, - use the psychometrical test instruments common in psychiatry and the social services, - write treatment reports and journal notes, and - demonstrate in-depth knowledge of organisation, planning and management. Programme Structure The programme comprises four semesters. In the first semester students are introduced to issues concerning the theoretical foundation of psychotherapy and its historical development and to organisation and leadership. In the second semester students prepare methodologically for the degree project. The last two semesters are spent on the degree project. CBT training runs parallel throughout all four semesters, involving theory and treating clients under supervision. Programme Curriculum The courses 1 are: Semester 1 Psychotherapy methods in a historical perspective, 7.5 ECTS cr The course introduces the history and conceptual world of the theory of science and then focuses on the emergence of the main current therapy methods in applied clinical psychology. Work and Organizational Psychology, 7.5 ECTS cr The course provides a broad introduction to the field of work and organisational psychology. Themes treated are work environment, leadership, conflict management in the workplace, control and management, cooperation between organisations and public agencies. The themes are linked to the levels of the individual, organisation and society. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) A, 15 ECTS cr. The course deals with therapy methodology, psychiatric diagnosis, learning psychology therapy, cognitive theory, behaviour analysis and cognitive analysis. Current research is also treated. Journal procedures and routines for psychotherapy are introduced. 1 The course titles used here describe course content but do not always correspond to the official title stated in the syllabus.
4(5) Semester 2 Research methodology with clinical application, 15 ECTS cr During the course students develop further knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research approaches and methods of investigation. In order to develop their skills in evidence-based practice students deepen their knowledge of the methodology of clinical application and how to report such results in research. Students analyse test instruments commonly used in psychiatry and social services. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) B, 15 ECTS cr. The course deals with the cognitive behaviour theory's view on depression, suicidal tendencies and anxiety diagnoses and their treatment with CBT interventions, The course also includes behavioural experiments, social skills training and applied relaxation. Current research in the area is treated. Supervised CBT psychotherapy is included. Semester 3 Degree Project, 30 ECTS cr (initiated) In supervised groups, students plan, design and collect data for an independent project (degree project) in an area of relevance to case management. They also analyse the collected data and document the results in a research report. Finally, students are required to defend their report in a seminar and also to review the works of others critically. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) C, 15 ECTS cr. The course covers CBT related to complex psychological problems such as Asperger's syndrome and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) from a cognitive perspective and in combination with personality and psychotic disorders, and forms of intervention for such states. The course also includes CBT therapy practised on children and young people and CBT as group therapy, self-therapy, internet therapy and bibliotherapy as well as CBT therapy applied to abuse and addiction such as CRA, relapse prevention and motivational therapy and current research. New forms of intervention such as ACT are introduced. There is also supervised CBT psychotherapy. Semester 4 Degree Project, 30 ECTS cr (finalized) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) D, 15 ECTS cr. The course covers CBT related to complex psychological problems such as personality disorder, eating disorder and psychosis, as well as life-related psychosomatic problems such as stress and pain and other behavioural medical conditions. Specific forms of psychotherapy systems in behaviour therapy are included such as dialectic behavioural therapy (DBT) and other forms of psychotherapy such as psychodynamic therapy. Students develop advanced knowledge of psychotherapy research and ethics, which can support psycho-therapy intervention. Current research in the area is treated. Supervised psychotherapy sessions based on CBT are included.
5(5) Degree Degree of Master of Social Science (120 ECTS cr) Major: Psychology Transfer of Credits Students have the right to transfer credits from other universities in Sweden or abroad. The recognition of previous education as credit for part of a course is subject to approval by the examiner. The recognition of previous education as credit for an entire course is subject to approval by the Student Services Centre. Additional Information Some course components are mandatory. Attendance requirements are stated in each course syllabus. Local regulations for the Bachelor s and Master s level at Karlstad University stipulate the rights and obligations of staff and students.