The Master of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is a 72-unit program involving coursework, clinical practicums and research. It is offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

The course articulates with the 36-unit Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. A student who has completed the Graduate Diploma may be granted credit if admitted into the Master of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy award.

Except with the permission of the Faculty Board, the course must be completed in no more than eight consecutive semesters.

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold an approved undergraduate degree, or hold the Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy from Flinders University.

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 Master of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy offers clinical practice and research opportunities in the field of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based therapies for high prevalence psychological disorders. Individuals will complete extensive supervised practicums that offer structured and integrated learning opportunities for advanced skills development. The course aims to provide individuals from diverse health related areas with a comprehensive and innovative learning environment that consolidates expertise in the area of CBT within a competency-based framework.

Learning outcomes 

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

  • Conduct comprehensive assessments and treatment plans with people with high prevalence psychological and related disorders using an evidence-based CBT framework.
  • Integrate valid and reliable clinical tools and measures to guide and inform assessment and treatment interventions with people experiencing psychological disorders.
  • Contribute meaningfully to an evolving and changing model of health care both nationally and internationally.
  • Combine and deliver a range of evidence-based focused psychological strategies through
    supervised, collaborative, client-directed models of care.
  • Contribute and apply transdisciplinary research skills in mental health, cognitive behaviour therapy and related fields.
  • Practice as a proficient and competent Cognitive Behavioural Therapist.

Program of study

To qualify for the Master of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, a student must complete 72 units 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

36 units comprising

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)
MHSC8022  Clinical Practicum 1 – Applications of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (4.5 units)
MHSC8024  Advanced Theory and Models of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (4.5 units)
MHSC8025  Advanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Psychological Disorders (4.5 units)
MHSC9026  Research Methods in Health (4.5 units)

Core - Year 2 topics

27 units comprising

MHSC9023  Comorbid Mental Health Substance Abuse Disorders (4.5 units)
MHSC9033A  Research Project A  (4.5 units)
MHSC9033B  Research Project B  (4.5 units)
MHSC9028  Professional Issues in Practice (4.5 units)
MHSC9029  Clinical Practicum2: Extended Applications of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (4.5 units)
MHSC9030  Clinical Practicum 3: Advanced Applications of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (4.5 units)

Option - Year 2 topics

Select 9 units from the topics listed below*:

MHSC8111  Managing Chronic Conditions - Self-Management Support Approaches (4.5 units)
MHSC8112  Perspectives on Chronic Diseases Management (4.5 units)
MHSC8116  Client-Centred Health Behaviour Change (4.5 units)
MHSC8031  Clinical Supervision for Health Professionals (4.5 units)
MHSC8032  Building Resilience with Young People (4.5 units)
MMED9110  Principles of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (4.5 units)
MMED9111  Pharmacology for Advanced Professional Practice (4.5 units)

*Students may select and complete one alternative elective topic offered by the University of 4.5 units, to complete with permission from the Course Coordinator, provided topic prerequisites are met.