Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2024). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The part-time DPhil in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is offered by the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre (OCTC) in collaboration with the Department for Continuing Education. Applicants are welcome from outside Oxford, and outside the UK.

This part-time DPhil is normally carried out over eight years, equivalent to four years of full-time study, although it may take less time in certain circumstances.

The chosen topic of a DPhil in CBT should have a significant focus on issues related to cognitive behavioural theory and/or practice, for example: the development of a better understanding of the cognitive and behavioural aspects of a problem; developing an aspect of CBT to address a particular disorder; exploring theoretical or methodological issues in relation to cognitive behavioural practice etc.

The DPhil in CBT should focus on a primary research topic relevant to the theory, principles and practice of interventions, including both group and individual treatments, third wave approaches, self-help based approaches and supervision.

You will be strongly encouraged to participate in relevant seminars and/or tutorials held within OCTC and when necessary, informal meetings with staff and other researchers. The major commitment of time will be to individual study and research.

Studying part-time for a DPhil is demanding and students should normally expect to devote on average at least 20 hours per week to their research. Students should also ensure their employer understands the importance of full participation in the course.

As this is a part-time degree course, it is anticipated that you will have study facilities within your own place of work/research. It is also anticipated that you will have access to experimental facilities and subjects and that these will not be provided by Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre (OCTC).