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Short course

Principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Self-paced short course · certificate of completion · online with Education Training

Duration: 1 month or 2 months Fees from: £90 Start: enrol any time

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A short course from Education Training: Principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, about 1 or 2 months online for £90. Learn how to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, manage emotions effectively, and modify behaviours to promote positive change.

What is this course?

Learn the foundational Principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Explore techniques for managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviours effectively. Master key skills in therapy and mental health. Gain insights into cognitive restructuring, behaviour modification, and problem-solving strategies. Ideal for therapists, counsellors, and individuals seeking self-improvement.

About this course

Explore the essential Principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in this comprehensive course. Learn how to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, manage emotions effectively, and modify behaviours to promote positive change. Gain practical skills in cognitive restructuring, behaviour activation, and relaxation techniques. Understand the evidence-based approaches used in CBT to address various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. If you are a therapist looking to enhance your practice or an individual seeking self-help strategies, this course provides valuable insights and tools for personal growth and professional development. Join us to unlock the power of CBT and transform lives.

Who is this course for?

Teachers, trainers, assessors, teaching assistants and anyone working in education who wants focused professional development in teaching. There are no formal entry requirements.

Why choose this course

The course "Principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy" is essential for individuals seeking to understand and apply evidence-based techniques for addressing mental health challenges effectively. Stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent, necessitating trained professionals equipped with CBT skills to provide effective therapy. By learning CBT principles, students can enhance their therapeutic capabilities, expand career opportunities in counselling and psychology, and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities. Additionally, with the rising demand for mental health services, acquiring expertise in CBT can lead to fulfiling and impactful career paths while addressing the growing need for qualified mental health practitioners.

Key facts

  1. Comprehensive Coverage: Learn the fundamental principles and techniques of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for various mental health conditions.
  2. Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience in applying CBT strategies for addressing anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and more.
  3. Evidence-Based Approach: Understand the empirical foundations behind CBT and its effectiveness in treating psychological disorders.
  4. Professional Development: Enhance your therapeutic skills and expand your career opportunities in counselling, psychology, or mental health fields.
  5. Flexibility: Study at your own pace with online materials, quizzes, and interactive exercises tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles.
  6. Expert Guidance: Access insights from experienced practitioners and psychologists to deepen your understanding of CBT principles.
  7. Certification: Receive a recognised certificate upon completion, validating your proficiency in CBT principles and practices.
  8. Continuing Education: Stay updated with the latest advancements in CBT through ongoing professional development opportunities.
  9. Accessible Learning: Enjoy convenient online access to course materials, enabling flexible learning anytime, anywhere.
  10. Affordable Pricing: Invest in your professional growth with cost-effective course options designed to suit varying budgets and schedules.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements. The course is written in English; you need internet access and basic IT skills.

Duration and delivery

Standard study plan: 1 month; extended plan: 2 months.

At Education Training the course is delivered online: you receive the materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit work when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

You complete a short written task or reflective assignment at the end of the course, marked by a Education Training tutor. There are no exams. On successful completion you receive a certificate of completion from Education Training.

Career path and progression

Career options for graduates of the Principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy course include becoming a licensed therapist, counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner. You can work in private practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, or community organisations. Other career paths include becoming a life coach, behaviour analyst, or clinical social worker. This course provides a solid foundation for those interested in mental health professions and offers opportunities for specialisation in areas such as anxiety disorders, depression treatment, addiction counselling, and trauma therapy. With the increasing demand for mental health services, professionals trained in CBT principles are highly sought after in today's job market.

How this course compares

Figures below come from Education Training's own catalogue and enquiry records, not from estimates; each carries the date it was calculated.

Regulated qualifications offered by Education Training, by level (as of 23 October 2026)
Level 2: 1 qualification; Level 3: 7 qualifications; Level 4: 14 qualifications; Level 5: 13 qualifications; Level 6: 3 qualifications; Level 7: 4 qualifications (42 in total)
Shortest qualification at each level (by total qualification time) (as of 23 October 2026)
Level 4: Level 4 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring to Build Relationships (300 TQT hours); Level 5: Level 5 Certificate in Teaching Learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (360 TQT hours); Level 6: Level 6 Diploma in Teaching and Learning (1200 TQT hours); Level 7: Level 7 Diploma in Education Management and Leadership (1200 TQT hours)
Credits and study hours by RQF level (as of 23 October 2026)
Level 2: median 37 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 3: median 18 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 4: median 33 credits, 780 TQT hours, 125 GLH; Level 5: median 120 credits, 815 TQT hours, 600 GLH; Level 6: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 480 GLH; Level 7: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 600 GLH
Share of course-page views by RQF level (all time) (as of 23 October 2026)
Level 0: 2%; Level 3: 6%; Level 4: 1%; Level 5: 90%; Level 6: 1%

Fees and how to apply

DurationTotal feePayment optionYou pay
1 month£140Pay in full£140
2 months£90Pay in full£90

A £10 enrolment fee is paid with the application. Fees include tuition, learning materials, assignment marking and the awarding-body certificate. Prices correct as of 23 October 2026.

Refund policy · Complaints procedure

What is included

ItemIncluded
Tuition and learning materials for every unitIncluded
Tutor support and assignment feedbackIncluded
Assessment and markingIncluded
Education Training certificate of completionIncluded
Instalment planAvailable at no extra charge
Application fee£10 enrolment fee

Apply online, choose a payment option and start as soon as payment clears — there is no fixed intake date.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a regulated qualification?
No. It is a short course: on completion you receive a certificate of completion from Education Training. It does not carry regulated credits, but it is good preparation for the Level 3 Award in Education and Training and for assessor awards.
How long does this course take?
The course is designed for about 1 month of study. It is self-paced, so you can complete it faster or spread it over a longer period; there are no fixed lecture times and the materials stay available for the whole of your registration period.
Are there exams on this course?
No. Assessment is a short written task or reflective assignment at the end of the course, marked by a Education Training tutor who returns written feedback. If the first submission does not meet the criteria you can revise and resubmit it without an additional charge.
How do I enrol?
Apply online. Pay the £10 enrolment fee when you apply. Once you enrol, we email your course activation link within 24 hours. There is no fixed start date; admissions also send a link to pay the course fee in full or by instalments.
What does the course cost?
The course fee is £90 with the payment options shown in the fees table above. Tuition, materials, marking and the certificate of completion are included. Pay the £10 enrolment fee when you apply. Prices are shown as of the date in the fees section.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. You may cancel within 14 days of your first payment for a full refund, provided you have not yet submitted the assessment for marking. After that the fee is non-refundable unless Education Training withdraws the course. The full policy is linked from the fees section of this page.
Who is this short course for?
Teachers, trainers, assessors, teaching assistants and anyone working in education who wants focused professional development in teaching. There are no formal entry requirements beyond a good standard of written English and access to the internet, and the course is open to learners outside the UK.

Where next

Short courses are a good preparation for a regulated qualification. Most learners progress to the Level 3 Award in Education and Training or an assessor award.

Who awards and delivers this course

Certificate

Certificate of completion issued by Education Training. This is a short course, not a regulated qualification.

Last reviewed 22 October 2026Published by the Education Training admissions team

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