Master the tools of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and empower others to overcome mental health challenges with confidence and insight.
Why study postgraduate Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach to mental health that focuses on how our thoughts influence emotions and behaviour. Studying CBT opens doors to understanding human experience deeply and practically. At Otago, postgraduate study in CBT builds on your existing knowledge and guides you towards expert application and research. This discipline offers the chance to combine science with empathy, providing tools that are effective and adaptable.
Course fees are fully funded by Te Pou national workforce for addiction and mental health for CBT training through the University of Otago. Acceptance to the course secures funding, with no further application required. Places are limited so please apply early.
Whether you aim to work in healthcare, counselling, or research, CBT equips you with skills that are in high demand worldwide.
Career opportunities
Studying Cognitive Behaviour Therapy at Otago enables registered health professionals who are working in a mental health setting or a health setting with a mental health component to add to their skillset. With a growing need for mental health and addiction support in Aotearoa New Zealand, you will gain expertise that employers in health, education, and social services value highly. Careers include:
- Clinical psychologist
- Counsellor or psychotherapist
- Mental health therapist in community services
- Researcher in psychological therapies
- Educator or trainer in mental health settings
What it’s like to study at this level
Studying Cognitive Behaviour Therapy at Otago combines focused teaching, online learning, supervised practice, and assessment. You will take part in three one-week teaching blocks, held in Wellington or online, with tutorials between block weeks to support your learning.
The subject is grounded in the practical use of CBT in your usual clinical casework, so you can connect theory directly with professional practice. Individual supervision from clinical psychologists with specialist CBT expertise helps you build confidence, reflect on your work, and develop your skills. Teaching is led by experienced clinical psychologists, and the subject includes theoretical work, assignments, and a final exam at the end of October.
This is for you if ...
Otago’s fully-funded postgraduate CBT programmes are designed for mental health professionals who wish to add CBT to their existing skills for understanding and treating common mental health disorders including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and psychotic disorders. Specific qualifying criteria is outlined on the qualification pages.
Shape change and inspire strength – study Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
The CBT programme at Otago offers world-class training for mental health professionals. It has been designed and developed for our local communities in Aotearoa. Our CBT programmes are led by expert staff who are active researchers and practising clinicians. With unparalleled support and access to a wealth of resources, you will gain impressive skills that make to real difference to those you work with.
Hear from our students
Hear how CBT can help with understanding and treating common mental health disorders.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences (PGCertHealSc)
A one-year part-time (or one semester full-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences (PGDipHealSc)
A one-year full-time (or longer part-time) programme for health professionals who want to increase knowledge and skills in a specific area of practice
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
Contacts
Email cbt.uow@otago.ac.nz
CBT Course Director
Dr Zara Mansoor
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Course Director
Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Clinical Psychologist
Department of Psychological Medicine
University of Otago, Wellington
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
Explore our research