Master of Studies in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Differences from 2014/15 to 2021/22

1. Candidates must follow a course of instruction in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for at leastover six terms. The course is designed to develop knowledge of the theoretical basis of MBCT and of related research and clinical principles, and to develop the competencies required in order to become an effective MBCT practitioner and teacher. The course places equal emphasis on critical understanding of theory, on critical appreciation of research, and on candidates capacity to demonstrate these through evidence of knowledge, understanding and the ability to apply these in practice. The course is available on a part-time basis only.

2. Candidates may be permitted under certain circumstances to suspend status for a maximum of six terms.

3. Every candidate will be required to satisfy the examiners in the following:

  • (a) Attendance at the teaching days, spread across two years, and including three residential training retreats;

  • (b) Written assignmentsAssignments as follows:

    • (i) two essays, each of not more than 40004,000 words, demonstrating the capacity critically to appraise theory, research and clinical literature relevant to MBCT (Year I)

    • (ii) one written reflective analysis of not more than 4,000 words of personal meditation practice, relating experience to theory, research, and clinical principles. (Year I)

    • (iii) one written assignmentproject report, of no more than 4,000 words, describing the development, delivery and evaluation of a programme of MBCT teaching suitable for the students client group, submitted with instructional materials as specified in the handbook, and digital recordings of all MBCT classes delivered (Year II)

  • (cb) Digital recordings of all MBCT classes, taught by the student in association with 4b)iii, to be examined for adherence to protocol and competence as an instructor (Year II);

  • (d)  A dissertation of nonot more than 10,000 words on a topic selected by the studentcandidate, and approved by the course committee, related to the theory and practice of MBCT (Year II);

  • The written assignments under 3b) and the recordings of the MBCT classes under 3c2(a) shall be forwardedsubmitted to the examiners for consideration by such date as the examiners shall determine and shall notify candidates. TwoWritten hardassignments copiesshall be uploaded to the University approved online assessment platform. Recordings shall be submitted by such means and asuch dates as are provided in the course handbook. A digital copy, format to be prescribed in the course handbook, of the dissertation under 3d2(b) shall be delivereduploaded to the examinersUniversity forapproved theonline M.Stassessment platform. inSubmission Mindfulness-Baseddeadlines Cognitiveand Therapyinformation c/oare Examination Schools, High Street Oxford OX1 4BG no later than noon on 31 Julypublished in the finalcourse year of the course, or the immediately preceding Friday if that date falls on a weekendhandbook.

43. Candidates may be required to attend a viva voce examination at the end of the course of study.

54.  Candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners in any of the assignments,assessed includingwork the written assignments under 3b) and 3d) and the recorded performances under 3c), maywill be permitted to resubmit work in the part or parts of the examination which they have failed on one further occasion only which shall normally be within one year of the original failure.

6. The examiners may award a Distinction for the Master of Studies.