MSt in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy

Course details

Overview

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a group of evidence-based skills training programmes that integrate mindfulness meditation practices with cognitive-behavioural methods to reduce distress and increase wellbeing. MBCT programmes are used in many countries around the world and in a wide range of settings and contexts, including healthcare, education, workplaces and community settings. A strong evidence base supports their efficacy.

The MSt in MBCT at the University of Oxford is a two-year part-time course offered jointly by the Department for Continuing Education and the Department of Psychiatry. The course is aligned with internationally recognised MBCT training standards and cultivates the knowledge, skills and attributes necessary for skilful and ethical teaching of the MBCT family of curricula, and for contributing to the development and dissemination of MBCT.

The course is designed for professionals who would like to bring evidence-based mindfulness teaching into their work. It is best suited to those in fields such as mental or physical healthcare, education, skills training, stress reduction, wellness, or other contexts that involve working with individuals and groups in supportive ways.

In learning to be a mindfulness teacher, personal and professional development are closely intertwined. Personal mindfulness practice is essential for cultivating the self-awareness, understanding and attitudes needed to teach mindfulness to others. This course provides strong support for students’ development of mindfulness practice. It combines academic and professional rigour with the attitudes of kindness, compassion and friendly curiosity that are fundamental to mindfulness. The atmosphere of the course is warm, respectful, and supportive, and provides space to experiment and to grow as a mindfulness teacher.

Successful completion of the course leads to the award of a Master of Studies by the University of Oxford.

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The course in detail

Course structure

This 2-year part-time course combines in-person and online learning. In-person teaching blocks of 3-5 days occur twice each year in Oxford. In addition, one in-person retreat of 5-6 days is held each year at a residential retreat centre in England. Online teaching days (9am – 5pm UK time) occur at weekly or other intervals.

Each student meets with one of the teaching staff for individual tutoring meetings throughout the course. Tutoring meetings support the development of knowledge and skills and provide an opportunity for discussion of questions, concerns, or topics of interest.

Students should plan to devote 6-7 hours per week to independent reading and study, personal mindfulness practice, and completion of written assignments.

Most of the teaching is provided by the director and tutor team, with invited guest teachers for specialist areas.

Course content

The course covers several main topic areas and includes a variety of teaching and learning methods:

  • Theory and research, including psychological science related to health, wellbeing, and underlying psychological processes; relevant aspects of Buddhist psychology and their contribution to MBCT; and empirical research on the effects of mindfulness practice, mechanisms of change, and applications in a variety of contexts. Knowledge and understanding of theory and research are cultivated primarily through reading, presentation, discussion and written assignments.
  • Experiential understanding of mindfulness is developed through guided and independent personal practice throughout the course, a guided intensive retreat once each year, and written reflection on personal practice in light of theory, research, and underlying psychological processes.
  • Teaching skills and professional competencies for delivering MBCT curricula skilfully and ethically are cultivated through skills training, reading, and supervision of a teaching project.
  • Communication skills for writing and speaking about mindfulness and MBCT are developed through group discussion, skills training, a teaching project, and written assignments.

Year 1 develops all of the main topic areas, with emphasis on teaching skills, experiential understanding, and theoretical and empirical foundations. Year 2 further hones all knowledge and skills, with emphasis on teaching two 8-week MBCT courses and on completing a dissertation.

Assessment methods

Marked assignments are designed to support the consolidation and extension of learning and to evaluate knowledge and skills. Assignments are marked by internal assessors and examiners. The marked assignments are:

Essay 1: Psychological Science

Explores topics in psychological science and their relationship to MBCT (4,000 words)

Reflective Analysis

Integrates personal experiences in mindfulness practice with theoretical and empirical foundations of MBCT (4,000 words)

Essay 2: Buddhist Psychology

Explores Buddhist psychology and its relationship to MBCT (4,000 words)

Dissertation

An in-depth exploration of a topic related to MBCT, in an area of particular interest chosen by the student in consultation with the teaching staff (10,000 words)

Teaching Project

Each student teaches two 8-week courses of MBCT, with supervision. Recordings of all sessions from one of these courses and a written report of the experience of teaching the course (4,000 words) are submitted for marking.

IT requirements

This course uses the Department’s online assignment submission system. In order to prepare and submit your course assignments you will need access to the Internet and a computer meeting our recommended minimum computer specification. Students of this course may use the student computing facilities provided in Departmental buildings.

Entry requirements

Please see the Graduate Admissions website for details.

Fees

Please visit the Graduate Admissions website for details of course fees and costs.

Apply for this course

Applications for this course should be made online via the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website. Please see the Application Guide for more information.

Help us to help you. Apply early - if you submit your application early, the Graduate Admissions team will be able to let you know if any items are missing. Applications must have been fully completed by the relevant application deadline in order to be considered, so please ensure that you have gathered your supporting materials in advance and have given your referees plenty of time to prepare their references before the deadline.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support