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University of Oxford: Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
| Institution | University of Oxford |
|---|---|
| Department | Interdepartmental |
| Web | http://www.ox.ac.uk/study |
| graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0)1865 270059 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSt
Summary
The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). 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 MSt in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a two-year, part-time taught course blending academic and experiential learning to train professionals in teaching MBCT with skill, compassion and ethical awareness.
This is a two-year part-time course offered jointly by Oxford Lifelong Learning 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.
Course structure The 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 the UK.
Online teaching days (9am – 5pm UK time) occur at weekly or other intervals.
Each student is assigned a tutor (one of the teaching staff) for individual or small group 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 teaching is provided by the director and tutor team, with invited guest teachers for specialist areas.
The course covers several main topic areas and includes a variety of teaching and learning methods.
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.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 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 |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Summary
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.
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.
This course is not accepting applications this cycle, but is expected to reopen to applications in the next admission cycle. The information on this page has been retained to provide an indication of the course content in previous years. Fees and costs are only valid for the year which is shown and will usually increase annually. The University is under no obligation to deliver the same course in the future. This page may be updated at any time prior to the course re-opening to applications.
The MSt in MBCT at the University of Oxford is 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.
For the full description, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 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 |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
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