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MPsychSc Psychological Science

Graduate taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90).

The focus of this programme is on acquiring basic applied psychology skills to equip you for doctoral studies in clinical, counselling, educational or organisational psychology, or for progressing to a PhD in psychological research. Over the course of the year students work with a staff member to complete a research project.  In keeping with the skills-based focus of the programme, the research is written up as a journal article that conforms to the publication style of an identified journal.  Applicants are invited to review the research areas of the School's Academic Staff.  In most cases, students work on one of their supervisor's ongoing research projects.

• One year full-time taught masters in basic applied psychology skills
• Emphasises acquisition of skills for professional practice
• Equips you for doctoral studies in clinical, counselling, educational or organisational psychology or for progressing to a PhD in psychological research
• Research project, supervised by a member of staff and written up as a journal article
• Includes a psychometric assessment module that meets requirements to obtain BPS certification

Careers & Employability

Curricular information is subject to change

Who should apply?

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Candidates may apply for admission to the Masters in Psychological Science if they have the following:

• At least an upper second class honours bachelor’s degree in Psychology recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland or by the Psychology Society of the country in which the degree was awarded (minimum GPA 3.4/4.0)
• At least an upper second class honours Higher Diploma in Psychology (conversion course) recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland or by the psychology society of the country in which the degree was awarded (minimum GPA 3.4/4.0)

Vision and Values Statement

The M.Psych.Sc. has been designed to equip psychology graduates with the inter-personal sensitivities, methodological and statistical skills that form the basis for a wide range of professional training programmes in psychology (including for example, clinical, education, organizational, and academic).  Students are expected to be curious, self motivated and independent in their approach to the study of psychology and to develop the skills to become reflective in their professional work.  The learning environment emphasizes the active participation of students, encourages team work and collaborative research.   Students are encouraged to develop their critical appraisal, analytical and methodological capabilities through interaction with faculty, peers and independent study.

The focus of the programme is on professional skill acquisition and this is reflected in the active nature of the learning environment in the modules.  The programme uses a range of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment including traditional faculty-led seminars, student presentations, experiential learning, classroom role-play and case studies.  An integral part of the research training is staff supervision and, usually, membership of a collaborative research team.  In addition, students are expected to undertake self-directed study for all of the modules and are advised that they need to set aside time for study each week. Assessment strategies include both traditional and innovative as appropriate to the specific skill set that is being assessed.

Programme Outcomes

• On successful completion of the programme the students should be able to: understand and apply a range of professional skills rooted in the principles and concepts of psychology
• apply advanced analytic methods to address psychological questions through independent data collection and/or analysis of existing data sets;
• communicate and explain psychological research to diverse audiences, including both specialist and non-specialist;
• critically reflect on experiences and apply those in a cycle of self-improvement
• demonstrate cultural sensitivity and competence in professional practice with diverse groups of people.
• understand, and apply principles of ethical conduct of research;
• work collaboratively with groups of peers to achieve mutual goals

What modules can I take?

View All Modules Here

The M Psych Sc is comprised of six 10-credit modules and a 30-credit research dissertation. It runs for a calendar year (September to August). In all modules, the focus is on the acquisition of skills for professional practice. Brief details of each of the modules offered in are indicated below. Modules may vary from year to year.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fee information is available on the  UCD Fees website . Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see  International Scholarships .

International Applicants

The School of Psychology welcomes International applications to the Master of Psychological Science programme.  Our basic International requirements for the psychology degree are: 

• An honours degree with Psychology as a major subject with a minimum GPA of 3.4/4.0
• Completed an independent research project  as part of the degree , under the supervision of a member of staff.
• A reference confirming their suitability for graduate training from a full-time tenured staff member of the University from which they received their bachelor degree.
• Students whose first language is not English must meet UCD's English language requirements.  Further details are available at  http://www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd-global/ucdenglishlanguagerequirements/

Entry Requirements

• At least an upper second class honours bachelor’s degree in Psychology recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland or by the Psychology Society of the country in which the degree was awarded  (minimum GPA 3.4/4.0)
• At least an upper second class honours Higher Diploma in Psychology (conversion course) recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland or by the psychology society of the country in which the degree was awarded  (minimum GPA 3.4/4.0)
• These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

Up to 30 students are admitted to the Masters in Psychological Science each year. Applicants in the first instance may contact Mary Boyle  [email protected]  to indicate their interest in applying. 

Letters of offer will be sent to applicants within a month of the closing date for applications. Offers to final year undergraduate students will be made contingent on final degree results. Requests for references will be sent with the letters of offer.

Applicants may apply for the online at  www.ucd.ie/apply

Testimonial

Caoimhe McManus M.Psych.Sc. Graduate, 2021

Studying the Masters in Psychological Science was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The course teaching allowed me to develop a deep theoretical understanding of the concepts underlying fundamental areas of practice, whilst also allowing the opportunity to connect with experts working at both research and clinical levels. The practical elements of the course helped me develop competencies in psychometric assessment, whilst simultaneously placing a strong focus on building core therapeutic skills. Research components allowed me to further develop my skills and knowledge, particularly the practical research modulewhich provided the opportunity to collaborate with a network of academics in both UCD and across other universities. Overall, this course provided me with a strong foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the application of psychological science which has been hugely beneficial to me when working as both an assistant psychologist and a research assistant.

Related Programmes

• MSc Rehabilitation & Disability Studies PT
• MSc Mindfulness Based Interventions PT

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The following entry routes are available:

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School Psychology

Doctor of psychology, school psychology.

Degree: PsyD License

Classroom Type: On campus

CU Denver's APA-accredited PsyD program prepares innovative school psychologists to be culturally responsive practitioners in diverse settings.

Application​ deadlines

November 15

Program Details

Interest Categories: Education Mental Health

Campus: CU Denver

Accreditation: APA Accredited and NASP approved

The School Psychology Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program offers comprehensive, supervised training and a solid foundation in school psychological theory and clinical practices. Graduates will gain an evidence-based, culturally responsive, socially just, and collaborative approach. This program is one of only 14 School Psychology PsyD programs in the country to receive APA accreditation. It is one of only a handful of APA-accredited programs in the country that offers an optional bilingual (Spanish-English) school psychologist concentration. It is also the only school psychology program to offer an optional graduate credential in Neurosequential Model in Education™ (NME), a trauma-informed approach to education.

The program has a 100 percent job placement rate and is considered the best value in Colorado for this type of degree. The foundational mission of the program is to train culturally and linguistically responsive school psychologists. All the courses revolve around themes of equity and social justice. Students obtain supervised training and a solid foundation in theory and clinical practices.

Ask our recruitment team about the Project ASPIRE  student scholarship opportunity funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

As a Student, You Will: 

• Engage in supervised clinical experience with youth and families with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Participate in a practitioner-scholar training model. This prepares school psychologists through rigorous study integrated with intensive supervised clinical practice.
• Learn from nationally recognized faculty who reflect best practices in the field of school psychology
• Engage with schools and members of the community on important issues such as youth suicide prevention.

Students in the optional Spanish/English bilingual school psychologist concentration will: 

• Learn how to approach bilingual learners, families, and communities with an asset orientation. Besides the two required courses and practicum component, the bilingual school psychologist concentration consists of Spanish language proficiency assessments. This ensures that graduates are proficient in another language to provide psychoeducational services.

Students in the optional NME Graduate Credential program will: 

• Learn about basic brain structure and organization. Observe the stress response system and how NME concepts can be applied in educational and clinical settings. Students will also receive an official certificate of completion in NME from the Neurosequential Network . 

Our graduates earn a PsyD degree and are eligible for licensure in School Psychology by the Colorado Department of Education. Graduates also have the option of pursuing licensure by the State Board of Psychologist Examiners. Graduates work in school systems, hospital and medical pediatric clinics, and community mental health centers. Additionally, graduates find roles in public policy, public education, and health agencies.

Program Highlights: 

• 100-percent job placement rate 
• Best value in Colorado for a School Psychology doctoral degree 
• Program graduates are recognized as among the most prepared in the nation to support individuals with diverse languages, cultures and abilities 
• The PsyD program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. The program is also fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists.

Helpful Links & Documents

School Psychology Student Resources

School Psychology Faculty

Project ASPIRE: Advancing School Psychology Innovative Training to Recruit Equity-Focused Practitioners

2024-25 PsyD Course Requirements and Sequence

2024-2025 School Psychology PsyD Student Handbook

Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data

Sample Courses

• SPSY 6350 - School-Based Interventions: Children, Youth, and Families 3 credits
• SPSY 7500 - Biological and Neuropsychological Bases of Behavior 3 credits
• SPSY 5900 - School-Based Multicultural Interventions 3 credits
• 6410 - Psychoeducational Assessment of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students 3 credits

Recommended Completion Time: 4 years

Required Credits for Completion: 100

Admission Requirements

Application deadlines.

Due to the competitive nature of this program, faculty are only able to review complete applications. In order to secure your application as “complete” in sufficient time for faculty review and consideration we highly recommend submitting your application at least one to two months prior to the deadline to ensure we have ample time to work with you on your application should items be missing. To avoid your application remaining incomplete at the time of the posted deadline please be sure to complete the steps below as early as possible.

Fall Semester: November 15

Application Requirements

• 3 recommendation letters: Letters should be from present or former professors/instructors, supervisors/employers, coworkers, etc. Recommendations should not be more than two years old
• Instructions for sending official transcripts
• Resume/CV: Please include all mental health, teaching and/or other educational certificates or licenses held and the state that issued them
• Written Statement: Guidelines available within the online application
• $50.00 application fee
• Admissions Interview: Upon successful completion and review of your application, qualified applicants are invited to attend a required interview. Participation in the interview is mandatory and you will not be accepted into the program without attending. The interview date for Fall 2024 is Monday, February 5, 2024  and the interview will be  virtual .
• Admitted Student Day:  Applicants admitted to the School Psychology program will be invited to attend an admitted students gathering on March 3, 2024. This is an opportunity to meet with core faculty and current students to learn more about the program. Admitted students can attend this gathering in-person or virtually. Additional details will be sent to applicants after they are admitted.

Additional Information

The Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association (APA). Questions related to the program's accredited status should be directed to: Commission on Accreditation Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation American Psychological Association 750 1st St. NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202)336-5979 Email:  [email protected] https://accreditation.apa.org/

The program is also approved by the  National Association of School Psychologists

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Best Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology

Staff Writers

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated October 25, 2023

Victoria Hudgeons

Contributing Editor

TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Whether you want to work with young people or adults, a Ph.D. in educational psychology gives you the practical and research skills to help you succeed.

Doctoral students study theories of learning, lifespan development, and psychology research methods. Online doctorates in educational psychology help build strong analysis and applied research skills.

We listed the top online doctoral programs in educational psychology on this page in alphabetical order. Learn how to find the right program, common coursework and graduation requirements, and educational psychology career paths.

Educational Psychology Ph.D. Quick Facts

• Credits Required: 63-98 credits
• Completion Time: 3-7 years
• Average Cost: $400-$950/credit
• Admission Requirements: 3.0 GPA, resume, letters of recommendation, professional writing sample, statement of purpose, GRE scores
• Key Skills Learned: Research, measurement, and evaluation; knowledge of learning and development; application of research methods, effective communication of research

Featured Online Psychology Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The Best Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology Programs

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

#1 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology

Regent University

• Virginia Beach, VA
• Online + Campus

The Ed.D. in educational psychology program at Regent University allows students to earn a doctorate in an online learning format. With flexible enrollment options, the private school helps degree-seekers complete their doctoral studies. Enrollees receive research support and participate in scholarly events.

In the online educational psychology program, learners complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. With an educational psychology doctorate, graduates can work in academia, research positions, and leadership roles.

At the accredited institution, doctoral students can qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program for more about financial aid and admission requirements.

Regent University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 9,507

Online Master's Programs: 37

Online Doctoral Programs: 12

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 29-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,552

#2 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

• Los Angeles, CA

The Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology enrolls online learners. With its flexible format, the private university makes doctoral studies more accessible. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.

Learners complete doctoral coursework during the online educational psychology program. Doctoral candidates pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. As the highest degree in educational psychology, the doctorate trains graduates for academic, research, and leadership careers.

Doctoral students can qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at the accredited institution. Contact the counselor education program for more information about doctoral admission requirements.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 2,459

Online Master's Programs: 9

Online Doctoral Programs: 6

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 5-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $21,564

#3 Best Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia offers an online Ed.S. in educational psychology for doctoral students. The public university provides flexible enrollment options for degree-seekers. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.

Learners take doctoral classes during the educational psychology program. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates choose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. A doctorate in educational psychology trains graduates for roles in research, academia, and leadership.

The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities and the admission process.

University of Georgia at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 5,389

Online Master's Programs: 16

Online Doctoral Programs: 1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,878

What Is an Online Ph.D. in Educational Psychology?

A doctoral program in educational psychology provides advanced training in psychological methods, research, and practice. Graduate students study the process of human learning, including how we understand things, communicate new information to others, and create new knowledge. They conduct original research, write a dissertation, and complete an internship or practicum to prepare for roles in psychology practice.

During a doctoral program, educational psychology students strengthen their research and analytical skills. By blending the fields of psychology and education, graduate students build the skills required for career paths in psychology, research, and education. For example, a doctorate meets the requirements for academic roles, such as psychology professor. Graduates can also work in research, training and development, school psychology, and instructional development.

Earning a doctorate requires a significant investment of both time and money. Before considering a doctorate in educational psychology, prospective students should make sure they meet admission requirements.

Some Ph.D. in educational psychology programs require a master's degree for admission, while others admit applicants with a bachelor's degree. Programs may expect candidates to have a psychology degree or meet course prerequisite requirements to enter the program. Applicants with a master's degree may qualify for a fast track within their doctoral program. Admission requirements often include a minimum GPA and standardized test scores.

Choosing an Online Doctoral Educational Psychology Program

Finding the right educational psychology doctoral program can positively impact your education and career opportunities. Carefully research schools to ensure you make the right choice. Factors such as cost, program length, and delivery format can help you narrow your options and find a good fit for your schedule and academic needs.

Consider whether the program offers specializations in your area of interest? Does the program emphasize practice, research, or both? What options do doctoral students have for faculty advisors? Answering these questions can help you find the program that best meets your needs.

Accreditation for Online Educational Psychology Degree Programs

Prospective applicants should always choose an accredited educational psychology program. Regionally accredited schools and programs meet the highest standards for educating students in psychology. Accredited universities can also distribute federal financial aid to students, and they are more likely to transfer credits from other accredited institutions.

Many psychology careers require an accredited degree. For example, licensed psychologists must attend a psychology doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) to apply for a license. The APA does not currently accredit any fully online doctoral psychology programs, though several accredited programs offer coursework partially online. Learn more about why accreditation matters in our accreditation guide .

What Else Can I Expect From a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology Program?

An educational psychology degree emphasizes research and analytical skills. During a doctorate in educational psychology, graduate students take courses in human development, theories of learning, and the instructional process. They design and implement research studies and analyze the results to write a dissertation.

Doctoral candidates focus their training through specialized courses in areas like educational technology, the psychology of motivation, and instructional design. Many programs also incorporate practicum requirements, which provide experience in educational psychology for doctoral candidates considering careers in psychology practice.

This section introduces common educational psychology courses and the requirements for earning a doctorate.

Common Courses for an Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology

• Lifespan Development: Students explore developmental milestones that occur in the prenatal, childhood, adolescent, adult, and late-adult stages of life. They examine the impact of genetic and environmental factors on human development, as well as strategies and interventions used to promote and sustain healthy developmental processes.
• Human Motivation: Educational psychologists must understand what forces drive students' behaviors in order to support academic achievement and social and emotional development. This class provides an overview of the diverse historical and contemporary theories behind human motivation, with a particular emphasis on children and adolescents.
• Theories of Learning: The best educational psychologists understand the full range of how student learning takes place. This class covers theories of learning, including constructivism, behaviorism, cognitivism, gestalt, information processing, and humanism. It also reviews theories of cognitive processes, such as language and memory.
• Psychology of the Exceptional Individual: Educational psychologists often work with students who deviate significantly from the norm in behavior and achievement. This can mean counseling students with physical or learning disabilities, or it can involve working with exceptionally gifted or talented students. The course emphasizes the importance of inclusion and diverse learning environments.
• Ethics and Standards of Psychology: To prepare students for the realities of their profession, many online Ph.D. in educational psychology programs feature coursework on ethics and professional standards. Students confront the ethical dilemmas that often arise in academia, individual counseling, and when working within diverse communities. This course also introduces students to ethical questions they may face if a client becomes involved in the legal system.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology Program?

Earning a Ph.D. in educational psychology online usually takes 3-7 years, but this can vary depending on a few factors.

The first stage in earning your doctoral degree is completing required coursework. Students often take these classes as part of a cohort, meaning they learn alongside their peers as they progress through the program together. However, some programs may be self-paced, allowing students to proceed at their own speed. Most full-time students finish their coursework in 2-3 years.

The second stage of earning a psychology doctoral degree is completing a dissertation. Generally speaking, students work with a faculty advisor on their dissertations, but they do the majority of their research and writing independently and at their own pace. When finished, students defend their dissertation in front of a faculty committee. Most full-time students complete the dissertation process in 1-4 years.

Paying for Your Online Doctorate in Educational Psychology Degree

The first step toward earning an educational psychology Ph.D. online is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA connects eligible students with various kinds of financial support, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.

Students do not need to pay back federal grants or work-study wages, but they do need to repay loans. However, federal loans have relatively low interest rates, and the federal government may also forgive all or a portion of a loan if a student works in public service for a set period of time.

Many states and private organizations offer scholarships to students based on academic achievement, community service, or financial need. Teachers looking to transition to a career as an educational psychologist may also qualify for discounted tuition or tuition reimbursement, depending on the program and their employer.

Finally, students can apply for private student loans. While these loans can be helpful in financing a part of the total cost of education, students should avoid taking out private loans to cover the majority of their tuition and other expenses. Private loans typically have higher interest rates than federal loans, and private loan organizations usually do not forgive loans for public service.

Educational Psychology Jobs

A Ph.D. in educational psychology helps prepare graduates for a variety of careers. While many work directly as researchers or academics, a doctorate can also lead to opportunities as training and development managers, school psychologists, or student development directors.

Educational psychologists can also work in private practice or pursue roles in instructional design, educational coordination, or counseling. Learn more about the typical salaries and job outlooks for common educational psychology careers .

Training and Development Manager

Training and development managers oversee an organization's human resources. They conduct assessments to determine training needs, design programs, and manage training and development specialists. They also evaluate programs and instructors, manage training budgets, and update current training programs. A background in educational psychology helps training and development managers create programs and instructional methods.

• Median Salary : $120,000
• Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 6%

School Psychologist

School psychologists use their understanding of human behavior to support student learning. They may help students address emotional problems, design and implement plans to boost academic performance, or collaborate with teachers and administrators to develop broader teaching and learning strategies. Many school psychologists hold a doctoral degree like an online educational psychology Ph.D.

• Median Salary : $85,330

Postsecondary Teacher in Psychology

Postsecondary teachers instruct and advise students at colleges and universities. They also conduct psychological research or publish articles in educational psychology. While a master's degree may be sufficient for jobs at community colleges, most 4-year schools require a doctoral degree.

• Median Salary : $80,840
• Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 8%

Instructional Coordinators

Rather than working with individual students, instructional coordinators design, implement, and assess school curricula and teaching standards. Instructional coordinators often need an advanced degree, and online educational psychology Ph.D. programs can help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to create strong learning experiences for students.

• Median Salary : $66,490
• Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 2%

School Counselor

School counselors support the academic and social-emotional development of students. They evaluate a student's abilities or aptitude through various assessments; work to address issues that affect school performance; and help administrators create programs and policies meant to curb bullying, drug use, or other problems. School counselors usually hold an advanced degree.

• Median Salary : $60,140
• Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 5%

Behavioral Disorder or Mental Health Counselor

After earning an educational psychology Ph.D. online, some graduates may work exclusively with students with behavioral or mental health conditions. These professionals often collaborate with schools and educational organizations, but they may also work at treatment centers or in private practice. These positions typically require an advanced degree.

• Median Salary : $49,710
• Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 18%

Frequently Asked Questions About Educational Psychologist

• Collapse All

What do educational psychologists do?

Educational psychologists research how people learn new information and develop instructional methods. They conduct research and work with children, adults, and other education professionals.

How do you become an educational psychologist?

Educational psychologists often hold a doctorate in their field, which meets the requirements for roles as school psychologists, educational psychologists, and psychology professors.

What is the difference between school psychology and educational psychology?

School psychologists focus their training on working with children, while educational psychologists work with adults and children. Educational psychologists also approach learning from a broader perspective.

How many years does it take to become an educational psychologist?

Earning a Ph.D. in educational psychology typically takes at least 3-5 years. Depending on the dissertation process, earning a Ph.D. can even take up to 7-8 years.

How much money do educational psychologists make?

Educational psychologists earn a median salary of $85,330 , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those working for the government earn higher median salaries of around $106,690 per year.

Do you need a Ph.D. to be an educational psychologist?

Many advanced roles in educational psychology, including researchers and professors, require a doctorate. Though, some positions may hire candidates with a master's degree and relevant experience.

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UCL Educational Psychology

Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology

Our three year, full-time doctoral programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) for the professional training of educational psychologists. The overall aim of the programme is to enable trainee educational psychologists to integrate theory, research and practice effectively and to become competent, creative and accountable professional practitioners.

We have a long standing reputation for innovation and excellence in professional training in Educational Psychology. Some key features of our programme are:

• A reflective, Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach paired with innovative teaching and learning in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Video Interactive Guidance (VIG), and more
• A ‘Connected Curriculum’ integrating academic knowledge, research and professional practice
• A range of learner resources including the provision of laptops for trainees, an in-house psychological testing library and a self-contained teaching suite
• A first rate setting within the 83% REF research rated ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ UCL Division of Psychology & Language Sciences, offering access to all UCL libraries, facilities and vibrant, central London campus
• Delivery and support from a committed and diverse tutor team, in addition to a range of high profile external speakers
• Opportunities for inter-professional training and cross-professional learning – for example workshops with Clinical Psychology trainees and Speech and Language Therapy trainees

The programme seeks to integrate at all levels the three key elements of academic knowledge, research ability and professional practice. In particular, as a doctoral research degree programme and in line with UCL’s ‘Connected Curriculum’ , research permeates all aspects.

Academic knowledge in educational psychology at UCL is developed primarily via Problem Based Learning (PBL), an approach where practice problems are used as the starting point for learning. They are tackled by tutor-supported teams of learners who actively and purposefully seek out relevant information needed to address the problem scenario from library research and other sources. There is a strong emphasis from the outset on developing skills for conducting literature searches, critiquing primary sources and producing coherent syntheses.

In addition, seminars are provided by members of the programme team and leading experts to offer overviews of areas of relevance to the problem scenario and to provide trainees with opportunities to discuss developing thinking and check understanding of important concepts.

Research training on the programme utilises the web-based Educational Psychology Research Methods course and accompanying series of workshops. All of the examples used are drawn from professional practice in educational psychology, where possible from published studies. Research skills are also developed through engagement in a significant piece of original, professionally relevant research together with a Service Related Research Project commissioned by the Educational Psychology Service employing the trainee for their professional placement in Years 2 and 3 of the programme. Small support groups of trainees working in related areas are encouraged to debate options and present proposals to tutors for formative feedback in clarifying and developing their ideas, plans of action, interpretations and conclusions.

Professional placement core consultation and assessment work utilises a Problem Analysis framework which is based on the development and testing of hypotheses in defining an accountable rationale for action at each stage of work with clients. Skills in using a full range of assessment and intervention techniques are taught in a series of workshop sessions across the first year of the programme. In identifying appropriate interventions there is emphasis both on appraising the available evidence base and on designing an evaluation of individual progress.

The principal means for supporting and evaluating the trainee’s conceptual understanding of the integration of all three elements of their doctoral studies is the Professional Development (PD) File. This is formally monitored at termly Progress Review Meetings and submitted as part of formally at the end of years 1, 2 and 3, but is mainly used formatively across the 3 years of the programme. A strong tutorial system offers structured opportunities for professional development and monitoring of progression in relation to programme requirements.

Curriculum Outlines, Year 1-3

Click here to access the DECPsy curriculum overview across all three years of the programme.

The majority of teaching on the programme is carried out by members of the core staff team, listed below. In addition, seminars and workshops on specialist topics are provided by a range of high profile educational psychologists and other professionals working for Local Authorities, social services departments, the NHS and voluntary organisations. We also benefit from input from tutors on the part-time DEdPsy programme and academic staff at UCL.

For staff biographies of the whole team click here . For research from tutors, click here .

Programme Directors Dr Susan Birch - Programme Director (Academic) and Senior Educational Psychologist, Buckinghamshire Dr Jessica Dewey - Programme Director (Placements) and Senior Educational Psychologist, Harrow Academic and Professional Tutors Dr Shama Ali - Senior Educational Psychologist, Merton Dr Jessamine Chiappella - Senior Educational Psychologist, Oxfordshire Dr Mat Fuller - Educational Psychologist, Havering Dr Emma Goldstone - Educational Psychologist, Camden Beverley Graham - Senior Educational Psychologist, RB Kensington and Chelsea Dr Ben Hayes - Senior Educational Psychologist, Kent Dr Gavin Morgan - Senior Educational Psychologist, West Northamptonshire Dr Patrick Sullivan - Educational Psychologist, Tower Hamlets Dr Gurdip Theara - Educational Psychologist, RB Kensington and Chelsea Dr Simon Ungar - Educational Psychologist, Wandsworth Practice Tutors Stephanie Barclay - Educational Psychologist, Enfield Dr Rebecca Williamson - Acting Deputy Principal Educational Psychologist, Kingston and Richmond Academic Tutors Prof Ravi Das - Lecturer, Research Methods Prof K.V. Petrides - Professor of Psychology and Psychometrics

Click here to access information about key elements of the curriculum, from PBL to CBT to Research.

Year 1 Placements For all trainees, the first year of training is primarily based within the University, with placements provided in linked Local Authorities and supervised by UCL Practice Tutors. These Educational Psychology Services are located in inner and outer London, both north and south. A small group of trainees will be placed in each service, with placements allocated in order to minimise travel time as far as possible.

Year 1 Bursaries for Funded Trainees For government funded trainees at course centres in London, a bursary amount of £16,390 is payable in year 1. Costs of travel to and from placement must be met by trainees.

Year 2 and 3 Bursaried Placements – UK Funded and Self-Funded Students For all UK funded and self-funded students, in Years 2 and 3 placement experiences will be undertaken in Services in the South East, Eastern region and London (SEEL). Allocations of trainees to Services are made towards the end of Year 1 by a placement panel of Principal Educational Psychologists, taking into account criteria including trainee travel time. Each trainee undertaking a bursaried placement in years 2 and 3 will receive a bursary of £19,600 per annum, which includes a contribution towards travel/books, usually of £500, but with some additional funds being available to support trainees who incur particular travel costs associated with home to placement travel. Please click here for further information regarding year 2 and 3 placement allocations and expectations.

As soon as you have obtained a bursaried placement your UCL tutor will work with your placement service to establish a close and mutually beneficial partnership, ensuring that service delivery, service development and placement learning are all well met in the planned programme for Years 2 and 3 and that research requirements are considered and built in where possible. You will have a named supervisor in the placement Authority responsible for coordinating all aspects of your learning there. They will join UCL supervisor’s training programme and be given a two year appointment as an honorary lecturer at UCL. You will be involved in termly placement review meetings with your Local Authority supervisor and UCL tutor across the 2 years, so that your progress and the quality of learning experiences can be effectively monitored.

Year 2 and 3 Placement Arrangements for EU/Overseas Students In years 2 and 3 the majority of overseas or EU trainee undertake an unpaid placement in a UK Educational Psychology Service, supervised by one of the UCL course tutors.*

Listen to one of our Senior Placement tutors, Beverley Graham, speak about the programme's placement arrangements below:

The programme is designed to develop academic knowledge, research ability and professional competence during the course of training. In addition to undertaking a range of learning activities at the university, trainees are required to undertake at least 300 days of professional placement work under supervision and attain a satisfactory standard in the following assessments:

• Two 3 hour written Examinations (one in year 1 and one in year 2), using problem-solving questions and PBL case scenarios to test the application of knowledge and understanding to professional practice.
• A research thesis of 25,000-40,000 words which makes a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject and offers evidence of originality shown in the discovery of new facts and/or the exercise of independent critical power. The thesis is presented in three parts, the first two in the form of papers that could be submitted for publication in a peer reviewed journal. The third part is not intended for publication but to give you a forum to reflect on the learning that has occurred in carrying out the major research project. The first paper will systematically review and critique the literature relevant to the research topic, while the second paper will report on the research you have carried out.
• A Problem Analysis for an Individual Child or Young Person
• A Service-Related Research Report
• An Evidence-Based Practice Review Report
• An account of the use of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with a child/young person

The focus of the remaining report may be selected by you, subject to approval by the Programme Tutors, to form the basis of an individualised PBL unit in Year 3.

• Three Portfolios of professionally relevant work (one per year). These comprise:
• The Placement File , collating placement experiences, self-evaluations of developing competencies in relation to the programme objectives for the placement, key pieces of supporting evidence and appraisals/observation records completed by the Placement Supervisor and UCL Tutors in relation to the Health and Care Professions Council's Statements of Proficiency for Educational Psychologists.
• The cumulative Professional Development File collating the evidence across all assessments of Standard of Proficiency achievement, including self evaluation, peer and tutor evaluation carried out at the end of each PBL unit.

For research by our graduates and tutors click here .

Below you can access reviews of interventions written by our UCL Year 1 Trainee Educational Psychologists and submitted as a formally assessed piece of coursework on the programme. The trainees in each cohort collaborated in selecting different interventions so that they could also produce a resource of value both to their group and to Educational Psychology Services.

Three sets of reports are currently available:

• School/Setting Based Interventions for Social, Emotional and Mental Health - produced by the 2020-23 cohort of trainees
• School (setting) based interventions for children with special educational needs (SEN) - produced by the 2021-24 cohort of trainees
• Interventions implemented by Parents that have an effect on child - produced by the 2022-25 cohort of trainees

Click here to visit our OSPA project (Objective Structured Professional Assessments) webpage.

Click here to view the Educational Psychology Online Consultation Competencies.

Click here to visit our Therapeutic Resources website. The website hosts a collection of multi-media resources to support trainee practice in delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other evidence–based therapies. Note that to access the website you will need a username and password which trainees, course members and UCL tutors can obtain by contacting the Educational Psychology admin team .

Term Dates for 2023-24 are as follows:

• £23,187 per annum for UK placement

You can see a range of DECPsy graduate profiles by visiting our DECPsy alumni page .

To access our SEEL Bursary Placements 2024 webpage, please click here .

Student Experience

Hear recent alumni and current students speak about their experiences on the programme:

Tutor Views

Hear our tutors talking about the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology at UCL:

We take student support very seriously on the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology programme. Below, Year 1 Co-ordinator and Professional Development (PD) Tutor Dr Gavin Morgan describes the support available to students on the programme:

• Full-time initial training Doctorate in Educational & Child Psychology
• Part-time CPD Doctorate in Educational Psychology (for existing EP practitioners)
• Leadership Course
• Management Course
• Leading Edge Psychology Days
• Certificate/Diploma/MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Children and Young People

Post-doctoral Fellow Level 1, UCD School of Psychology, Temp

Job Information

Offer description.

Prior to application, further information (including application procedure) should be obtained from the Work at UCD website: https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/

Requirements

Organizationa, Administrative, Administrative

Additional Information

Work location(s), where to apply.

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Undergraduate Programmes

Undergraduate psychology.

Avenues available to study psychology with us are:

Honours BSc in Psychology

• Honours BSc International in Psychology

Course Features

• 3-year degree
• Denominated entry 
• Gateway to further postgraduate professional training in all branches of psychology including clinical, counselling and health psychology

Learn about our honours  (opens in a new window) BSc in Psychology  

Find out about open days and campus tours where you can come and look around UCD at  (opens in a new window) myUCD.ie

BSc International in Psychology

If you are studying the BSc in Psychology at UCD, you may choose to apply to study abroad for your third year in France, Spain, The Netherlands, Germany or the US. You apply for this option in second year, spend third year studying abroad, and return to UCD to complete your final, fourth year of study. If you spend this additional year in one of UCD's partnership universities studying your degree, and successfully complete the academic programme abroad as well as in UCD, you will graduate with a BSc (International) in Psychology after four years' of study.

Just like the BSc in Psychology, the BSc (International) in Psychology provides a general academic training in psychology. The BSc and BSc (International) degree in Psychology in UCD is a foundation and gateway for further postgraduate professional training in all branches of psychology including clinical, counselling and health psychology.

The School of Psychology has exchange agreements with the following universities:

• Université Catholique de l'Ouest, France
• Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid, Spain
• Free University, Berlin, Germany
• University of Groningen, the Netherlands

Places may be limited and are allocated based on academic performance in the first year of the BSc in Psychology degree. It is mandatory to take a minimum of 20 ECTS credits at your host institution in psychology, or a discipline cognate to psychology. The School of Psychology will approve your study-abroad plan only where this minimum number of 20 ECTS credits is guaranteed.

Secondary School Students If you are finishing secondary school and want to complete the BSc (International) in Psychology, then you should apply for the BSc in Psychology. In second year, students are invited to apply for the extra year studying abroad. If you then receive a place and successfully complete the academic programme in UCD and in the university abroad, you will graduate after four years with a BSc (International). To find out how to apply for the BSc in Psychology and to receive updates on information events for secondary school students, please visit  (opens in a new window) www.myucd.ie  and click on the link in the top right of the page  (opens in a new window) Sign up for updates!

Useful Links and Resources

• (opens in a new window) Psychological Society of Ireland
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UCD School of Psychology