Doctorate in Educational Psychology

The Doctorate in Educational Psychology is a professional training course that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to qualify as practicing Educational Psychologists. This fully funded program aims to provide students with an advanced level of knowledge in educational psychology, and upon completion, they will be qualified to practice as Educational Psychologists.

Programme Aims

The program aims to offer knowledge and expertise for a career as an Educational Psychologist via doctorate-level study. Completion of the program confers eligibility to apply for registration as a practitioner psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and to the British Psychological Society (BPS) for Chartered EP status.

Distinctive Features

• Fully funded by the Welsh Government, with trainees receiving a bursary for all three years
• Trainees undertake three placements across Wales and England, which are negotiated before commencing the course
• The program is underpinned by a psychologically informed framework for educational psychology practice called COMOIRA
• Based within the Cardiff University Centre for Human Development (CUCHDS), an active, psychological, and stimulating research environment
• Gradual approach to carrying out and reporting research
• Small, cohesive group of tutors with diverse experiences and professional backgrounds

Key Facts

• Accreditations: The British Psychological Society
• Mode of study: Full-time
• Qualification: DEdPsy
• Full-time duration: 3 years
• Part-time duration: Not available
• Start dates: September

Approach to Learning

Trainees and tutors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the program. The program builds on this expertise, assuming that all involved have comprehensive knowledge of psychology from their undergraduate and/or postgraduate studies. Trainees are supported to be responsible for their personal growth, develop their psychological knowledge and understanding, and reflect actively on their experiences.

Course Content

Teaching on the Educational Psychology Professional Doctorate program consists of six themes:

• Research Methods in Educational Psychology
• Processes and Methods of Assessment
• The Psychology of Learning: Managing Change
• The Psychology of Behaviour: Managing Change
• Understanding and Working with Organisations, Systems and Groups: Managing Change
• The Role of the Educational Psychologist (EP): Managing Change

Supervision

Trainees are allocated a member of the program team as their professional tutor and a separate research tutor. The professional tutor provides supervision, guidance, and support relating to both university and placement activities. The research tutor supports trainees with research-related work, including their final thesis.

Assessment

Trainees are assessed through various submissions each year, including academic assignments, research tasks, and a fieldwork portfolio. In Year 1, there is continuous assessment of theoretical and practical work. In Year 2, a small-scale research report and related documents are assessed. In Year 3, trainees submit a 35,000-45,000-word research portfolio, including a thesis.

Funding

The Doctorate in Educational Psychology program is fully funded by the Welsh Government, with trainees receiving a bursary for all three years. Occasionally, self-funded places are offered on this course.

Tuition Fees

Information on postgraduate fees is available for students from the UK, EU, EEA, Switzerland, and the rest of the world.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have:

• A qualification in psychology that confers eligibility for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
• One year's experience working with children and young people (aged 0-25) in educational, social services, or community settings
• Qualifications and experience must be obtained by December 31

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score with an overall score of 7.5 is required.

Career Prospects

Successful graduates meet all of the HCPC's Standards of Proficiency and the BPS's Required Competencies for Practitioner Psychologists. They are eligible to apply for registration as Practitioner Psychologists with the HCPC and for Chartered status with the BPS. Most Educational Psychologists work within Local Authorities, but the profession is diversifying, with growing numbers working independently or in broader contexts like the health sector. All Cardiff University Educational Psychology Professional Doctorate program graduates to date have found suitable employment.

Cardiff University

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Overview:

Cardiff University is a leading research-intensive university located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. It is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse range of programs, and commitment to community engagement.

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Services Offered:

Study:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and international programs across various subject areas. They also provide support services for students, including funding, tuition fee information, and career guidance.

Research:

The university is renowned for its research excellence, with a focus on tackling major challenges facing society, the economy, and the environment. They offer various research facilities and support for researchers.

Work with us:

Cardiff University collaborates with businesses and organizations to provide consultancy services, funded opportunities, and workforce development programs.

Community:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering various projects, resources, and events to support learning, promote Welsh language and culture, and contribute to the green recovery.

Global:

Cardiff University has strong global partnerships with universities and organizations worldwide, fostering international research collaborations and student exchange programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Living in Cardiff:

Cardiff is a vibrant city with a thriving student population, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and social activities.

Welsh Language and Culture:

Students have opportunities to learn Welsh and experience the rich Welsh language culture, which is prevalent in Cardiff.

Campus Facilities:

The university provides excellent campus facilities, including libraries, sports facilities, and conference spaces.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class Campus Facilities:

Cardiff University offers modern and well-equipped facilities to support student learning and research.

Excellent Career Prospects:

The university has a strong track record of producing graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

Vibrant Student Life:

Cardiff is a lively city with a thriving student community, offering a diverse range of social and cultural experiences.

Research Excellence:

Cardiff University is renowned for its research excellence, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Community Engagement:

The university is deeply committed to its local communities, offering students opportunities to contribute to social and environmental initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Undergraduate:

Cardiff University offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various subject areas, including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

Postgraduate:

The university provides a diverse range of postgraduate programs, including taught courses and research degrees.

International:

Cardiff University welcomes international students and offers specific programs and support services tailored to their needs.

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Other:

Rankings:

Cardiff University consistently ranks highly in national and international rankings, reflecting its academic excellence.

Quality Marks:

The university holds various quality marks, including the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) diamond logo, demonstrating its commitment to quality assurance.

Russell Group:

Cardiff University is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.