• Who is this programme for?
• Aims and Objectives
• Additional Information

This route is NOT for applicants wishing to train to become educational psychologists. Information about the Professional Training Programme in Educational Psychology can be found at: Postgraduate Professional Training Programme in Educational Psychology

The four subject modules encompass psychological theory and research that relate to the key roles which educational psychologists might occupy or take up in the future, within Local Authorities, Children’s Services and other settings. Current students have found the programme stimulating, highly relevant and of immediate practical use in their work contexts.

Who is this programme for?

This programme is intended for practising educational psychologists in the UK. In order to gain the qualification EdPsychD, participants will need to:

• meet the entrance requirement listed above
• complete at least 3 subject modules in core prescribed areas
• undertake their thesis in the area of the professional practice of educational psychology

Aims and Objectives

The overall aim of this programme is to provide a supportive and structured environment for practising educational psychologists to engage in higher level study and research in areas of applied psychology within educational and other settings.

Students who take the course will be expected to achieve the following objectives:

• to develop a critical view of leading edge literature on theory, research and practice in key areas of psychology, with specific reference to applications in educational settings;
• to extend and apply their theoretical knowledge to generate new understandings, models or ways of working within the field of educational psychology;
• to acquire knowledge and expertise in a range of appropriate research methods;
• to develop a critical perspective on theoretical and methodological issues in educational and psychological research generally and specifically in their chosen area;
• to design and undertake independent, original research into areas of professional practice of educational psychology, with due regard to ethical and pragmatic considerations;
• to develop the investigation to its conclusion through dissemination of research findings through relevant publications, seminar presentations and conferences.

Additional Information

Modules:

The Psychology of Raising Achievement

This module examines ways in which psychology has been applied in contexts where there is an over-riding wish to raise attainments and improve children’s learning. Beginning with an exploration of the pedagogic practices that underpin some of the teaching and learning processes currently operating, it reviews research and current practice in a range of contexts. Specific approaches that use psychology within large organisations, schools, with at-risk groups and with individuals are explored and critically evaluated.

Inclusive Practice in Schools: The Contribution of Psychology and Psychologists

This module considers the development of inclusive practice within a sociocultural and historical context and reviews current issues that affect schools, LEAs, professionals and families. Social and political influences and other government-driven changes are analysed with respect to the psychological effects upon schools, children and families. The role of psychology and psychologists is explored within this context.

Organisational Psychology and School Improvement

This module explores and reviews current research and practice in the application of organisational psychology to a range of organisations and settings. A number of perspectives relevant to the development of the role of educational psychologists in assisting with the processes of school improvement and organisational change are offered during the module. Methods for developing the capacity of schools and educational psychology services for change are considered, as are the methods and skills that EPs can utilise in their capacity as external consultant to schools and other settings and organisations.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Psychological Perspectives

This module reviews psychological theory and research into the social and emotional development of children and young people, within a life-span developmental perspective. There is a focus upon the current policy context within which educational psychologists’ contribution to mental health promotion in schools and early years settings is situated. The role of educational psychologists as consultants to schools and direct service providers is discussed in relation to published research and literature.

Specialist Research Module for EdPsychD

The aim of this module is to enable students to focus upon their chosen area of research and to refine their proposed research questions and relate these questions to methodological choices. This is based on an informed and systematic consideration of both the research and subject relevant literature within their chosen topic area, with the guidance of their supervisor.