Educational Psychology

Snapshot

Training to become an Educational Psychologist in Scotland

Training to become an Educational Psychologist (EP) in Scotland is undertaken over 3 years and consists of 2 separate stages. 

Stage 1 involves studying for a Masters in Educational Psychology, which is a 2 year full time course, combining study with research and supervised placements. 

On completion of the MSc graduates progress to Stage 2 of training - the Award in Educational Psychology (Scotland). The Award is conferred by the British Psychological Society (BPS) and is conferred on successful completion of one full time (or equivalent) year of supervised practice in the employment of a local authority psychological service.

From 1 July 2009 anyone wishing to practise as an educational psychologist in the UK must be registered with the regulatory body, the Health Professions Council (HPC). The Award has been approved by HPC, and Award holders are therefore eligible for registration as practitioner psychologists. 

Aims of the Programme

This two-year full-time professional training programme leads to qualification as an Educational Psychologist and eligibility for registration as an Educational Psychologist, after a further year of supervised practice in a local authority psychological service.

Programme Content

There are 5 compulsory academic modules:

These modules are designed to facilitate exploration of the following curriculum in a holistic and integrated manner: child development, normal and exceptional; assessment and intervention - individual and systemic, contexts and systems for children, research and evaluation methods, and transferable interpersonal and professional skills.

There are also two compulsory Placement Modules, undertaken in local authority educational psychology services, one in Year 1 and the other in Year 2.

Methods of Assessment

There are no traditional written examinations. All assessment is continuous by written assignments, oral presentations, a major research dissertation, practical work file documenting planning, activities and evaluation in all placements, observation and rating by supervisors of performance while on placement, and oral examination.

Funding

Funded places are supported by the Scottish Government for applicants who are committed to working as educational psychologists in Scotland after training.

The first step is to obtain a place on the programme. Candidates successful in being awarded a place will automatically be eligible for funding.

The Scottish Government currently provides 27 grants a year in respect of the Dundee programme. These grants are worth £24,500 per year out of which the programme fees are paid direct to the University.

Entry Requirements

There are several key criteria which must be met in order for applicants to be considered for entry to the programme:

1. You must hold a 1st or 2.1 honours degree in Psychology or an equivalent qualification, which is recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for their Graduate Basis for Chartership (GBC). This was known previously as Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR).
Note: All applicants must confirm that they are eligible for chartership with the BPS. It is particularly important for applicants whose first degree was taken outside the UK to check with the BPS that their degree meets the standard for GBC. The BPS can be contacted at tel. (+44) (0)116 254 9568, fax +44 (0)116 247 0787, or email enquiry@bps.org.uk

2. You must also have at least the equivalent of two years' full-time work experience with children, young people and/or their families on entry to the programme. Examples of relevant experience would include work as a teacher in schools or further education, or as a  teaching assistant, social work assistant, residential child care officer, community education worker, youth club worker, literacy tutor, assistant psychologist (clinical or educational), research assistant (in some cases), careers adviser and so on. Relevant paid and voluntary, part-time and full-time work can be taken into account. Work undertaken must be clearly set out in the application with dates and information regarding full time equivalence.

3. Competence in the English language is essential. Applicants for whom English is not the first language must be able to demonstrate their competence, at an IELTS level of 8.5 or equivalent.

4. All successful applicants are subject to a Disclosure Scotland check prior to embarking on the programme. This is organised by the University although applicants are required to pay the fee, which is currently £23.

Additional information for your application

The closing date is 8th January in the year in which the programme commences in September.

Documents

You can attach documents, such as a CV or scanned certificate to the UKPASS application.

Knowledge of the job of an Educational Psychologist (EP) and the Personal Statement

It is important that you tell us what you know about the job of an EP and about the skills think you will bring to the training. Please include details of any contact you have had with Psychological Services.

The Personal Statement box offers you the opportunity to expand on any issues which might strengthen your application for this particular training programme.

References

Applicants should provide either:

Contact