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 Qualification in Educational Psychology (Scotland)(Stage 2). The Qualification is conferred by the British Psychological Society (BPS) on successful completion of one full time (or equivalent) year of supervised practice in the employment of a local authority psychological service and meeting the requirements as specified (for more informationon the Qualification please refer to the BPS website www.bps.org.uk).

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 Qualification has been approved by the HPC, and Qualification 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 with the HPC as an Educational Psychologist, after a further year of supervised practice in a local authority psychological service and obtaining the Qualification in Educational Psychology (Scotland) (Stage 2).

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, placement file documenting planning, activities and evaluation in all placements, observation and rating by supervisors of performance while on placement, and oral examination.

Funding

The current funding system is under review by the Scottish Government. Candidates are advised that funding may not be available and that they may need to self-fund. They should contact the programme director or programme administrator for up-to-date information.

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 Membership (GBC). This was known previously as Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR).

Note: All applicants, particularly those whose first degree was taken outside the UK, should 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)116 227 1314, or email enquiry@bps.org.uk

2. You must also have at least the equivalent of a minimum 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. Please check our Language Requirements page for details of equivalent grades from other test providers, and information about the University of Dundee English Language courses.

4. All successful applicants are subject to a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme 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 9th January in the year in which the programme commences in September.

Documents

You will be asked to attach documents to your UKPASS application. These are a scanned copy of your degree certificate; a scanned copy of your degree transcript; and your statement about the role of an educational psychologist.

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 you 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 the names and contact details of at least two referees.  At least one of the referees should be work-related.  Another referee should be academic-related (if the candidate has had links with academia within 5 years of the date of application).  In addition, applicants should attach copies of references on headed paper to their UKPASS application.Referees should include information on the following qualities/skills which are essential for working as an EP:

• Personal organisation, including reliability, punctuality, time management, forward planning of work, target setting, ability to work to deadlines
• Personal qualities, including social and interpersonal skills, communication skills, both written and spoken, ability to seek support and use supervision effectively, ability to work effectively within a team
• Academic abilities, including research skills, critical thinking, the capacity for self-reflection, and the ability to link psychological theory to practice
• Summary of the applicant’s areas of strength and those for development

Sources of Funding

The School of Education, Social Work and Community Education is not currently offering any school scholarships.

Other sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on our Scholarships webpage.

Contact

Senior Programme Administrator Mrs Gillian French School of Education, Social Work and Community Education University of Dundee Nethergate Dundee DD1 4HN Scotland Telephone: 01382 381458 (from the UK) Telephone: +44 1382 381458 (from outside the UK) Email: g.french@dundee.ac.uk

Programme Director Dr Elizabeth Hannah School of Education, Social Work and Community Education University of Dundee Nethergate Dundee DD1 4HN Scotland Telephone: 01382 381463 (from the UK) Telephone: +44 1382 381463 (from outside the UK) Email: e.hannah@dundee.ac.uk