This D.App.Ed.Psy. provides professional training for work as qualified educational psychologists in Local Authorities and other educational and community settings. The programme is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Graduates of this programme will, as fully qualified educational psychologists working in Childrens’ Services Authorities be able to address three interlinked issues:
and to work within these at the three levels of
The course consists of a number of taught modules, a range of professional practice placements and a research project. Much of the curriculum is structured around an Enquiry Based Learning (EBL) approach, which is now being increasingly used in a range of training environments.
Students on the course are respected as adult learners who are aiming to become autonomous professionals.
EBL thus gives students opportunities in collaborative group-work to address Key Issues around Inclusion and Diversity, Working in Partnership, Learning and Social Environments, and Frameworks for Practice. Students will be required to consolidate and demonstrate their learning in four formal written assignments (each of 4 – 5,000 words), each of which is devoted to one of these Key Issues in turn and will be assessed during the course of the first year.
Fieldwork and practical placements are provided in educational and community settings so that students can identify and evaluate examples of good practice, and begin to develop their own professional skills. Students will compile a portfolio as evidence of their practical work experience and their professional development gained during these placements.
Thus, in the first year of the course students will be enabled (through lecture, seminar, EBL sessions, reading and practical placements) to acquire the basic knowledge and skills expected of an Educational Psychologist.
In the final term of the first year students will also need to discuss their research project with their tutor. An outline of the proposed research that indicates due consideration of methodological, ethical and practical issues will be submitted as a formal assignment for assessment.
For the second and third year students have to gain employment as Trainee Educational Psychologists (TEPs) in local authority Children’s Services. In the second year they will work as TEPs for up to 3 days a week allowing a minimum of 2 days a week for study and engagement in research activities. They will also be required to attend seminars and tutorials in the University throughout the year.
In their final year students will be working as Trainee EPs for up to four days a week with one day for study and completion of their research project. During this year they will also be expected to attend regular (twice termly) meetings with their research supervisor.
At the end of each year students will be required to produce a practice portfolio as evidence of their developing skills and competencies in professional practice. The three portfolios will form part of the cumulative assessment of competence in professional practice.
In Year 1 candidates will take the following modules
In year 2 candidates will undertake the following work, which is not modularised:
In year 3 candidates will undertake the following work, which is not modularised:
A good honours degree in psychology or its equivalent which is recognized as the Graduate Basis for Registration of the BPS; and relevant experience of working with children within an educational, childcare or community setting. We are unable to Accredit any other Prior Learning. An enhanced CRB check is conducted and enrolment on the programme is subject to receipt of a satisfactory Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate. Applicants will be asked to notify the University of any health conditions or disability that might affect their ability to study and engage with placement activities and which might require special adjustments to working arrangements. Students are also required to comply with the University's Fitness to Practice Procedure and Code of Professional Conduct at all times..
Applicants whose first language is not English should hold IELTS 7.5, TOEFL 575 (paper-based) or 233 (computer-based), or equivalent.
If you need extra tuition to meet English language requirements see www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/international/englishlanguage/englishsupport
All UK applications for entry onto the 3 year doctorate training programme MUST be made via the Teaching Agency's online application system
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/careeropportunities/b00201184/educational-psychology.
Applications for the D.App Ed.Psy. for enrollment in 2013 can be made anytime between 6th Nov 2012 and 11th Jan 2013 via the Teaching Agency. We will be shortlisting for interview in February and conducting interviews in February and March. We will be offering 10 funded places in May 2013 (see TA website for further details).
We will be holding an Open Day for anyone considering applying to the programme in the future on Saturday October 19th. More details will be provided nearer the time. On the day it will be possible to meet members of staff and current students and learn about the opportunities to learn and study in Newcastle.
Please note this information is subject to change and you advised to check for up to date information on http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/careeropportunities/b00201184/educational-psychology
For any other queries contact the Educational Psychology Team
Lorna Wilson (Programme Secretary)
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 6532
E-Mail: lorna.wilson@ncl.ac.uk