Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology

The Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology (DECPsy) is a highly sought-after three-year, full-time professional training course for applicants interested in pursuing a career as an educational psychologist.

Programme Overview

The overall aim of the DECPSY programme is to enable students to effectively integrate theory and practice and become skilled and accountable professional practitioners. The programme is sufficiently flexible in content and structure to adapt readily to current and future needs and to the emergence of new knowledge in educational psychology and related fields.

Key Features

• The programme includes a combination of taught modules, professional placements, and research.
• Taught modules are typically delivered in four-day blocks over the first two years.
• In addition to taught modules, a variety of workshops and seminars are organised for trainees and delivered by experienced practitioners.
• Professional placements, at least 390 days, are organised in a variety of settings.
• The research component enables trainees to gain in-depth knowledge in their area of interest.

Programme Content

The DECPsy programme is structured as follows:

Year 1 (90 ECTS)

• Semester 1 (30 ECTS)
  • EPS733: Professional Skills and Issues in ECP (9 ECTS)
  • EPS734: Assessment, Formulation and Intervention in ECP 1 (9 ECTS)
  • EPS704: Research Methods (6 ECTS)
  • EPS736: Personal and Professional Development 1 (3 ECTS)
  • EPS737: Professional Placement 1 (3 ECTS)
• Semester 2 (30 ECTS)
  • EPS738: Assessment, Formulation and Intervention in ECP 2 (9 ECTS)
  • EPS739: Research Project 1 (6 ECTS)
  • EPS740: Personal and Professional Development 2 (3 ECTS)
  • EPS741: Professional Placement 2 (12 ECTS)
• Summer (30 ECTS)
  • EPS742: Research Project 2 (30 ECTS)

Year 2 (90 ECTS)

• Semester 3 (30 ECTS)
  • EPS743: Advanced Theory and Practice in ECP 1 (9 ECTS)
  • EPS744: Research Project 3 (6 ECTS)
  • EPS745: Personal and Professional Development 3 (3 ECTS)
  • EPS746: Professional Placement 3 (12 ECTS)
• Semester 4 (30 ECTS)
  • EPS747: Advanced Theory and Practice in ECP 2 (9 ECTS)
  • EPS748: Research Project 4 (6 ECTS)
  • EPS749: Personal and Professional Development 4 (3 ECTS)
  • EPS750: Professional Placement 4 (12 ECTS)
• Summer (30 ECTS)
  • EPS751: Research Project 5 (30 ECTS)

Year 3 (90 ECTS)

• Semester 5 (30 ECTS)
  • EPS752: Research Project 6 (15 ECTS)
  • EPS753: Personal and Professional Development 5 (3 ECTS)
  • EPS754: Professional Placement 5 (12 ECTS)
• Semester 6 (30 ECTS)
  • EPS755: Research Project 7 (12 ECTS)
  • EPS756: Personal and Professional Development 6 (3 ECTS)
  • EPS757: Professional Placement 6 (15 ECTS)
• Summer (30 ECTS)
  • EPS758: Research Project 8 (30 ECTS)

Entry Requirements

1. Academic Qualification: Applicants will have a minimum upper second class honours (2.1) degree in psychology or an equivalent qualification in psychology.
2. Experiential Component: An equivalent of two year's relevant full-time experience working in the field of education, psychology, or healthcare settings.
3. Interview: Short-listing of applicants for interview normally occurs.
4. Garda Vetting: Successful applicants will be Garda vetted prior to final acceptance on to the course.

How to Apply

Information on the application process is available on the How to Apply page.

Funding

The number of funded places is finalised ahead of each annual intake. Updates on funded places will be provided via the How to Apply page.

Job Prospects

Graduates of the DECPsy will have knowledge of a broad range of psychological theory, evidence-based practice, method, and research and will have the ability to apply psychological methods, insights, and interventions to working autonomously or as part of multi-disciplinary teams, with a variety of clients in diverse contexts. Professional practice will be characterised by high ethical standards, competence to practice in a variety of professional contexts, and a disposition to work collaboratively with high levels of professional skill and up-to-date knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the entry requirements?
• Is it possible to apply whilst awaiting results?
• What is the minimum grade requirement for entry onto the programme?
• What type of work experience do I need?
• Can work experience be on a part-time basis?
• My psychology degree may not have sufficient psychology modules to confer eligibility for graduate membership of the Psychological Society of Ireland. What should I do to be able to apply to the course?
• I don't have a psychology degree. However, I do have a teaching degree and a Masters in a related field. I also have over 10 years' experience working with children in educational settings. Can I still apply?
• My psychology degree is recognised by the British Psychological Society (BPS). Will this be recognised as meeting the qualification requirement?
• What is the best route to securing a place on the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology programme at Mary Immaculate College?
• Does holding a teaching qualification give you a better likelihood of being accepted on the course?
• Is the qualification recognised in the UK?
• Are there any specific requirements for international students?
• Does the college organise placements?
• Where do professional placements take place?
• Is there a part-time option?
• How is the programme delivered?
• Are there opportunities to specialise in a particular area of educational psychology?
• What are the fees for the programme?
• Is the programme funded?
• How do I apply?
• Will there be an annual intake?
• What are the job prospects?
• How many candidates do you accept onto the programme?
• Who is the best person to speak to about the programme?

University of Limerick

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Overview:

University of Limerick (UL) is a public research university located in Limerick, Ireland. It is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and commitment to research and innovation. UL is ranked among the top 3% of universities worldwide and is a leading institution in Ireland for its contributions to research, teaching, and community engagement.

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Services Offered:

UL offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Library:

The Glucksman Library provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.

Student Gateway:

This online portal provides access to student information, course materials, and other important resources.

Accommodation:

On-campus accommodation options are available for students, with a variety of choices to suit different needs and budgets.

Cafés and Restaurants:

The campus has a variety of dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and a student-run Coop.

Sports Facilities:

UL Sport offers a wide range of sports facilities and activities for students, including a state-of-the-art sports arena.

Student Support Services:

The university provides a range of support services to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UL offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, with a strong emphasis on student engagement and community involvement. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, both on and off campus. The university also has a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility, with initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness and community engagement.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Programs:

UL offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, with a focus on research and innovation.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience, with a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities and social events.

Research Excellence:

UL is a leading research institution in Ireland, with a strong focus on innovation and collaboration.

International Focus:

The university has a strong international focus, with a diverse student body and a commitment to global engagement.

Location:

UL is located in Limerick, a vibrant city with a rich history and culture.

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Academic Programs:

UL offers a wide range of academic programs across seven faculties:

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences:

This faculty offers programs in areas such as history, law, modern languages, politics, English, Irish, and sociology.

Education and Health Sciences:

This faculty offers programs in areas such as physical education, psychology, medicine, education, nursing, and allied health.

Kemmy Business School:

This faculty offers programs in areas such as accounting, finance, economics, management, and marketing.

Science and Engineering:

This faculty offers programs in areas such as computer science, electronic engineering, mathematics, statistics, design, and engineering.

Irish World Academy of Music and Dance:

This academy offers programs in traditional Irish music and dance.

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Other: