Program Overview

Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology

Overview

The DECAP programme is the only professional training course in Educational Psychology in Northern Ireland. It is a three-year full-time course leading to a professional qualification in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology. The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for Chartered Status and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of training educational psychologists.

Subject Summary

This Professional Doctorate is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accredited by the British Psychological Society to train Educational Psychologists. Students attend university throughout all three years of the programme and are encouraged to develop close links with tutors.

Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology Highlights

Student Experience

• DECAP is an eclectic programme which focuses on the application of psychology to the various psychological problems which children and young people encounter during their development.
• It draws on the discipline of child psychology in particular but also on a wide variety of other psychological approaches.
• There is a focus throughout on the relationship between research, theory and practice, and in particular on evidence-based approaches.
• There is an emphasis on making a difference in child, family, peer, educational or community settings.
• Respecting and celebrating equity, diversity, and inclusion are also at the core of what we do.

Intermodular Teaching Programme

• The Intermodular Teaching Programme is a distinctive feature of DECAP, aiming to introduce core professional skills incrementally and link the academic and placement components of the DECAP programme.
• All elements of the curriculum are introduced in Year 1 through five modules (Learning and Development, Barriers to Learning/Vulnerable groups, Assessment and Intervention, Research and Inquiry and Professional Issues).
• Three elements (Barriers to Learning/Vulnerable groups, Assessment and Intervention, Research and Inquiry) are then deepened, integrated and supported by additional practice/experience in Years 2 and 3.
• Additionally, three pillars (Communication, Systemic Thinking, and Consultation and Problem Solving) permeate and infuse all modules in the curriculum.

Innovative Teaching

• The course provides innovative teaching in intervention work across the three years, in the following areas: Video Interaction Guidance (VIG), Dynamic Assessment (DA), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), The Incredible Years Parenting Programme, and Family Systemic Therapy.

Placements

• Students complete 300 days on placement across the three years, most of which takes place within the Education Authority NI.
• The DECAP programme also offers multi-agency elective placements across diverse community services.
• These placements offer an alternative context to apply a range of evidence-based and holistic psychological and consultation practices and intervention within a community and multi-agency context.

Key Facts

• The DECAP programme is funded by the Department of Education.
• Successful applicants may be offered training bursaries which carry a commitment to apply for educational psychology posts within the Education Authority (EA) in Northern Ireland and, having obtained a post, to work as an educational psychologist in the EA psychology service for a minimum period of three years.

Career Prospects

• The Programme confers a qualification which enables the holder to professionally register with the HCPC as an Educational Psychologist to work anywhere within the UK and in those countries which recognise UK qualifications.
• The DECAP Programme is the only educational psychology training programme in Northern Ireland and almost all of the appointments of EPs to the EA EPS are recruited from the programme.
• Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

People Teaching You

• Alison Jeffrey
• Programme Administrator
• School of Psychology

Course Structure

• The course is structured in accordance with the BPS Standards for Accreditation of Doctoral Programmes in Educational Psychology.

Assessment

• Coursework: Essays and Portfolio Submissions

Learning and Teaching

• The course provides innovative teaching in intervention work across the three years.

Entrance Requirements

• Graduate
  • Applicants must have a 2.1 Honours degree in Psychology, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
  • Applicants who have obtained a Psychology qualification by graduate study may be considered if evidence of study in Psychology at 2.1 standard is provided.
  • The qualification must be such that the applicant is, or will be, eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS) by the application closing date.
  • Prospective candidates are expected to have pre-entry experience (see DECAP website; entrance to this course is competitive).
  • Applicants with international qualifications, or where GBC is uncertain, should seek confirmation of their status from the BPS by the time of interview, i.e. by February 2025.
  • Closing date for September 2025 entry is Friday 10 January 2025 at 4.00 pm.

International Students

• For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
• (*Taken within the last 2 years).

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) | £7,300
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) | £7,300
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | £9,250
• EU Other | £25,800
• International | £25,800

Additional Course Costs

• Depending on the area of research chosen there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees.

Funding and Scholarships

• The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.