Program Overview

Doctor of Psychology in the field of Educational Psychology

Overview

Educational Psychology is a scientific discipline within psychology. It applies psychological theories and research findings about human behaviour, affect, cognition, development, and personality to educational settings. Educational psychologists are practitioners who generate scientific knowledge and theory relevant to education and psychology. They are also practitioners whose services range from remediation to prevention, case work to systems work, and direct services to indirect services. They help teachers design curricula, improve teaching methods, and motivate students to learn. They also help students and their parents cope with various changes and difficulties in the course of learning and development. Most importantly, they work for the betterment of the micro and macro systems in which students grow up.

The Department of Psychology of HKU offers three postgraduate programmes in educational psychology, including the Master of Social Sciences in the field of Educational Psychology, the Doctor of Psychology in the field of Educational Psychology, and the PhD with a specialization in Educational Psychology. All these programmes adopt a scientist-practitioner model with the aim of preparing educational psychologists who are strong in both research and practice.

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in the field of Educational Psychology Programme, established in 2008, is the only one-of-its kind offered in Hong Kong. Its primary aim is to provide further specialized training for experienced educational psychologists who hold a recognized MSocSc degree in Educational Psychology or equivalent to develop specialties in educational research and practices.

Structure & Syllabus

The Doctor of Psychology in the field of Educational Psychology programme emphasizes a scientist-practitioner model of education. In consequence, holders of this degree shall be equipped to function competently as professional educational psychologists in the areas of research, tertiary-level teaching, and professional services.

The curriculum shall extend over a minimum of twenty-four months of full-time study or thirty-six months of part-time study. A candidate shall complete satisfactorily the required courses and a thesis as set out below. The courses cover theoretical and applied aspects of educational psychology. Students may apply for exemption from courses, approval of which is granted only on an individual basis by the Programme Director and Head of Department for submission to Higher Social Sciences Degree Committee and Faculty Board for approval.

Doctoral candidates should attend all courses in List A and at least 1 course in List B:

• List A
  • PSYC6021: Supervised reading in specialty of educational psychology
  • PSYC6010: Conceptual and methodological issues in psychological research I
  • PSYC6011: Conceptual and methodological issues in psychological research II
  • PSYC6022: Thesis
  • PSYC6023: Practical training in specialty of educational psychology
  • PSYC6029: Clinical seminars
  • GRSC6101: Responsible conduct of research
  • GRSC6102: Stream-based responsible conduct of research
• List B
  • PSYC6024: Research methods in applied educational psychology
  • PSYC8008: Motivation and learning
  • PSYC6004: Curriculum and instruction
  • PSYC8007: Applied developmental psychology
  • PSYC6025: Postgraduate seminar in scientific writing for psychology
  • PSYC7021: Postgraduate seminar in cognitive psychology
  • PSYC7022: Postgraduate seminar in social psychology
  • PSYC7023: Postgraduate seminar in developmental psychology

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the programme, a candidate shall satisfy both the University admission requirement and the programme specific requirements as listed below:

• shall comply with the General Regulations;
• shall hold a Master of Social Sciences in Educational Psychology degree of this University, as appropriate; or a qualification of equivalent standard from this University or another comparable institution accepted for this purpose;
• for a candidate who is seeking admission on the basis of a qualification from a university or comparable institution outside Hong Kong of which the language of teaching and/or examination is not English, shall satisfy the University English language requirement applicable to high degrees as prescribed under the General Regulation G2(b);
• shall satisfy the examiners in a qualifying examination if required; and
• preferably shall have working experience in the field of Educational Psychology, as appropriate.
• shall be eligible for membership in the Hong Kong Psychological Society, Division of Educational Psychology.

An application for exemption from the above requirements shall be considered on a case by case basis.

Study Mode and Schedule

The curriculum shall extend over two academic years of full-time study or three academic years of part-time study.

Tuition Fee

• Full-time: HK$184,350 p.a.
• Part-time: HK$122,900 p.a.

Admissions

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in the field of Educational Psychology programme admits students every year.

Applications shall be made online. Applicants are reminded to read carefully the Additional Information, Regulations and Syllabuses and Supporting Documents before submitting the application.

Applications are now invited for admission in September 2025. The closing date is 12:00 noon (GMT +8), 30 May 2025. All applicants will be notified of the application results by July 31, 2025 at the latest.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am a final year student of Master of Social Science in Counseling. I have completed my honours bachelor degree majoring in Psychology few years ago, am I eligible to apply for the Doctor of Psychology in Educational Psychology programme at your department?

No, the entry requirement of Doctor of Psychology in Educational Psychology requires a recognized master degree in educational psychology with professional training (i.e. with practicum).

2. Where can I obtain certified true copies of my transcripts and graduation certificates?

Applicants can have their documents duly declared as true copies before a notary public.

Programme and Professional-Related Enquiries

The Doctor of Psychology in the field of Educational Psychology programme is designed to provide advanced training in educational psychology, with a focus on research and practice. The programme is suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in educational psychology, or for those who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in this field.

The programme covers a range of topics, including research methods, statistical analysis, and professional practice. Students will also have the opportunity to undertake a research project, under the supervision of a qualified academic staff member.

The programme is accredited by the Hong Kong Psychological Society, and graduates will be eligible for membership in the Division of Educational Psychology.

Admission

• Undergraduate
• Taught Postgraduate
  • Doctor of Psychology in the field of Clinical Psychology
  • Doctor of Psychology in the field of Educational Psychology
  • Master of Social Sciences in the field of Clinical Psychology
  • Master of Social Sciences in the field of Educational Psychology
  • Master of Social Sciences in the field of Psychology
• Research Postgraduate
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) & Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  • PhD with a Specialization in Clinical Psychology
  • PhD with a Specialization in Educational Psychology
  • PhD in the field of Clinical Psychological Sciences
• Programme Booklet