Educational Psychology

Hi,
I'm hoping to do the Doctorate in Ed Psych after my ug degree but I'm confused about the change to the course (it was an MSc and is now a 3yr Doc). Does anyone know whether final year undergrads can apply for the doctorate or whether GBR needs to be gained (ie. graduation) before applying?

Also I'm worried about work experience, does anyone know whether LEA's offer shadowing etc just so I can get a taste for the job before finding longer educational experience?

Any help is very much appreciated :smile:

Reply 1

The Boosh

Hi Kate!

I know a little because I looked at doing it myself. You can apply as an undergrad, but i think for UCL (and I assume other places) you need to show 18-24 months worth of work with children, preferably in an educational or clinical setting. I suppose this is difficult for most undergrads if they havent worked full time before. It can be paid or voluntary work I believe.

Check out the following link - its informative and spells out the requirements. Since the programme is in its first year ever its hard to say for sure what you need and I think UCL acknowledge that this is the criteria 'for the time being'.

Why educational rather than clinical psychology?

Hope this helps! :smile:

http://www.psychol.ucl.ac.uk/edpsych/decpsy/decpsy_unit.htm

:smile:

Reply 2

Kate85

Hey

Thanks a lot for that link, it was really helpful!

It's hard to get your head around some of the entry requirements because they vary and some of the wording makes it difficult, ie. "GBR must be achieved" made me wonder whether they meant application only after graduation :confused:

I did look into clinical and sent off for the application pack for information but as much as I like mental health issues I don't really think it's for me. As for educational, I want to work with children (did consider teaching too :smile:

) and I had some dealing with educational psychologists during my school years and so really want to help children get a good education, I believe education is the greatest thing and that everyone should have the chance of it so it seems the best job for me!

Sorry for the essay and thanks for the link! :biggrin:

Reply 3

The Boosh

I think you will be fine applying as an undergrad as long as you achieve gbr before you start and have actually worked with kids! Can i ask where you would like to study? The BPS has a list of institutes currently offering the new doctorate. UCL would be my top choice simply because its UCL and there psychology dept. is great. I too considered clinical, partly because I didnt like the role of ed psychs. but i think thats going to change with the new doctorate (not sure why - just a hunch...).

Reply 4

Kate85

I'm considering applying to Southampton, only because I live on the south coast and it's close enough that I won't have to move :biggrin:

But looking at the UCL site has made me question my choice, I suppose London isn't too far away from where I am now really :smile:

If you don't mind me asking, what makes/made you not like the role of ed psych? :smile:

I have a feeling it's going to change too though, mainly because it will be more specialised than an MSc and because hopefully the doctorate will mean that ed psych will become a more clinical-led career (if that makes sense!)

Reply 5

The Boosh

hi kate. ed psychs mainly assess children and give "statements of need" - a document which gives the child a certain amount of funding from the government for a learning support assistant or perhaps some extra equipment. They can offer advice too, but since they dont spend long enough with the child and dont really know what they are talking about the advice is usually a bit pants. Many people i know (including me) have had bad experiences with them. I think the problem was that they were only educated at MSc level - with 2 years minimum teaching experience and so they often come across as being a bit usless. Also, they are not a patch on experienced SEN teachers/lecturers/SENCOs when it comes to giving advice (unless they have that experience themselves - which many dont!). I know a couple of clinical psychs who also question the role of the ed psychs too. Doing a PhD in special education and having been lectured by, studied beside or talked to Ed psychs im always amazed at how narrow their understandings are. But, hopefully, with the DEdPsych in place the profession might start becoming a bit more useful beyond merely handing out diagnosis and forms giving a child a right to a helper for a few hours a week.

Dont let me put you off though lol :smile:

we both can see the change thats happening.

Reply 6

Nel48

The Boosh

You can apply as an undergrad, but i think for UCL (and I assume other places) you need to show 18-24 months worth of work with children, preferably in an educational or clinical setting.

Would work experience include teaching abroad on a year out in another country for a year along with some work maybe as a teaching assisstant in a British school?

Thanks

Reply 7

The Boosh

yeah i dont see why not - as long as you are in contact with kids!!! either educational or clinical/psychological contact is suggested

Reply 8

santogold

I would advise against working abroad, but rather as a TA in the country. If you wanna work/study in the UK, it is best to get your experience there.

Reply 9

The Boosh

Whoever sent me a message telling me that I shouldn’t offer poor advice is a complete fool. The information I gave was emailed to me personally from universities. Next time just write the message on the public board and try starting your sentences with "I have heard something different...", that way we ALL get to read your wisdom, turning it into a useful comment rather than a snidey, worthless effort.