Course Summary
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. This course will equip applicants with the necessary competencies to work in a range of autonomous and collaborative professional roles that are performed by educational psychologists (EPs) in a variety of contexts and with a range of client groups. The overall aim of the DECPSY programme is to enable students to effectively integrate theory and practice and become skilled and accountable professional practitioners.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will have a minimum upper second class honours (2.1) degree in psychology or an equivalent qualification in psychology (e.g. HDip Psychology Conversion), recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland or equivalent, as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership.
AND
2. Experiential Component
An equivalent of two year's relevant full-time experience working in the field of education, psychology or healthcare settings (Psychological Society of Ireland, 2022).
3. Interview
Short-listing of applicants for interview normally occurs. Applicants will be shortlisted on the basis of requirements 1 and 2 above. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview and to complete a group task on the same date. The selection panel will include members of the DECPsy team and where feasible, external stakeholder representatives. In judging applicants’ suitability, account will be taken of academic qualifications, professional and research experience, interpersonal skills and communication skills in addition to the quality of references provided. The selection panel will pay particular attention to the personal suitability of applicants to work with clients of all ages and with clients from diverse social, cultural and linguistic backgrounds. (PSI, 2022, p.17).
4. Garda Vetting
Successful applicants will be Garda vetted prior to final acceptance on to the course.
For English Language Requirements go to https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/essential-information/english-language-requirements
Application Details
How to Apply
Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology (DECPsy) Application Process 2024/2025
Applications for the Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology (DECPsy) are now open.
To apply, please complete all the steps below:
Download the application form from our website.
Complete the application form and insert a photo (if you cannot add the photograph to the application form, attach a photo to your email)
You will be required to send your university transcripts, (and include details of 2 referees on your application form).
In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee here using Stripe, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to [email protected].
Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 26th January 2024.
Please Note: This programme is not open to applications from non-EU countries. Application fees are non-refundable due to applicant ineligibility. See International programme listing at https://www.mic.ul.ie/international/study-in-ireland/postgraduate
Applications for the Professional Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology (DECPsy) are now open.
Fees
Applications for September 2023 entry are now open.
Closing date for receipt of completed applications for September 2023 intake has been extended to 5pm, Friday 31st March 2023.
Please Note: This programme is not open to applications from non-EU countries. Application fees are non-refundable due to applicant ineligibility. See International programme listing on our website.
Complete all the steps below:
1. Download and complete the application form.
2. The application form can then be completed and a photo inserted.
3. You will be required to send your university transcripts, (and details of 2 referees on application form).
4. In the case of non-native English speakers, a copy of IETLS (or equivalent) is required.
Please pay the non-refundable €50 application fee using Stripe, and return the completed application and transcripts by email: to [email protected].
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
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.
Graduates will be eligible to apply for Chartered Members of the Psychological Society of Ireland and for full membership of the Division of Educational Psychology.