Educational Psychology MSc

There are 5 compulsory academic modules:

• Introduction to Educational Psychology Practice
• Educational Psychology Practice in the Early Years
• Educational Psychology Practice in the Primary Years

• Educational Psychology Practice in Secondary and Post-School Years
• Advanced Educational Psychology Practice

These modules are designed to facilitate exploration of the following curricular areas in a holistic and integrated manner: child and adolescent development; assessment and intervention - individual and systemic; contexts and systems in which children and young people develop and learn; research and evaluation methods; and transferable interpersonal and professional skills.

There are also 2 compulsory placement modules, undertaken in local authority Psychological Services, one in Year 1 and the other in Year 2.

The course begins with a university based 5 week block induction period followed by a block placement, in a local authority psychological service, of two weeks. Thereafter, the normal pattern of attendance is two days on placement; two days of university-based teaching; and one day for independent study and collaborative work. There are additional periods of block placement and independent study weeks.

• Learning experiences in the university are closely linked with those from a series of practical placements in local authority psychological services.
• Active and self-managed learning methods are emphasised.
• The curriculum is delivered through a range of traditional teaching and learning sessions, practical tasks, role play, video analysis and feedback, peer tutoring and assessment, demonstration and other forms of experiential learning. The utilisation of problem based learning provides an integrated model of teaching and learning.

There are no traditional written examinations. All assessment is continuous by written academic reports and assignments, oral presentations, a major research thesis, a placement file documenting planning, activities and reflection in both placements, observation and rating by supervisors of performance while on placement as well as an interview with the external examiner (for a sample of students). You will be assessed against the core competencies as articulated in the British Psychological Society (2017) Standards for the Accreditation of Doctoral Programmes in Educational Psychology in Scotland.