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Queen's University Belfast: Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP)
| Institution | Queen's University Belfast View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Psychology |
| Web | https://www.qub.ac.uk |
| askeps@qub.ac.uk | |
| Study type | Research |
Doctoral Programme
Summary
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. The programme is structured in accordance with the BPS Standards for Accreditation of Doctoral Programmes in Educational Psychology (https://cms.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-12/Educational%20Psychology%20Handbook%20-%20Standards%20for%20Accreditation.pdf).
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 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. Applications are submitted electronically via the DECAP, School of Psychology website: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/psy/Study/PostgraduateTaughtCourses/DECAP/ |
Fees
| Northern Ireland | 7300 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Republic of Ireland | 7300 GBP for Year 1 |
| England | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 9250 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 25800 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 25800 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
The DECAP programme 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.
The DECAP programme is funded by the Department of Education. Successful applicants may be offered training bursaries which carry a binding commitment to apply for educational psychology posts within the Education Authority 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.
The DECAP programme is a training course for EPs in the UK. The three-year funding model makes it possible for students/trainees to retain close links with the programme's tutors and to attend the university throughout all three years of the programme.
Amongst the benefits of this model of funding and course design is the capacity to provide not only close supervision, including research supervision, but also an Intermodular Teaching Programme which includes foundation training (and, in several aspects, qualifications) in:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Dynamic Assessment
Family Systemic Therapy
Incredible Years Parenting Programme
Video Interaction Guidance
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 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 2022. Closing date for September 2022 entry is Friday 7 January 2022 at 4.00 pm. Please apply directly to the School of Psychology. |
About
Founded in 1845 as Queen's College Belfast, one of three Queen's Colleges in Ireland, it became an independent university in 1908 and is the ninth oldest university in the UK. Today, Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group, combining excellence in research and education with a student-centred ethos.
Queen’s is ranked 24th in the UK for Research Power (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education) with over 88% of research submitted by Queen’s has been assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent Power (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education). Northern Ireland has been named the safest region in the UK (UK …
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