Has anyone done an Educational Psychology PhD?

[HelpfulBelle]

I've been a teacher for 16 years and have accepted an offer to do a part time online Psychology MSc conversion from September with a view to applying to do the EP PhD at one of the participating universities in a couple of years.

The problem is, the nearest participating uni is quite a long commute. Will the university be able/willing to find placements in local authorities closer to (my) home? Or do we find our own placements? How often do we need to attend uni, or is the course content moving online, post-Covid?

Thanks if you've got this far!

I think what you’re referring to is the professional doctorate, which is not a PhD. But yes, I have been accepted into one for Sep 2021 so can try and answer some of your questions.
Re my first point, a phd is a research based degree. It doesn’t have placements, you’re independently contributing to the research field. A professional doctorate has teaching and placements (as well as a thesis) so different set up. It is considered important to know the difference when applying.
Re your first question I cannot comment definitively as every uni does things differently in terms of placement and you would have to enquire with them directly what their policy is. Eg. Some make you do them in place where uni is. Others are part of consortiums. Generally, if you’re on a funded place, the placements are arranged by unis.
Nobody really knows what’s happening re covid. Many unis have had teaching online this year but as restrictions change it’s likely to move towards a mix of online and in person. Many universities have information available on their website about course set up and this is a good place for you to start. As is the AEP website.
One particular uni also doesn’t count any experience prior to achieving your Bps accredited psychology degree. So this is worth considering/checking with the uni you are interested in what their policy is.
If you are on Facebook, there a Facebook group for prospective applicants which has a lot of support and advice. If you search educational psychology doctorate applicants it comes up :)

Hi @gracefull thanks so much. Apologies for getting the terminology wrong, I didn't realise there was a difference between PhD and professional doctorate.

How bizarre that one course doesn't count teaching experience prior to MSc conversion! Which uni is that? Some people will only have a year's experience in a school versus my 16 years!!

I've left Facebook so I won't be able to join any discussion pages.