after a psychology degree minimum 2:1Hons then a D.Ed.Psych it is very competitive to obtain a place. but very satisfying i would imagine
do you have a psychology degree?or studying for one?
Local education authorities employ the majority of educational psychologists, working in schools, colleges, nurseries and special units, primarily with teachers and parents. They regularly liase with other professionals from the departments of education, health and social services. A growing number work as independent or private consultants.
The work of an educational psychologist can either be directly with a child (assessing progress, giving counselling) or indirectly (through their work with parents, teachers and other professionals). Direct work involves some form of assessment to uncover the problem through consultation with professional colleagues, observation, interview, or use of test materials. Interventions might plan learning programmes and collaborative work with a teacher. Recommendations are then made to determine the most appropriate education provision for children experiencing educational difficulties. Indirect work requires consultation and careful discussion, as the psychologist's contribution needs to be seen as relevant to people who know little about psychology.
In their role within a local authority, educational psychologists are often called upon to advise or join working/consultation groups on issues concerned with organisation and policy planning. With their research background they are in an ideal and often unique position within the education authority to plan and carry out research activities.
How do I become one?
- You will need to be eligible for the Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR).
- You will then go on to a three year, full time, professional training course leading to a Doctorate in Educational Psychology. This training will comprise academic and practical experience.
This training route changed in 2006. View the Division of Educational and Child Psychology site and an update on the training of educational psychologists for more information.
- The Children's Workforce Development Council process applications for the courses and for funding. Please contact them for further information on applying.
The postgraduate training route for Educational Psychologists in Scotland involves:
- An MSc in Educational Psychology (2 years full time)
- One year supervised practice.
Examples of settings in which relevant experience is likely to be gained include work as: a teacher, a graduate assistant in an Educational Psychology Service, a Learning Support Assistant, an Educational Social Worker, a Learning Mentor, a Speech and Language Therapist, a Care Worker, a worker in early years settings.
Voluntary experience of various kinds may assist applicants in demonstrating a breadth of relevant experience. Whatever kind of work has been done, courses will be primarily interested in what applicants have learnt from their experiences that is relevant to work as an educational psychologist, and how they have been able to apply the knowledge of psychology gained through first degrees.
How much will I get paid?
In England and Wales, pay and conditions are negotiated with Local Government Employers (Soulbury Committee) by four trade Unions: the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP), the Association of Professionals in Education and Children?s Trusts (Aspect), the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Association of Youth and Community Education Officers (NAYCEO). In Northern Ireland they are employed by the province's five Education and Library Boards and salaries are also negotiated within the Soulbury Committee.
Structured Professional Assessments (SPA) have been introduced to recognise the contributions of the Soulbury paid officers. These operate locally but according to agreed national criteria.
The current pay scales are as follows:
- Assistant Educational Psychologists: £25,200 - £28,281
- Scale A Educational Psychologist: £30,546 - £40,111 (up to £46,218 SPA)
- Scale B Senior or Principal Educational Psychologists: £40,011 - £54,486 (up to £58,710 SPA)
These figures apply from 01/09/06.