Ed Psych Doctorate as a mature student

[chickencuddles]

Hoping for some advice. I'm turning 44 this year and having been teaching for 20 years, plus a little bit of studying (psychology/trauma) on the side. I think i would like to apply for a Doctorate in educational psychology. I know this is incredibly competitive but I hope my experience is worth something. I just wondered if there was anyone out there who had studied for this recently? Am I too old to be considered for something like this? And what is the training like? Will I be tied to my desk for hours and hours every evening? I work a 0.5 contract now which is a nice balance, and I know this balance will change significantly if i am accepted onto the course. I have 2 teenage boys who are fairly independent but I still do an awful lot of running around for them, plus all the admin associated with being an adult. My husband works long hours but is willing to do what is required to help me, as he knows I am unfulfilled in my teaching role and wants me to do something that will make me happy. Any advice welcome, or application tips. Thank you 😊

Definitely possible! I retrained as an EP in my late thirties. Do you have a BPS accredited degree in Psychology? If not, you’ll need to do the conversion masters first before applying.

Reassuring, thank you! Yes, my psychology degree is accredited. I am worried about the juggle of the 3 year course/parenting! Also getting on is the first massive hurdle. How did you find it all?

I've just finished my conversion course and hoping to apply next September. I'll have just turned 41 with a 6 and a 3yr old! I've said I'll apply for 3 years then that will be it (and I'll be stuck in teaching forever!). My biggest worry is the closest options are all a 90 minute commute and moving house is not an option

I finished my doctorate last year and am in my 40s- about a third of my cohort were a similar age. It’s a big commitment but I found it wasn’t as bad as teaching, there is a lot more focus on looking after yourself and the key is to work out what HAS to be done and what is a ‘nice to have/do’.

Your children sound like a good age, you can study together! It’s also quite a flexible job once you get past the first year so you can generally commit to running around after them in the evening. A lot depends on which university you get into and how far that is from you. Check where their placements are too as they can be quite widespread geographically.

That’s a great start! Getting on the course is probably the hardest part but someone has to get a place. It’s worth a shot! I told myself that I would try for three years in a row and got a place on my second attempt.
My experience with the training was good and I was able to balance parenting my 2 DDs. There were very busy moments where I was tied to my desk but manageable. Ultimately, I love my job (despite the wider difficulties) and figured life logistics as needed! It’s not forever and once qualified, there’s typically lots of autonomy.

This is reassuring, thanks both! I think knowing i am 45 next year has set off a now or never alarm for me. I don't know how to make myself more competitive in the application process. I've suddenly become obsessed with 'this is now my life plan' and I am unwilling to deviate 😅I am applying to London universities, ideally UCL as I am based in Surrey. I wish there was a part time option. And there are so few spaces!

Every university will be different but all will be looking for reflections and use of psychology. Try to avoid listing experience but also highlight how you applied psychology/underlying theory, reflections etc. Good luck!

Thank you. I think I do a lot of this instinctively after so many years teaching, but I need to be able to articulate this more I suppose.

I'm going to go against the grain here. I did a Clin Psych doctorate and honestly, it was so much more difficult than I expected - I'm not saying it wasn't worth it but I'd think very carefully about what you are able to juggle! x

Oh no! How comparable do you think they are? Do you mean difficult logistically or academically? I've looked at the structure of the Ed Psych Doctorate and it looks 'manageable' in some senses, because it seems very structured. But also I work part time now so full time will be a killer.

Hi following with interest on this. Would be good to connect. I have applied before and was unsuccessful. I think the statistics for older applicants to be successful are pretty low. I wonder if anyone would look at my application please. Previously colleague said it was excellent. It was quite demoralising