DEdPsych Educational Child and Community Psychology
"The different key stage placements really helped me understand the system and I enjoyed the opportunity to work with different kinds of children"
"I really enjoyed the opportunity for reflection on my learning"
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"The tutors are really supportive in making you the best psychologist you can be"
This three-year full-time programme of advanced professional training in educational psychology is recognised and accredited by the British Psychological Society and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council.
As a trainee you will be placed with Educational Psychological Services and other placement providers for supervised practical experience.
All applications for the DEdPsych are processed by the Association of Educational Psychologists (AEP). If you are UK resident you may be eligible to apply for a funded place.
What makes us unique
Our uniqueness can be summed up by our motto 'Be the best applied psychologist you can be'.
This has many levels of meaning but the most important aspect is that professional development must go hand in hand with personal development.
Trainee EPs receive input on therapeutic and systemic interventions including Video Interaction Guidance and Soft Systems Methodologies.
Dynamic assessment and standardised assessments techniques are taught throughout Year 1. TEPs visit local schools to develop their skills in dynamic assessment tools.
Trainee work in pairs and visit a typically developing infant once a month over the course of Year 1. This results in a piece of writing to reflect their learning about the experiences of early childhood. Example shown.
The tutors each have their own research and professional interests and you can search their publications to find out more. The interests within the team include; Optimism, School Belonging, Video Interaction Guidance, Autism Spectrum Conditions, Special Educational Needs and Inclusion, Literacy, Domestic Violence, Special Guardianship. The team have supervised the research of trainees across a range of topics.
On the course and on placement trainees learn about specific approaches to working with teachers including:
- Consultation and joint problem solving
- PATH (planning an alternative tomorrow with hope)
- Lesson Study
Becoming a reflective practitioner is a crucial element of the course here in Exeter. TEPs develop these skills through the following sessions:
- Reflective Practitioner in Action
- Critical Reflection on Portfolio assignments
- Video reflection on consultation skills
- Group work
The tutor team work with local psychology services, professionals in related fields to provide learning and sharing events for trainees and qualified educational psychologists in the south west of England. This includes:
- The South West Educational Psychology Conference
- Share learning days at the university
- Sessions from visiting speakers
- Workshops and talks at regional events
