Course Code
Zone
Attendance
Full time

Course Summary

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.

College Link

Queens University Belfast
College Link > - Educational Child & Adolescent Psychology - Research

Colleges often have information about the course on their own website, along with other useful information relating to the college. (Note: Not always available)

Career Sectors

This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.

Entry Requirements

Graduate
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 2026. Closing date for September 2026 entry is Friday 9 January 2026 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/
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/psy/Study/PostgraduateTaughtCourses/DECAP/

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Application Details

Closing date for September 2026 entry is Friday 9 January 2026 at 4.00 pm. Applications are submitted electronically via the DECAP, School of Psychology website:

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

The Student

Career Interests

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.


Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.


Career Progression

The Programme confers a qualification which enables the holder to professionally register with the HCPC as an Educational Psychologist to work anywhere within the UK and in those countries which recognise UK qualifications. The DECAP Programme is the only educational psychology training programme in Northern Ireland and almost all of the appointments of EPs to the EA EPS are recruited from the programme. Successful applicants will be funded by Department of Education provided they undertake to work anywhere in the Northern Ireland Educational Psychology Services, in accordance with the staffing needs as determined by the Education Authority, for three years following qualification, subject to the availability of EP posts. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Duration

Three years full time.

College Profile

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