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Educational Psychology

What do Educational Psychologists do? How do I become one? What is relevant experience and how do I get it? How much will I get paid? Where are jobs advertised? What if I'm a mature student? What to do with a 2:2? Where do I find out more?

What do Educational Psychologists do?

Educational psychologists tackle the problems encountered by young people in education, which may involve learning difficulties and social or emotional problems. They carry out a wide range of tasks with the aim of enhancing children's learning and enabling teachers to become more aware of the social factors affecting teaching and learning. Reports may be written about children for allocation of special educational places, or as part of court proceedings or children's panels.

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.
  

What is relevant work experience and how do I get it?

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. For up to date salary information please contact The Association of Educational Psychologistsor the National Union of Teachers (Soulbury).

Where are jobs advertised?

• In Psychologist Appointments, which is part of The Psychologist, the Society's monthly publication.
  
• In the National Press, e.g. The Times, The Guardian, The Independent
  
• In specialist publications such as from the DfES ( http://www.teachernet.gov.uk ).
  
• In the Association of Educational Psychologists mailings
  

What if I'm a mature student?

Mature students often ask us if their age will prevent them from succeeding in a psychology career. You can find out more information under the Change of Career section of the website.

What to do with a 2:2?

Admissions tutors will not normally accept graduates with a 2:2 unless they have achieved some higher qualification as well. Courses are looking for evidence that you have demonstrated academic and research ability of a level commensurate with doctoral level study. Usually this means an MSc/MPhil in which the candidate has successfully completed an applied research project, preferably in a educational-related area. Please contact the courses directly for more specific information on their entry criteria.

Where do I find out more?

• The Children's Workforce Development Council: gives information about the application process, funding for the training and courses in educational psychology.
  
• SMG: the Students Members Group of the BPS. A networking group for undergraduates in psychology. The website has very useful interviews with psychologists on various career paths.
  
• DECP: the Division of Educational and Child Psychology of the BPS. Access to publications, conferences, and special interest groups and chat rooms with membership.
  
• Association for Educational Psychologists : the trade union for Educational psychologists. Can give information about salaries and working conditions.
  
• Contact us: request form for further specific information.