The School of Applied and Community Health Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law has launched a new degree that aims to provide more strategic, research-based training for educational psychologists (EPs).
The Doctor of Educational Psychology (DEdPsy) programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society and serves as the entry qualification for professional practice and employment in educational psychology.
The programme is designed to prepare EPs for the demands that are likely to be made on them as professionals, to equip them with advanced research skills and enable them to contribute to policy formulation.
The degree has been established at an exciting time of transition and opportunity within the profession of educational psychology. A recent government review on the role of EPs highlighted the value of their contribution to children’s well-being in school and in the community through their work with other agencies. The report acknowledges that EPs’ academic background and training in psychology are important factors that enable them to offer a distinctive contribution. In addition, there is currently a nationwide shortage of EPs, a situation the programme hopes to help ameliorate.
The programme has been welcomed by the region’s eight local authorities, which have all offered their support in terms of fieldwork supervision, professional tutoring and placements.
Programme director, John Franey of the Graduate School of Education, said: ‘The programme is the result of close collaboration among colleagues in the department. It will make a significant difference to vulnerable children, families and schools in the future.' Heather Tomlinson, Director of Children and Young People’s Services at Bristol City Council, added: ‘At a time when local authorities are facing considerable challenges, I welcome the enhanced training opportunities for educational psychologists. Their contribution to the lives of children is very important.’
For more information, contact Maggi Walton, Programme Administrator, email mhmyw@bristol.ac.uk, or John Franey, email john.franey@bristol.ac.uk.