Educational Psychology - Research

The Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology will prepare students to work as educational psychologists. It involves taught components, extensive professional placement experience and the conducting of research at doctoral level. The research will involve the completion of a 30,000 word thesis. The course is being offered full-time over three years. Some modules will be delivered online and there will also be online tutorial support. This course is being offered at Level 10 within the National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ) and will carry a total of 270 Credits. As a professional training course, application will be made to the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) for accreditation when it has commenced.



While it is anticipated that there will be continued HSE/DE funding for the September 2024 intake the number of places have not been confirmed.

Module Components Of Professional Doctorate In Educational Psychology



Year One Full-time



Inclusion and Equality in Education

Child Development Theory Applied to Practice

Educational Psychology Practice 1

Psychological Theories and Interventions

Educational Psychology Practice 2

Research Methods



Year Two Full-time



Educational Psychology Practice 3

Educational Psychology Practice 4

Advanced Research Methods Qualitative and Quantitative

Research Thesis Preparation



Year Three Full-time



Educational Psychology Practice 5

Research Thesis Preparation and Submission

The Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology Course is open to graduates who, prior to application, hold a first or second class honours (minimum 2.1) degree in Psychology or a qualification in Psychology that is deemed to be equivalent, and who meet the requirements for Graduate Basis for Registration with the Psychological Society of Ireland or equivalent. An applicant cannot be considered for entry to the course unless the results of his or her Psychology degree/diploma are confirmed and available. Applicants must also have at least two years of professional experience, excluding placement experience gained as part of acquiring professional qualifications. Periods of continuous professional experience of less than three months full-time employment will not be considered as counting towards these two years minimum requirement.



Applicants will be shortlisted for interview. In judging applicants’ suitability, an account will be taken of academic qualifications, professional experience and interpersonal skills, as well as communication and presentation skills. Previous research experience and perceived potential to conduct research at the doctoral level will also be important factors. Consideration of overall personal suitability for the role of educational psychologist and the quality of references are also integral elements of the selection process. All applicants will be required to submit a Research Proposal as part of the application process - guidelines available at Link Here. Please note that the research proposal must be submitted as part of the online application process and must be submitted by the application deadline.



Successful applicants will have to go through a Garda clearance procedure prior to final acceptance on to the course. Professional conduct on the course is governed at all times by the Code of Ethics of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI).

W334: 3 years full-time.