Qualification : PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : RESEARCH PH.D. (10)
CAO/MU Apply code : MHW09
CAO Points :
The Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology (D.Ed.Psych.) at Maynooth University is a three-year full-time, postgraduate programme designed to develop highly skilled, ethical, and reflective educational psychologists. Jointly led by the Department of Psychology and the Department of Education, the programme is grounded in Maynooth University's core values, with a strong emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
This innovative programme integrates psychological and educational theory, research, and practice equipping graduates to integrate psychological knowledge effectively in educational settings, enabling them to positively impact children, young people and families.
Over the three years, trainees will develop expertise in the core skills of assessment, intervention, consultation, and research within a variety of educational and service settings. They will gain hands-on experience working with children, young people, families and professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to support the learning, development, and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.
ACCREDITATION
The programme is designed to address two sets of standards relevant to the field of educational psychology. Drawing from its connection to professionals in the field and the research that guides policy, the programme is well positioned to respond to the soon to be released accreditation standards for education and training programmes set by the Health and Care Professional Council (CORÚ), Irelands multi-profession health regulator. Prior to their release, the programme has been designed to ensure that it meets the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) accreditation requirements.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
A shortlist of applications will be developed based on initial entry requirements. Shortlisted candidates who meet eligibility criteria will be invited to an interview. The suitability of applicants will be assessed based on academic qualifications, professional experience, interpersonal and communication skills. Previous research experience and demonstrated potential for doctoral-level research will also be relevant considerations. Additionally, the selection process will evaluate overall suitability for the programme and the references provided. Successful candidates must complete Garda vetting before final acceptance into the course.
FUNDING
Successful applicants will be funded through a bursary scheme. This is currently valued at 40,000 per year to support payment of course fees and living expenses. Graduates of the programme will be guaranteed employment in National Educational Psychological Services (NEPS) for a period of at least three years
Applicants are required to have the following:
A first or upper second-class honours (2.1) degree in psychology or an equivalent qualification in psychology, recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or equivalent, as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership.
The equivalent of two year's relevant full-time experience working in the field of education, psychology or relevant healthcare settings.
Minimum English language requirements: please visit Maynooth UniversityInternational Office websitefor information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU applicants.
National University of Ireland Maynooths TOEFL code is 8850
The D.Ed.Psych. will equip trainees with the necessary competencies to work autonomously and collaboratively in a range of professional roles that are performed by educational psychologists (EPs), across a variety of contexts and with a diversity of student and client groups. Learning will be structured using a spiral curriculum framework, developing core skills and competencies over the three years, marked by increased independence, confidence, professional and ethical practice.
Professional placements are a key component of the programme, providing a minimum of 300 days of practical experience across a range of educational settings, including mainstream schools, alternative learning centres, specialist provision and other service environments.
Programme participants will hone their research skills and conduct an independent research project that makes an original contribution to knowledge. The overall aim of the D.Ed.Psych programme is to enable students to effectively integrate theory, research and practice, becoming highly skilled, ethical and critically reflective professional practitioners.
Particularly distinctive features of the Maynooth Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology include an emphasis on social inclusion, trauma informed services, the use of digital technologies, mental health and the skills of dynamic assessment. We are also the only programme in the State to be run between both departments of education and psychology as equal partners in research, policy and practice.
The programme will open for applications in March 2025.
Online application only. To make an application please click here.
To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:
Academic transcripts pertaining to primary degree¿(and any further degrees, if applicable)
Confirmation of the accreditation of your Psychology degree if completed outside Ireland/UK or is non-standard
A copy of your passport¿
A personal statement
An academic letter of recommendation¿
A professional letter of recommendation¿
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see¿here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.¿
Please note that professional placements are a key component of the Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Maynooth University requires students to be vetted by the National Vetting Bureau before they fully complete their registration for this programme. Please visit the link below to determine what will be expected when the vetting process commences. Advanced preparation of the required information and documentation is recommended.
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-vetting-office/student-vetting