Post-Qualification Doctorate in Educational Psychology

With effect from September 2006 those training in England, Northern Ireland and Wales to become educational psychologists are now awarded a doctoral qualification on successful completion of their training. Cardiff University´s School of Psychology offers the Doctorate in Educational Psychology as a `top-up´ qualification to experienced qualified educational psychologists who obtained a Masters degree during their training and now wish to obtain a doctorate.

This programme leads to the award of a Cardiff University degree and, as such, is subject to Cardiff University´s regulations. Candidates will be supported for a minimum of three years as they prepare for Part 1 and Part 2 of their examinations. Completion of the degree will involve regular attendance at group meetings and individual tutorials and success in three assessed components.

Part I - One extended academic assignment of length 3,500 to 6,000 words and one process account of lenght 4,500 to 5,000 words.

Part II - A doctoral thesis of length 35,000 to 45,000 words.

Both of the Part I assessment components must be passed before a candidate is
permitted to proceed to Part II. Candidates are normally expected to complete Part I within 18 months of enrolment (the earliest permitted date of submission is 12 months following enrolment).

The doctoral thesis will be based on a major research project which will normally begin
during the second year of study. The earliest point at which the thesis can be submitted to the University is three years following registration for the degree. The latest point at which the thesis can be submitted to the University is seven years after registering as a candidate.

Support of candidates

The main support will be provided by staff of the full-time DEdPsy programme and will consist of individual supervision of each of the three assessed components. In addition, there will be six study days at which attendance is compulsory. During the first year, study days will consist of briefing sessions relating to each of the assessed components. In subsequent years, study days will consist of project presentations by candidates together with professional and research master classes.