Entry Year
Academic Year 2025/26
Entry Requirements
2.1
Overview
The DECAP programme is the only professional training course in Educational Psychology in Northern Ireland. It is a three year full time course leading to a professional qualification in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology. The programme is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as conferring eligibility for Chartered Status and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for the purpose of training educational psychologists. The programme is structured in accordance with the BPS Standards for Accreditation of Doctoral Programmes in Educational Psychology (https://cms.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-12/Educational%20Psychology%20Handbook%20-%20Standards%20for%20Accreditation.pdf).
The DECAP programme is funded by the Department of Education. Successful applicants may be offered training bursaries which carry a commitment to apply for educational psychology posts within the Education Authority (EA) in Northern Ireland and, having obtained a post, to work as an educational psychologist in the EA psychology service for a minimum period of three years.
Subject Summary
This Professional Doctorate is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council and accredited by the British Psychological Society to train Educational Psychologists. Students attend university throughout all three years of the programme and are encouraged to develop close links with tutors.
Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology Highlights
Student Experience
- DECAP is an eclectic programme which focuses on the application of psychology to the various psychological problems which children and young people encounter during their development. It draws on the discipline of child psychology in particular but also on a wide variety of other psychological approaches. There is a focus throughout on the relationship between research, theory and practice, and in particular on evidence-based approaches. There is an emphasis on making a difference in child, family, peer, educational or community settings. Respecting and celebrating equity, diversity, and inclusion are also at the core of what we do.
The Intermodular Teaching Programme is a distinctive feature of DECAP, aiming to introduce core professional skills incrementally and link the academic and placement components of the DECAP programme. All elements of the curriculum are introduced in Year 1 through five modules (Learning and Development, Barriers to Learning/Vulnerable groups, Assessment and Intervention, Research and Inquiry and Professional Issues). Three elements (Barriers to Learning/Vulnerable groups, Assessment and Intervention, Research and Inquiry) are then deepened, integrated and supported by additional practice/experience in Years 2 and 3. Additionally, three pillars (Communication, Systemic Thinking, and Consultation and Problem Solving) permeate and infuse all modules in the curriculum.
The course provides innovative teaching in intervention work across the three years, in the following areas: Video Interaction Guidance (VIG), Dynamic Assessment (DA), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), The Incredible Years Parenting Programme, and Family Systemic Therapy.
Students complete 300 days on placement across the three years, most of which takes place within the Education Authority NI. The DECAP programme also offers multi-agency elective placements across diverse community services. These placements offer an alternative context to apply a range of evidence-based and holistic psychological and consultation practices and intervention within a community and multi-agency context.
Key Facts
- Please refer to the DECAP website for more information about the course and for application information:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/psy/Study/PostgraduateTaughtCourses/DECAP/
Course content
Career Prospects
Introduction
The Programme confers a qualification which enables the holder to professionally register with the HCPC as an Educational Psychologist to work anywhere within the UK and in those countries which recognise UK qualifications. The DECAP Programme is the only educational psychology training programme in Northern Ireland and almost all of the appointments of EPs to the EA EPS are recruited from the programme.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
People teaching you
Alison Jeffrey
Programme Administrator
School of Psychology
Email: a.jeffrey@qub.ac.uk
Course structure
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Assessment
Coursework: Essays and Portfolio Submissions
Learning and Teaching
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No Opportunities Currently Available
Entrance requirements
Graduate
Applicants must have a 2.1 Honours degree in Psychology, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Applicants who have obtained a Psychology qualification by graduate study may be considered if evidence of study in Psychology at 2.1 standard is provided. The qualification must be such that the applicant is, or will be, eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS) by the application closing date.
Prospective candidates are expected to have pre-entry experience (see DECAP website; entrance to this course is competitive). Applicants with international qualifications, or where GBC is uncertain, should seek confirmation of their status from the BPS by the time of interview, i.e. by February 2025.
Closing date for September 2025 entry is Friday 10 January 2025 at 4.00 pm.
Applications are submitted electronically via the DECAP, School of Psychology website: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/psy/Study/PostgraduateTaughtCourses/DECAP/
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/psy/Study/PostgraduateTaughtCourses/DECAP/
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. (*Taken within the last 2 years).Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. (*Taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £7,300 |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £7,300 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £9,250 |
| EU Other 3 | £25,800 |
| International | £25,800 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology costs
Depending on the area of research chosen there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.
Bench fees
Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.
How do I fund my study?
1.PhD OpportunitiesFind PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.
2.Funded Doctoral Training ProgrammesWe offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.
3.PhD loansThe Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.
4.International ScholarshipsInformation on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students.
Funding and Scholarships
The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.
How to Apply
1. How to Apply
Applications are submitted electronically via the DECAP, School of Psychology website
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/psy/Study/PostgraduateTaughtCourses/DECAP/