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Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) at Queen's University Belfast - UCAS

Queen's University Belfast

Degree level: Postgraduate
Awarded by: Queen’s University Belfast, British Psychological Society, Health and Care Professions Council

Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) (Research)

Course options

Course summary

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.

Assessment method

Coursework: Essays and Portfolio Submissions


How to apply

International applicants

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.

Entry requirements

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/


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Northern Ireland £7300 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £7300 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
EU £25800 Year 1
International £25800 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For tuition fee information relating to this course please see the University's Postgraduate Tuition Fee website - http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/PostgraduateStudy/TuitionFees

Sponsorship information

For more information on funding and scholarships for Postgraduate study, please see http://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/PostgraduateStudy/FundingandScholarships/

Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) at Queen's University Belfast - UCAS