EP training in Northern Ireland
What’s involved
Training to be an EP in Northern Ireland is usually a six year commitment. You’ll train full time for three years and then need to commit to working in Northern Ireland for three years.
Year 1
The first year of training has the highest amount of studying at university, and you can expect lectures, seminars, project work and student-led teaching. There are four EA placements, of varying length, in the first year as well as a multi-agency elective placement.
Years 2 and 3
In year two and three of training, slightly more of your time will be spent working as a Trainee Educational Psychologist (TEP) on placement. The Education Authority professional placements may be anywhere in Northern Ireland. Trainees will also have the opportunity to work in other statutory and voluntary settings. As a trainee, you’ll be expected to identify elective placement opportunities.
What you need to get on a course
To apply for the Northern Ireland EP training course, you need to have one of the following:
- A psychology degree (2:1 or above is preferable)
- A conversion course
- A psychology based Masters degree
The important thing is that your previous Degree or Masters qualification needs to provide Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership to the British Psychological Society.
You’ll also need at least 2 year of full-time work experience working with children, young people or families in:
- Educational (e.g. school, college)
- Health (e.g. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services)
- Care (e.g. Children’s social work)
- Community settings (e.g. Children’s centres)
Having at least 2 years of full time work experience in any of the above fields is essential. It is also important to demonstrate to universities how you have applied psychology to real world issues in order to improve outcomes for children and their families.
Funding
EP training in Northern Ireland is usually funded by the Department for Education. The training scheme covers the costs of course fees for all three years and a tax-free training bursary, currently £15,700, is offered for all three years.
Where training happens
There is 1 university in Northern Ireland that trains EPs:
