Doctorate in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DECAP) Doctoral Programme

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).<br/><br/>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.<br/><br/>Subject Summary<br/>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.<br/><br/>Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology Highlights<br/>Student Experience<br/>- 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.<br/><br/><br/>- 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.<br/><br/><br/>- 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.<br/><br/><br/>- 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.<br/>