Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology (DEdPsy)

Contents

The structure is of 5 Modules spread over 3 Levels. All modules are individually tailored to theinterests/expertise of the entrant and the needs of their employer or sponsor. They are very flexible and adapted to the needs of part-time candidates. Each Level can be independently award-bearing, if candidates wish to leave with a lesser award.

At Level 1, candidates undertake Research Methods Training and complete a Critical Analysis and Review of Research Literature (in their specialist area of choice). (You can exit here with a Postgraduate Diploma in advanced professional practice.) At Level 2, each candidate develops an Individualised Learning Plan for future modules. They then complete a second research module on a topic of their choice. (You can exit here with a Master’s degree in advanced professional practice.) At Level 3, there are Modules 3, 4 and 5. These are also research modules on a topic or topics of your choice. They may be related to each other or quite independent of each other. Each module is assessed by a written product of 15,000 words.

Recognition of Prior Learning is possible for up to 50% of the degree, when the material for recognition has not been submitted for any other award and when it is of a high enough standard. Peer reviewed journal publications or research reports are good examples of suitable products for recognition.

Methods of Assessment:

The total written output required is the same as Ph.D. candidates would put into one single thesis. However, for the Professional Doctorate this can be split into five modular products each of 15,000 words. You can combine these into larger and deeper studies if you wish, subject to the agreement of your personal supervisor. Module 1 is designed to help sharpen up your technical writing skills. The standards and criteria are rigorous, as you would expect at doctoral level, but you are given support to ensure you achieve those standards. These written assignments are intended to be easily reducible to a paper which can be submitted for publication, and candidates are strongly encouraged and supported to do this.