Educational Child & Adolescent Psychology - Research

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).

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 2026. Closing date for September 2026 entry is Friday 9 January 2026 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 at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 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.

Closing date for September 2026 entry is Friday 9 January 2026 at 4.00 pm. Applications are submitted electronically via the DECAP, School of Psychology website:

Three years full time.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

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. Successful applicants will be funded by Department of Education provided they undertake to work anywhere in the Northern Ireland Educational Psychology Services, in accordance with the staffing needs as determined by the Education Authority, for three years following qualification, subject to the availability of EP posts. 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/