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PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
- Qualification
- Philosophiae Doctor Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MHW09
- Award Type and NFQ level
- RESEARCH PH.D. (10)
- Study Mode
- Full time
Overview
The Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology (D.Ed. Psych.) at Maynooth University is a three-year full-time, postgraduate programme designed to develop highly skilled, ethical, and reflective educational psychologists. Jointly led by the Department of Psychology and the Department of Education, the programme is grounded in Maynooth University's core values, with a strong emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion.
This innovative programme integrates psychological and educational theory, research, and practice equipping graduates to integrate psychological knowledge effectively in educational settings, enabling them to positively impact children, young people and families.
Over the three years, trainees will develop expertise in the core skills of assessment, intervention, consultation, and research within a variety of educational and service settings. They will gain hands-on experience working with children, young people, families and professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to support the learning, development, and emotional wellbeing of children and young people.
ACCREDITATION
The programme is designed to meet the Accreditation Standards for Professional Doctoral Training in Educational Psychology in Ireland (PSI, 2022) and the process for gaining accreditation is currently underway. In parallel, the programme is designed to comply with the Health and Care Professional Council (CORÚ) Standards of Proficiency and Criteria for Education and Training Programmes for educational psychologists (2025).
ADMISSIONS PROCESS
A shortlist of applications will be developed based on initial entry requirements. Shortlisted candidates who meet eligibility criteria will be invited to an interview. The suitability of applicants will be assessed based on academic qualifications, professional experience, interpersonal and communication skills. Previous research experience and demonstrated potential for doctoral-level research will also be relevant considerations. Additionally, the selection process will evaluate overall suitability for the programme and the references provided. Successful candidates must complete Garda vetting before final acceptance into the course.
FUNDING
Successful applicants will be funded through a bursary scheme. This is currently valued at 40,000 per year to support payment of course fees and living expenses. Graduates of the programme will be guaranteed employment in National Educational Psychological Services (NEPS) for a period of at least three years.
FAQ's : Please see here for Professional Doctor of Educational Psychology FAQ's.
Course structure
Duration: 3 years full-time
The D.Ed. Psych. will equip trainees with the necessary competencies to work autonomously and collaboratively in a range of professional roles that are performed by educational psychologists (EPs), across a variety of contexts and with a diversity of student and client groups. Learning will be structured using a spiral curriculum framework, developing core skills and competencies over the three years, marked by increased independence, confidence, professional and ethical practice.
Professional placements are a key component of the programme, providing a minimum of 300 days of practical experience across a range of educational settings, including mainstream schools, alternative learning centres, specialist provision and other service environments.
Programme participants will hone their research skills and conduct an independent research project that makes an original contribution to knowledge. The overall aim of the D.Ed. Psych programme is to enable students to effectively integrate theory, research and practice, becoming highly skilled, ethical and critically reflective professional practitioners.
Particularly distinctive features of the Maynooth Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology include an emphasis on social inclusion, trauma informed services, the use of digital technologies, mental health and the skills of dynamic assessment. We are also the only programme in the State to be run between both departments of education and psychology as equal partners in research, policy and practice.
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Careers
The Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology (D.Ed. Psych.) at Maynooth University will prepare students to work as Educational Psychologists. Educational psychologists work in a variety of education support services including the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS). Trainees who are in receipt of a NEPS bursary will be expected to adhere to the funding conditions which includes a commitment to work with the service for a specified period of time post qualification. Some educational psychologists opt to work in services in the UK, in private practice or teach on academic programmes.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to have the following:
A first or upper second-class honours (2.1) degree in psychology or an equivalent qualification in psychology, recognised by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) or equivalent, as conferring eligibility for Graduate Membership. The equivalent of two year's relevant full-time experience working in the field of education, psychology or relevant healthcare settings. This must be completed prior to application.
Minimum English language requirements: please visit Maynooth University International Office website for information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU applicants.
National University of Ireland Maynooth’s TOEFL code is 8850
FAQs : Please see here for Professional Doctorate of Educational Psychology FAQs.
How to apply
Applications for this programme will be opened between 13th and 27th February 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. Candidates are required to apply online via MU Apply.
Interviews will be held week beginning 23rd March 2026. Applicants who are called for interview must be available to attend in person.
Entry into this programme will be competitive and we would urge you to prepare well in advance of applying. To assist we have developed a suite of frequently asked questions.
Be prepared:
Please ensure you have the following documents ready to upload as part of your application.
- Full academic transcripts of your primary degree (and any further degrees if applicable)
- Confirmation of the accreditation of your Psychology degree if completed outside Ireland/UK or is non-standard.
- A copy of your passport.
- A personal statement.
- An academic letter of recommendation.
- A professional letter of recommendation.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.
Vetting
Professional placements are a key component of the Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology. Maynooth University requires students to be vetted by the National Vetting Bureau before they fully complete their registration for this programme. Please visit the link below to determine what will be expected when the vetting process commences. Advanced preparation of the required information and documentation is recommended. https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-vetting-office/student-vetting.
Interested in finding out more?
Register your interest here and we will send you updates about the programme.