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Educational Psychologist

Do you want to become a Educational Psychologist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Educational psychologists help to assess children and young people who have special educational needs. They then work to ensure each child receives the best kind of support in their learning.

An educational psychologist may get involved where a child has learning difficulties, or where there is a medical, behavioural or social problem.

Psychologists work directly with individual children, or groups of children. They also guide parents, teachers and other professionals on how best to care for each child. Advising schools and education authorities on their policy is another key element of the job.

Educational psychologists normally work around 37.5 hours a week, from Monday to Friday. They divide their time between working in an office and working in schools or the community.

Salaries start at £24,477 for an assistant educational psychologist, and can rise to £57,027 for the most senior psychologists.

Educational psychologists need to:

• be skilled and comfortable working with children and young people
• have strong communication skills
• be tactful, non-judgemental and patient
• be able to motivate people 
• have an interest in people's thoughts and behaviour, and how they are affected by social factors.

There are around 3,200 educational psychologists in the UK. They are mainly employed by local education authorities. Some psychologists are self-employed and work as independent consultants. Entrants must have:

• an honours degree accredited by The British Psychological Society
• a doctorate in educational psychology, which lasts three years (in Scotland, a two-year MSc followed by a year of supervised practice)
• experience of work with young people.

There is no upper age limit for entry, although entry requirements remain the same for mature applicants.

Educational psychologists study child development, the psychology and learning of teaching, and the psychological aspects of teaching children with special educational needs.

Educational psychologists employed by local authorities advance to a senior level through a clear career structure. It may be possible to work on a freelance basis, or to move into research or training.

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