Career in Educational Psychology

Through working with our partners and stakeholders, Aberdeenshire Educational Psychology Service is committed to the practical applications of psychological theory and principles in order to help children and young people fulfil their full learning, social and emotional potential.

Educational Psychologists work at three main levels:

• The child and family
• The educational establishment
• The local authority

Each of these levels has five core functions:

Consultation – working collaboratively with people to explore issues and to generate workable solutions.

Assessment – gathering and analysing information from a variety of sources over a range of time to inform strategies to promote
effective learning.

Intervention – strategy designed to promote effective learning put into action and evaluated.

Training – a range of activities to support the professional development of staff and to increase the capacity of organisations.

Research – carrying out enquiries, evaluations and research reviews on a range of issues and relaying the findings to those who requested the work.

What qualifications and experience do you need?

Educational Psychologist

You will require:

• An Honours Degree in Psychology (Class 2:1 or above) or equivalent.
  
• Approx 2 years relevant experience is necessary to gain a place on a postgraduate Educational Psychology training course. Experience should relate to children and young people, such as teaching, classroom assistant, helping out at playgroups or youth clubs or voluntary student placements.
  
• A Postgraduate MSc in Educational Psychology. In Scotland this course is offered by Dundee and Strathclyde Universities.
  One year supervised probationary employment

Assistant Educational Psychologist

If you are committed to a career in Educational Psychology it is worth pursuing a post as an Assistant Educational Psychologist,
as preparation for applying for a place on an accredited training programme. You will require an Honours Degree in Psychology (class 2:1 or above). Some experience with children and young people is desirable.

Future Career Opportunities

Training to become an Educational Psychologist requires a lot of hard work and dedication, but making a difference to the lives of children and young people provides tremendous job satisfaction. Aberdeenshire Council has opportunities for career progression within its Educational Psychology Service.

Further Information

View our current vacancies within Aberdeenshire Council

Or contact:

Principal Educational Psychologist
Woodhill House
Aberdeen
AB16 5GB
Tel: 01224 664272
recruitment@aberdeenshire.gov.uk