Study Educational Psychology with us
These programs are concerned with the academic and professional preparation of psychologists specialising in work in educational settings including schools, TAFE colleges and universities, either as staff members or private practitioners.
Please note: Applications for 2010 are now open. Apply here
The main goals are:
- To provide graduates in psychology with an opportunity to specialise in postgraduate studies in educational psychology
- To provide research experience opportunities in educational psychology
- To prepare graduates for professional roles through training in counselling, assessment, intervention, group-work, consultation and multidisciplinary team work in educational settings
- Academic and professional studies are integrated to allow for maximum flexibility in their application. The programs may be taken full–time or part-time.
Programs in Educational Psychology
Program structure
Staff in Educational Psychology
Who is the course suitable for?
Career outcomes
Benefits and features of the program
Research in Educational Psychology
Programs in Educational Psychology
You can specialise in
| Program | Part time | Full time |
| Postgraduate Certificate in Educational Studies | 1 year | 6 months |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies No intake in 2010 | 1 year | 6 months |
| Master of Education (by coursework) New structure from 2010 | 2 years | 1 year |
| Master of Education (by coursework and thesis) New structure from 2010 | 3 years | 18 months |
| Master of Educational Psychology | 4 years | 2 years |
| Master of Educational Psychology/PhD | 8 years | 4 years |
| Doctor of Education | 6 years | 3 years |
| Doctor of Educational Psychology | 6 years | 3 years |
(NB. The differing lengths of the Masters programs are based on the previous qualifications/work experience of the applicant)
Program structure
Master of Educational Psychology
Students are required to complete a total of 200 points; comprising three components – research, coursework and practica. M Ed Psych students are required to complete a total of 100 points made up of nine compulsory subjects together with four field practica (totalling 50 points) and a research project of 8 000 to 12 000 words (50 points).
Doctor of Educational Psychology
Students are required to complete a total of 300 points; comprising three components – research, coursework and practica. Students undertaking the D Ed Psych will draw on the existing subjects in the Masters of Educational Psychology including the coursework (100 points), five practica (87.5 points), a research thesis 45 000 words (100 points), and additional Doctorate specific coursework (12.5 points).
Master of Educational Psychology / Doctor of Philosophy
Students are required to complete a total of 400 points; comprising three components – research, coursework and practica. Students undertaking the MEd Psych/PhD* will draw on the existing subjects in the Master of Educational Psychology including the coursework (87.5 points), practica (50 points) and thesis 80,000–100,000 words (262.5 points).
The field of educational psychology is relevant across the lifespan. It covers areas as diverse as infant development and vocational choice, with a focus on how individuals adapt to their environments.
Staff in Educational Psychology
Our staff are active researchers in their fields and have achieved high public profiles for their work in areas that relate, for example, to wellbeing and educational outcomes - such as anxiety, bullying, emotional intelligence, stress and coping and assessment. All teaching staff are dedicated to ensuring that the content of subjects reflect the latest theory and research.
Associate Professor Erica Frydenberg
Associate Professor Esther Care
Ms Vicki McKenzie
Who is this course suitable for?
For those wanting to take a step up to become a registered practising psychologist, we offer training aimed specifically at the academic and professional preparation of psychologists working as either staff members or private practitioners in schools or other educational settings.
Career Outcomes
Dr Michelle Andrews – Doctor of Educational Psychology
Valedictorian for the University of Melbourne graduation ceremony, December 2006
"During my Doctoral studies, I found it thrilling to formulate my own research questions; to share my ideas with my colleagues; to presentmy research both here in Australia and overseas; and to make my own contribution to the field of Educational Psychology. More recently, it
has been immensely rewarding to apply this knowledge in my current work as an Educational Psychologist, and to see the positive benefits
in the lives of the young people I work with."
Benefits and features of the course
- Career outcomes;
- Option of Practicum placements;
- Student-centred reflective learning and curriculum;
- Academic staff offer a wealth of research and practice experience; and
- Courses are highly relevant to schools and grassroots education practices.
Research in Educational Psychology
The following research areas are of currently of interest:
- Vocational interest & values, scholastic aptitude & achievement; cross cultural differences; assessment, measurement & psychometric issues.
- Stress & coping across the lifespan, interpersonal communications & interactions, classroom practice & learning, developing psycho-social competence.
- The use of behaviourally-based interventions with students; intellectual & educational assessment;
- Counselling, family therapy, role expectations of school psychologists.