Master of Educational Psychology (MEdPsych)
On this page:
Educational psychologists are a unique professional group with an in-depth understanding of psychology, education and learning. Roles in this field are varied and multi-dimensional, and offer the opportunity to support others to learn and live. When you study with the Faculty of Education, you have the opportunity to practise and develop your skills under the expert guidance of world-class researchers in the field.
About the MEdPsych
Iti te matakahi, paoa atu anō, nā, potapota noa.
While a wedge is small, when struck repeatedly a clean break results.
This whakatauki is important to the MEdPsych because it promotes the idea of success following repeated application of a small effort. Like everything that is worthwhile, sustained effort requires dedication, perseverance and your own vision and culture to get you where you want to be.
We believe a bicultural and multicultural approach is imperative to the success of our shared endeavours, and this is important for both staff and students in the course, and for those whom we support.
Educational Psychology is a varied and multidimensional job that reflects an interest in supporting others to learn and live. Our programme has been specifically tailored to meet the local needs of New Zealand communities in a bicultural context while also ensuring our graduates are well qualified to work with multicultural populations in a global context. Courses are positioned within an inclusionary framework, whereby students are exposed to a wide range of theoretical viewpoints and practical applications in educational, community and workplace settings.
Our courses will challenge and extend participants by providing ample opportunities to practise and develop skills in the field, under expert guidance. Using an inter-professional framework, students will also be well equipped to work as change agents within a range of community contexts and systems.
The Master of Educational Psychology programme prepares students to become skilled in educational psychology practices that can be used in education and workplace settings. The programme is designed to enable graduates to gain the knowledge, skills and dispositions to work alongside others in educational or workplace settings. It is a prerequisite to gaining entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychlogy Practice (PGDipEdPsycPrac).The programme prepares students to:
- critically analyse, apply and engage evidence-based practices in educational contexts
- participate as an active and effective member of learning and professional communities that are committed to making a difference to educational and workplace contexts
- demonstrate skills in the planning, execution and completion of original applied research
- analyse and develop the skills to use applied behaviour analysis as a pedagogical, assessment and intervention tool for working in educational settings.
Entry Requirements
Prior to enrolling in the MEdPsych programme students should:
- complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Professional Development (PGDEPD) from Victoria University of Wellington, or, at the discretion of the Associate Dean (Academic) Faculty of Education, an equivalent qualification from another university, with an average grade of B or above for all coursework.
- Gain a B+ or above in EPSY 501 (Educational Research Methods) and an average of B in the following courses: EPSY 512 (Culturally-centered Educational Psychology Practice); EPSY 513 (Evidence-based Practice); and in one of the optional course EPSY 505, 506, 508, 509 (in 2012), 510 (in 2012), or 521, or equivalent courses accepted by the Associate Dean as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
Programme Structure
The following courses are compulsory courses for the MEdPsych:
- EPSY 514 Educational Psychology Assessment*
- EPSY 515 Applied Behaviour Analysis for Educators
- EPSY 516 Applied Research Project
The courses are delivered by either weekly or block workshops/lectures. All courses have a large and compulsory online component. The applied research project is supervised by an academic staff member. (Please note: if your intention is to apply for the PGDipEdPsychPrac you will need to attain a B+ average in your MEdPsych).
*Students will be required to travel to schools in the Wellington region as a part of this course.
Duration
Part time: two years.
Full time: one year.
Students must complete the MEdPsych within two years and six months of first enrolling in it (five years for students studying part time). The Associate Dean may give permission to extend the study period or take a leave of absence from the programme.
How To Find Out More
For information about the Master of Educational Psychology contact:
Postgraduate Administration Office
Faculty of Education
Level 3, Gray Block
Karori Campus
Phone: 04-463 9728
Email: pgeducation@vuw.ac.nz
Website: www.victoria.ac.nz/education
Check the online Course Catalogue for more information about postgraduate courses. For additional information about some of the work of Educational Psychologists in New Zealand, visit the Ministry of Education website for their brochures on the work of educational psychologists.