• Can I apply direct to the University of Bristol for a funded place?
• What are the entry requirements?
• When is the closing date for applications?
• Will I be called to interview?
• How many funded places are available each year?
• How competitive is the programme?
• My application was not successful last year. Can I reapply this year?
• I am applying as a mature student. Will I be disadvantaged in anyway?
• Can I study part-time or via distance learning?
• I'm in my final year of a psychology degree. Can I apply now?
• How much work experience with children is required?
• Does my undergraduate degree have sufficient psychology modules for recognition by the British Psychological Society for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership?
• Will a teaching qualification (PGCE) strengthen my application?
• Can I use credits from qualifications obtained for the Doctor for Educational Psychology programme?
• What funding is available?
• If I get a place on the course, will I need to organise my own placements in years one to three?
• Will I have to relocate to Bristol either in year one or years two and three?

Can I apply direct to the University of Bristol for a funded place?

No, it is not possible to apply direct. All applicants must apply through the Association of Educational Psychologists.

What are the entry requirements?

An upper second-class honours degree in psychology (or equivalent qualification) that confers Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society. Applications with a 2:2 and relevant experience may be considered.

When is the closing date for applications?

Please refer to the Association of Educational Psychologist's online application website for full details.

Will I be called to interview?

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Interviews are usually held in February each year, prior to the September intake.

How many funded places are available each year?

The University of Bristol welcomes ten funded students in September/October each year. It is not possible to apply on a self-funded basis and/or direct to the University of Bristol for this progamme.   

How competitive is the programme?

The University of Bristol usually receives between 150 - 200 applications for ten funded places. We usually interview between 35 - 45 candidates.

My application was not successful last year. Can I reapply this year?

Yes. The course is extremely competitive and the standard of applicants is very high. It is quite usual for applicants to apply in successive years.

I am applying as a mature student. Will I be disadvantaged in anyway?

We are looking for the best candidates in terms of skills, experience and knowledge. Age is irrelevant.

Can I study part-time or via distance learning?

No. The course is run on a full time basis only. The course is extremely demanding. We would strongly advise students not to work (even part-time) to assist with funding.

I'm in my final year of a psychology degree. Can I apply now?

No. Only graduates can apply – with a degree recognised by the BPS (Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC)).

How much work experience with children is required?

Successful applicants will be expected to have at least two years full time experience (or the equivalent) before the start of the course. Experience should be working with children in an educational, child care or community setting. Sustained voluntary experience over a period of time is relevant. Applicants are referred to the AEP website on this topic.

Does my undergraduate degree have sufficient psychology modules for recognition by the British Psychological Society for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership?

You should contact the British Psychological Society to confirm whether your degree has sufficient psychology modules. The BPS can also provide details of approved conversion courses available to you.

Will a teaching qualification (PGCE) strengthen my application?

No. The PGCE programme is only relevant for those with a desire to teach.

Can I use credits from qualifications obtained for the Doctor for Educational Psychology programme?

No.

What funding is available?

Successful applicants for a funded place will have the tuition fees for all 3 years paid in addition to the bursary of £15,950 in year one. For years two and three, students obtain a placement bursary as a trainee educational psychologist with an Educational Psychology Service.

If I get a place on the course, will I need to organise my own placements in years one to three?

Year one placements are organised in Bristol schools and in a South West Psychology Service, or one near your home address, if possible. In years two and three, trainees’ placement bursaries are allocated to services taking account of your address and other additional factors.

Will I have to relocate to Bristol either in year one or years two and three?

In year one, the programme is strongly Bristol-based. As it promotes a collaborative model, reasonable access to colleagues and tutors is important during this year. Attendance at the University in years two and three is reduced. As previously mentioned, in years two and three, trainees’ placement bursaries are allocated to services taking account of your address and other additional factors. This may well result in re-location depending on where bursaries are offered.