educational psychology - qub

Miss_Moneypenny

Hi
I applied for the doctorate in educational psychology at Queens University Belfast - closing date 20th February. They are supposed to get back to you within 4 weeks. I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience of waiting , do they tend to take their time or should I be hearing something soon? I know, I have no patience:rolleyes: Am starting to worry that my application got lost in the post, didnt arrive on time, was eaten by the post dog.....

taztastic

I know they were doing the short-listing over the past few weeks so you would expect to be hearing fairly soon. If you want to contact the department just phone Alison on 004428 9097 4581 and I'm sure they'll be able to give you an estimate of when you should be hearing.

*Simone*

Hi Miss MoneyPenny, Im just graduating this summer with my degree in psych, but I was looking at that educational doctorate in queens and I think I wanna apply for it at some stage down the line.

I was just wondering, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of experience do you have that you put down for applying? Like did you get a teaching masters or any other postgrad masters first?

I was thinking about doing the masters in applied psychology and then getting 2yrs experience (prob voluntary) working with children. Do you think that would be sufficient for them to consider me?

Thanks!

mark renton

Dont waste your time Miss MoneyPenny

Just read the book reviewed below

http://www.optimnem.co.uk/blog/2009/02/book-review-in-telegraph.html

Valmont

john47832 wrote: »

Dont waste your time Miss MoneyPenny

Just read the book reviewed below

http://www.optimnem.co.uk/blog/2009/02/book-review-in-telegraph.html

That has absolutely nothing to do with educational psychology. It appears to be a pop- psych book that briefly touches on autistic savants. Care to elaborate on what you mean by wasting time applying for this course?

taztastic

I was thinking about doing the masters in applied psychology and then getting 2yrs experience (prob voluntary) working with children. Do you think that would be sufficient for them to consider me?

Why not talk to QUB and ask them what the standard was for this year? I only had one year's experience in SEN after my degree but I know some girls with phd's so it varies widely.

*Simone*

taztastic wrote: »

Why not talk to QUB and ask them what the standard was for this year? I only had one year's experience in SEN after my degree but I know some girls with phd's so it varies widely.

So am I to take from that that you did the qub doctorate in ed psych? How did you find it?

And yes I too was very confused as to what that book review link was referring to

taztastic

*Simone* wrote: »

So am I to take from that that you did the qub doctorate in ed psych? How did you find it?

I'm doing it at the moment but we were the first year of the course so things may have changed since. The tutors are very aware that they are looking for potential so there's a lot of variation in experience.
It's a great course with plenty of child psychology and therapy in addition to traditional ed psych work. Don't forget that because its a bursary you sign on for two years work in the North at the end.

And yes I too was very confused as to what that book review link was referring to

No idea but not making me feel the need to renounce ed psych as a lie.

mark renton

Valmont wrote: »

That has absolutely nothing to do with educational psychology. It appears to be a pop- psych book that briefly touches on autistic savants. Care to elaborate on what you mean by wasting time applying for this course?

Actually its an insight on how educational improvement can/will be achieved in the future.

"wasting time applying for this course"

Time would be much better spent focusing on this area...

Elaboration done... Read between the lines dude

taztastic

john47832 wrote: »

Actually its an insight on how educational improvement can/will be achieved in the future.

Is this a troll?
There's just too much wrong with that to begin.

mark renton

taztastic wrote: »

Is this a troll?
There's just too much wrong with that to begin.

adding a reference to something that you dont agree with is not trolling

*Simone*

taztastic wrote: »

I'm doing it at the moment but we were the first year of the course so things may have changed since.

So do you mind me asking if you're from the south and had to move up north to do it or is that where you're from anyway? See I'm just trying to figure out if I'd be able to move there for 5 years (including the 2 years after due to the bursary, which yes I was aware of). I love Belfast, its a lovely city, its just Im very much a home-bird But if I thought the course was worth it and that it was possible to get home quite regularly etc Id be open to the idea.

And even after the elaboration by John, I still don't see how that link is relevant to this!

mark renton

*Simone* wrote: »

And even after the elaboration by John, I still don't see how that link is relevant to this!

Last Friday evening I'm sitting in my Doctors waiting room, a nice place, very clean with pastel walls, a television proped in the corner and some nice magazines on the table. Its a room also shared with the Dentist located in the same building. A guy comes in, approx 6 foot 4 and built like tank, he sits down beside me an continues in my ear about how much his tootache hurts.

2 simple questions

Is his pain relevant to me? Why?

*Simone*

Ok I think it's becoming clear now that you're not actually referring to anything and are infact just having a laugh

(either that or you're just being so damn metaphorical that it is impossible for anyone to decode any meaning from it!)

mark renton

wow Simone you are for real :eek: - If this is a bit advanced for you then try youtube, you might find some of the comments more legible on there

*Simone*

2 simple questions:

Is your attempt of an intellectual insult relevant to me?
- No.

Why?
- Because you're talking sh*te.

mark renton

*Simone* wrote: »

2 simple questions:

Is your attempt of an intellectual insult relevant to me?
- No.

Why?
- Because you're talking sh*te.

I'm incapable of insulting any other way...

As they say, "imitation is the finest form of flattery"

Does this mean we are now friends?

taztastic

So do you mind me asking if you're from the south and had to move up north to do it or is that where you're from anyway? See I'm just trying to figure out if I'd be able to move there for 5 years (including the 2 years after due to the bursary, which yes I was aware of). I love Belfast, its a lovely city, its just Im very much a home-bird But if I thought the course was worth it and that it was possible to get home quite regularly etc Id be open to the idea.

I am Dublin born and bred (with an accent to match). I would say you cant do it without moving up for at least some of the year but I know one girl who has taken as many placements as possible in the Republic and has moved home for third year so that is an option. Belfast is lovely and I would go home alot at weekends which suits fine.
The two years thing is a bit more difficult. When we signed up there were no vacancies and so it wasn't something I gave much thought to. However, no-one's graduated for two years so its looking more likely that we will be employed but in a recession there's no sure things anywhere.
I would definitely say the course is worth it but do look round and consider whether its child psychotherapy or assessment that you are more interested in.

*Simone*

john47832 wrote: »

I'm incapable of insulting any other way...

As they say, "imitation is the finest form of flattery"

Does this mean we are now friends?

Why not


Thanks for all that helpful info Taztastic, it's encouraging to know that you're from Dublin and made the move for the course. Like I said earlier, it's early days for me and I still have a lot of experience I need under my belt before I can even consider applying.

And have they specified what happens if there are no jobs up North when you qualify? Do they then "let you off the hook" with the bursary commitment so to speak?

taztastic

Thanks for all that helpful info Taztastic, it's encouraging to know that you're from Dublin and made the move for the course. Like I said earlier, it's early days for me and I still have a lot of experience I need under my belt before I can even consider applying.

Em perhaps but I only worked for 9 months before I went for it so don't be too worried about experience but it will stand to you if you have it.

And have they specified what happens if there are no jobs up North when you qualify? Do they then "let you off the hook" with the bursary commitment so to speak?

You ask a very controversial question there. According to the wording they have two years post graduation in which to call you up. But the recruitment issues that are going on now probably won't apply in future years so its impossible for me to know what'll happen by the time I'm finishing so predicting for 3/4 years time is impossible.

Can I ask what attracts you to educational psychology?

*Simone*

Well, I've always had a huge interest in children (cliche, I know) - how important the early years are and how simple interventions can make a huge difference later in life. My thesis that Im currently typing up (literally as we speak ) is development/educational in nature, focusing on the benefits of effective parenting.

I used to think it was more social work that I wanted to get into, as I like the idea of a more hands-on approach, or maybe special needs assistance. Either way, I want to be in the area of child psychology.

I'm aware that educational shares a lot of similarities with clinical, and I was advised by my internship supervisor (who's a snr. clinical psychologist) that really educational psych isn't what it used to be, that edu psychologists are too overwhelmed with the demand that they end up just purely doing annual assessments etc. and I was advised that if it was child psych that I wanted to get into then I should go down the clinical route...

But from working in that field (brief as it was) I found it too medical for me. Far too 'doctor - patient' for my liking. Like I said, I prefare a more hands on, 'caring' approach.

So in your professional opinion, do you think educational sounds like the way for me to go? I mean what has been your impression of the type of work you'll be doing when you graduate?

taztastic

But from working in that field (brief as it was) I found it too medical for me. Far too 'doctor - patient' for my liking. Like I said, I prefare a more hands on, 'caring' approach.

So in your professional opinion, do you think educational sounds like the way for me to go? I mean what has been your impression of the type of work you'll be doing when you graduate?

That's exactly what attracted me to ed psych. Yes you can assess and write reports for the rest of your life but there is so much more to the role and I really feel we can make it what we want it to be. That's the great thing about the QUB course there is loads of child psychology and therapy involved.
The job is what it is at the moment but that's not to say that's all it can be.

*Simone*

Well I must say your advice has been invaluable I really wanted to talk to someone from Dublin who did/is doing the qub doctorate, so thanks a million for all your help. I feel even more determined now to go for it.

Valmont

*Simone* wrote: »

Well, I've always had a huge interest in children (cliche, I know) - how important the early years are and how simple interventions can make a huge difference later in life.

You could just save yourself the hassle and have some babies instead?:p

Valmont

john47832 wrote: »

Actually its an insight on how educational improvement can/will be achieved in the future.

"wasting time applying for this course"

Time would be much better spent focusing on this area...

Elaboration done... Read between the lines dude

Actually, no, it is a pop-psych book that briefly touches upon autistic savants as I said. How you actually think this minor book can negate an entire area of psychology and make such a damning judgement as to how psychologists should direct their attention illuminates your ignorance. That said, I still think you're just trolling.

I did read between the lines, and all I saw was empty, white space. Possibly the same substance that is between your ears.

taztastic

*Simone* wrote: »

Well I must say your advice has been invaluable I really wanted to talk to someone from Dublin who did/is doing the qub doctorate, so thanks a million for all your help. I feel even more determined now to go for it.

Good luck and let us know how you get on with it all. You can always pm me if you've anymore questions.

Working with children is great - having them is a whole other issue

*Simone*

Valmont wrote: »

You could just save yourself the hassle and have some babies instead?:p

One thing at a time now :cool:

eth0_

john47832 wrote: »

Actually its an insight on how educational improvement can/will be achieved in the future.

"wasting time applying for this course"

Time would be much better spent focusing on this area...

Elaboration done... Read between the lines dude

Riiiiight. :rolleyes:

So, instead of doing a doctorate, getting published, getting her name known - you think she should just read this pop-psych book and do some research in her bedroom, without any academic backing?

What exactly is your interest in psychology? Because you can't possibly be a scientist with such a naive attitude.

mark renton

eth0_ wrote: »

Riiiiight. :rolleyes:

So, instead of doing a doctorate, getting published, getting her name known - you think she should just read this pop-psych book and do some research in her bedroom, without any academic backing?

What exactly is your interest in psychology? Because you can't possibly be a scientist with such a naive attitude.

Since when is being a scientist a requirement for posting on boards

eth0_

john47832 wrote: »

Since when is being a scientist a requirement for posting on boards

In general it's not; however in order to rubbish a doctorate course in a good university I would expect you to be at least educated to degree level in psychology to make such an allegation.

However it seems you're an I.T. student. And given your response to challenges made to your original post, I think you're just taking the pi55.


Reported for trolling.

GuanYin

john47832 wrote: »

Since when is being a scientist a requirement for posting on boards

No, but there is a requirement for intelligent, responsible posting.

If you don't know the process, you shouldn't be talking it down.

Back on topic folks.

p.pete

GuanYin wrote: »

Back on topic folks.

yes,
feel free to start a thread discussing the merits of a psych doctorate. That's not relevant the the original thrust of this thread - try to keep it constructive...

mark renton

eth0_ wrote: »

In general it's not; however in order to rubbish a doctorate course in a good university I would expect you to be at least educated to degree level in psychology to make such an allegation.

However it seems you're an I.T. student. And given your response to challenges made to your original post, I think you're just taking the pi55.


Reported for trolling.

I respond to challenges that way because I'm sensitive.

Post reported for harrassment

p.pete

I've given a warning to john47832, at this stage the thread either goes back on topic or it's closed if nothing further producting is being added.

sambuka41

Has anyone applied for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in Trinity? Ive heard its very difficult to get in to! Have a friend who thinks that she can go straight in without masters,what think her chances are????

eth0_

I would say her chances are non-existent, unless she has maybe worked for years as an assistant psychologist and has had work published.

Valmont

sambuka41 wrote: »

Has anyone applied for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in Trinity? Ive heard its very difficult to get in to! Have a friend who thinks that she can go straight in without masters,what think her chances are????

I'd say her chances are zero and I'd be curious as to how she's managed to complete an undergraduate degree in psychology and not grasped the basic requirements for postgrads of this nature.

sambuka41

Yeah thats what i thought. Was starting to think that i had been wasting my time trying to get work experience!!!! She is convinced that she can because technically on the site it says a 2.1 or 1st and doesnt stress that masters is needed. But it would be skipping a level.
Personally i dont think a PHD is to be taken lightly,it is saying that your are an "expert" in your field and no one can really say that if they dont have the experience,academia is important but esp in the area of psychology its the reall world experience that really matters!!!

eth0_

There are very few Phd's you can get into without a masters or experience post-degree. And clinical is extreeeeemely difficult to get into. She is wasting her time. Even with a first, she has no chance of getting onto that course.

Tell her to do a masters or get a job as an assistant psychologist (again very difficult to get into in Ireland).

*Simone*

sambuka41 wrote: »

She is convinced that she can because technically on the site it says a 2.1 or 1st and doesnt stress that masters is needed

But surely it does stress the need for atleast 2 years experience?

I worked with a girl who has a first in her undergrad, had 2 masters and had roughly 2 years experience working as a paid psych assistent under highly reputatble clinical psychologists and SHE didn't even get 2nd round interviews for clinical! Tell your friend to give up now, there's no hope :P

hotspur

It was recently pointed out that half of the people accepted onto UCD's clinical psychology course already had PhD's. I think that puts some perspective onto it.

EmilieJolie

Hi, I know this thread has been inactive for quite a while but I'm just applying for this course in Queen's Uni. and was would be so so grateful for any last minute tips with the application process? (In particular the Personal Statement).
Not sure if I even stand a a chance this year, I have an undergrad & MSc in psychology but not a full year's experience yet. I know both Ed. Psych. courses in the Republic state 2yrs experience minimum...
But going to give it a go anyway, and if anyone knows anything about the course I'd really appreciate their pearls of wisdom!
Thanks in advance