The Distinctiveness of Applied Educational Psychology in Scotland and Early Pathways into the Profession

Abstract

Professional, applied educational psychology in Scotland has developed in a distinctive way, not only in relation to other parts of the UK but in international terms. Its distinctive features may be considered in five areas. First, the statutory foundations of Scottish educational psychology, as first set out in the Education (Scotland) Act 1946, do not have a parallel in any other country in the world. Second, this provided the context for the distinctive development of professional roles. Third, Scotland was distinctive in taking an international lead in the field of quality assurance. Fourth, it led the way in developing universal provision of post-school psychological services for young adults. Fifth, staffing ratios, which are among the best in the world. Qualifications and training in Scotland were shaped by the impact of scientific approaches to the theory and application of psychology on the practice of education in Europe. The EdB/BEd higher degrees in Scottish universities (eventually replaced by the MEd degree) became the first, and for some years the only, honours degrees in psychology in Scotland and accordingly one of the earliest pathways into psychology for students attending Scottish universities. Together with more broadly based professional remits defined by legislation, this led to the development of a ‘psychological’ approach to practice underpinning applied educational psychology and child guidance in Scotland.