The practicum is a transformative journey that equips trainees with the expertise and understanding necessary for impactful professional practice. Trainees engage in meaningful work with children, families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams, enabling them to:

• Enhance Professional Competencies: Develop a solid foundation in psychological assessments, therapeutic interventions, and evidence-based practices tailored to educational and child psychology.
• Build Strong Professional Relationships: Work collaboratively with supervisors, peers, and diverse stakeholders to meet client needs and promote positive outcomes.
• Engage in Reflective Practice: Analyse their growth, overcome challenges, and celebrate achievements to continually refine their professional identity.

The practicum spans four years of part-time study and includes three progressive modules:

• Practicum I (First Year):
  • 168 placement hours + 32 assessment hours.
  • Focus on foundational skills, including psychological assessments and initial therapeutic interventions.
• Practicum II (Second Year):
  • 168 placement hours + 32 assessment hours.
  • Emphasis on refining practical application and addressing diverse client needs.
• Practicum III (Third and Fourth Years):
  • 252 placement hours + 48 assessment hours.
  • Advanced practice integrating case management, therapeutic techniques, and professional autonomy.

Each trainee is supported throughout the practicum by an integrated supervision framework, including:

• Field Supervisors: Educational psychologists working within the placement institution who provide day-to-day guidance, assign cases, and deliver practical feedback. They ensure that trainees are fully engaged in hands-on activities such as conducting interventions and communicating with clients.
• The academic Psychologist Coordinator: This key figure oversees the entire practicum process, serving as a bridge between trainees, supervisors, and the academic programme. The coordinator ensures that all placements meet high professional standards, provides additional support where necessary, and monitors trainees’ progress.

The practicum assessment combines formative and summative evaluations to provide a holistic measure of trainees’ development. For further information on the assessment of the practicum for each year course participants are encourage to review the practicum modules (MCEP107, MCEP214 and MCEP319) available at: https://ife.edu.mt/master-of-psychology-in-child-and-educational-psychology/.

To successfully complete each practicum module, trainees must demonstrate competency in professional conduct, client interactions, ethical decision-making, and reflective practice.

Prospective trainees should carefully review the following expectations:

1. Commitment to Active Participation: The practicum requires full engagement in hands-on activities, such as planning and conducting interventions, rather than observation-only roles.
2. Adherence to Ethical Standards: Trainees must comply with strict ethical guidelines, including maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating professionalism in all interactions.
3. Timely Completion of Documentation: All required paperwork, including supervision logs and reports, must be completed accurately and submitted promptly.
4. Time Management: Practicum hours are scheduled across several months and require careful coordination with supervisors to ensure all responsibilities are met.
5. Availability During School Hours: Practicum placements are conducted during regular school hours, necessitating trainees to adjust their schedules to align with the timing and routines of the educational setting.