The Master in School Psychology trains professionals to work based on the complex requests within the school context. By presenting several tools, methods, and practices, this course stimulates a reasoned reflection based on intersubjective, relational and contextual mechanisms behind possible displays of distress, required to set up a plan according to the actual needs.
The Master provides updates on classic and more recent topics, linked to technological development and sustainability.
The Master in School Psychology is developed from an ecological model, according to which certain displays of discomfort in individuals should also be interpreted at a systemic level. This course provides up-to-date knowledge and training on assessment, planning and implementation skills, by including both tackling and – above all – prevention and protection interventions, addressing the entire school community.
The Master in School Psychology is addressed to psychologists interested in working in schools, or who are already working in this context, and who wish to improve their skills, by acquiring planning elements, tools, new competences and updates, both on classic and on recent and current topics.
Before the start of the course, a Master’s or five-year Degree in Psychology (LM-51) are required. Typical career opportunities include working as school psychologist, by gaining access to the selection calls periodically issued by the Headmasters to tackle the growing and emerging needs of students, professors, school staff and parents. Those calls can only be accessed with a specific degree, and the Project Work implemented as on-hands training experience could be the chance to network and launch or strengthen a partnership with school institutions.
The Master in School Psychology provides in-depth knowledge on four different areas:
Module 1 – INTRODUCTION (13-14 December): it provides an overview of school psychology, especially with reference to the Italian context Some of the topics covered include:
- School psychology: past, present and future
- Fundamentals of school laws
Module 2 – PREVENTION AND PROMOTION (Intensive week 20-24 January): it provides tools and intervention models for each area treated. Some of the topics covered include:
- Preventing psychological distress
- Intervention methods and models
- Motivating teachers, students and parents
- Promoting organizational well-being
- New technologies: potential and limits
Module 3 – ENHANCEMENT (11-12 April): it focuses on enhancement tools and methods in the three areas
- Inclusion and strategic enhancement
- Community assessment and networking
- Soft skills: promotes creativity, resilience, decision-making skills, critical thinking
Module 4 – WELL-BEING (20-21 June): it develops some proposals to promote physical/mental well-being, also in relationship to the environmental context. Some of the topics covered include:
- School environment and well-being
- Physical activity, sleep and health
The Master in School Psychology includes in-classroom lessons that offer a chance to interact with the professors, and stimulate a debate and exchange between students. The first weekend will be held on December 2024 (13-14) with an introduction to the course, and some planning and school law elements. The intensive week will be held in January (20-24) and it will cover both classic topics, such as psychological distress, motivation and organizational well-being, and more recent ones, including a conscious use of technology. A module will focus on strengthening the effectiveness assessment capacity concerning the areas covered.
The second weekend, in April (11-12) will be devoted to emotional and strategic enhancement, inclusion and networking, and soft skills and resilience promotion. Lastly, the third weekend (20-21 June) will concern the promotion of well-being and health in physical and social environments.
The course is completed by a Project Work, which will end with a paper and a debate during the final exam.
The general ranking of merit for the academic year 2024/25 will be published on the Italian page of this Master according to the timing provided in the Call.
Information
FAQ
There will be five synchronous online lessons and twenty blended activities, as indicated in the lesson calendar available on the poster. Each blended activity will be held remotely, and will include:
(a) A short presentation of the task by the professor, which may include problem-solving, case studies, project definition, critical reflection on a specific topic;
(b) Task completion;
(c) Task submission.
No, there will be a Project Work on a topic agreed with the Master Director. It consists in developing a research/project to be implemented in schools, with proven effectiveness. It may be done individually or in groups, and it will be referred to in the final exam.
Of course. The course ends with the discussion of a final exam, which references the Project Work, and with the attainment of a Master’s Diploma in School Psychology, valid as title to access calls for school psychologists, as one of the possible admission criteria.
The three weekends and an intensive week will be held in Via Venezia 12, Padova. The rest of the course will be held remotely, mainly through case resolution training and planning, with subsequent online debate. Mandatory attendance is at least 70% of the lessons and activities.
For further requests, please write to angelica.moe@unipd.it or to master.psicologiascolastica@unipd.it