Educational Psychology is a scientific discipline within psychology. It applies psychological theories and research findings about human behaviour, affect, cognition, development and personality to educational settings. Educational psychologists are practitioners who generate scientific knowledge and theory relevant to education and psychology. They are also practitioners whose services range from remediation to prevention, case work to systems work, and direct services to indirect services. They help teachers design curricula , improve teaching methods, and motivate students to learn. They also help students and their parents cope with various changes and difficulties in the course of learning and development. Most importantly, they work for the betterment of the micro and macro systems in which students grow up. The Department of Psychology of HKU offers three postgraduate programmes in educational psychology, including the Master of Social Sciences in the field of Educational Psychology, the Doctor of Psychology in the field of Educational Psychology, and the PhD with a specialization in Educational Psychology. All these programmes adopt a scientist-practitioner model with the aim of preparing educational psychologists who are strong in both research and practice.

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in the field of Educational Psychology Programme, established in 2008, is the only one-of-its kind offered in Hong Kong. Its primary aim is to provide further specialized training for experienced educational psychologists who hold a recognized MSocSc degree in Educational Psychology or equivalent to develop specialties in educational research and practices.

The Doctor of Psychology in the field of Educational Psychology programme emphasizes a scientist-practitioner model of education. In consequence, holders of this degree shall be equipped to function competently as professional educational psychologists in the areas of research, tertiary-level teaching, and professional services.