Release time: 2020-03-30 11:57
Course Overview
Learning our MSc Applied Positive Psychology programme can be life-changing. Our course aims to let you master the psychology skills that help people flourish, and discover the nature of happiness and what makes people thrive. Whoever you are, whether you are a teacher, counsellor, coach, or team leader, Applied Positive Psychology can help you find ways to improve your own wellbeing level and performance.
We do not require our students to have a background in Psychology but we are interested in your goals for taking the programme and how you wish to use the program to improve yourself. If you can answer these questions and also have energy and focus on what you study, we'll then be able to give you the grounding and skills you need to apply your knowledge in a critically reflective way.
Previous students said what a positive impact the course has had on their lives and described the experience as one of personal growth and transformation that influences personal as well as career opportunities.
What will this course cover?
Applied Positive Psychology focuses on the scientific study of happiness, wellbeing, purpose, and strength. Looking at these areas, we study how different methods, techniques and ways of working improve performance in a range of settings from education to coaching. You'll learn how to analyse and interpret data and understand the application of research to individuals and organisations.
You'll discover how psychological research has explored the uses of Applied Positive Psychology and how theory has developed over time. You'll also look at the realities of the journey of change and positive psychology processes and methods that support and create this.
In year two you'll complete a dissertation in your area of interest. Past students have developed interventions to improve wellbeing, studied aspects of resilience and researched within schools and organisations. It is also possible to undertake the dissertation in a third year.
Employability
What are my career prospects
Applied Positive Psychology can be used in a wide variety of job roles. Many of our students take advantage of flexible learning and stay in their current role. (See Ingrid’s story below). You'll immediately be able to apply what you learn. You'll see how Positive Psychology can make a huge difference, whether you need to boost morale in your workplace or improve productivity.
Some of our graduates choose to continue their education by completing a PhD. Continuing your education gives you the opportunity to develop your skills further and research your area of interest.
How will you help me prepare for my future career?
Positive Psychology will change the way you look at the world. From a personal perspective you'll understand your happiness and strengths in a different way.
This Applied Positive Psychology course will provide you with a confident skill set that will support you in any career. You'll immediately be able to apply your knowledge to day-
to-day life.
As well as learning theory and application, you will also learn to analyse and interpret a range of types of data and develop a critically reflective approach to your learning.
Course Details
As one of the few universities that offer this course, IPMC has strong expertise in this area. Taught by lecturers, visiting experts and practitioners, you'll learn about personal strengths, coaching and positive emotions. Their experiences will shape your learning and inspire you to apply the theories of Applied Positive Psychology.
We value your aspirations and goals and seek to work with you as you achieve them. We'll make sure you develop your expertise in your areas of interest and can get the most out of the course.
Interactive learning experience
As well as lectures, you will also have material online on our virtual learning environment. So, no matter where you are, you can access useful materials to help you on the course from podcasts to readings. You are also encouraged to interact with other students and tutors on online discussion forums in between teaching.
Flexible learning
IPMC offers flexible learning, allowing you to study alongside employment and fit your lifestyle whether you are training to build your skills in your current role or change your career path. We offer optional monthly weekend workshops to support your learning. You may also undertake the course fully via distance learning.
The full MSc Applied Psychology takes two years to complete on a part-time basis, however you can choose to study over three years and dedicate the last year to your dissertation. There is also the choice of completing the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma that does not involve completing a dissertation project. The Postgraduate Certificate runs from October to May and is a popular option with students who would like to gain the fundamentals of positive psychology and what makes life most worth living, without committing to the full master’s programme.
Personal teaching approach
Our teaching approach is centred around you. We want to support you by showing you how to apply Positive Psychology to your life and career. We teach in small groups to make sure you get the support you need on the course.
We invite students to choose assignments on these subjects that reflect their own goals and interests. In this way the course becomes heavily tailored to your specific goals. As a course team our wish is to relate to the goals and aspirations of individuals and to support them in that journey.
Recent feedback from students describe a flexible and supportive learning environment in which you can build bonds with colleagues, and the subjects within positive psychology. They have described the experience as one of personal growth and transformation that influences personal as well as career opportunities.
Course Modules
Year 1 Modules
Introduction to Positive Psychology: Happiness, Well-being and Flourishing
Strengths-based Development and Engagement
Positive Subjective Emotion and Experience
The Psychology of Hope and Resilience
Year 2 Modules