Applied Positive Psychology

Entry requirements

Students on this course typically have achieved a 2:1 degree or have the equivalent professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience.

We encourage anyone interested in the course to come to our Postgraduate and Professional Open Evening to meet with our specialist course team.

If you’re unable to make it to our High Wycombe Campus, we offer an online session as part of these evenings. Please email us for more information. Alternatively, contact us and we can arrange for you to have an informal discussion about the course with the course leader.

Whilst the official deadline for applying for this programme has now passed for September 2019 entry, we are still very happy to consider late applications. Contact us on 0330 123 2023 or email advice@bucks.ac.uk to find out more.

For further details of our international English entry requirements, please visit our international pages.

Students who have completed ‘Post Graduate Diploma in Positive Psychology’ from the University of Iceland will automatically qualify to enter with advanced standing and must complete the following modules: Applied Research Skills, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Post Graduate Dissertation.

Not sure if Positive Psychology is for you?

Are you interested in studying Positive Psychology at Bucks New University, but haven't quite made up your mind, or you're not quite sure if it's for you?

Then you may be interested in a two-day Introduction to Positive Psychology course, endorsed by Bucks New University and run by two graduates from our first cohort of the MSc Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) programme. Dan Collinson and Lesley Lyle are Directors of Positive Psychology Learning and also Associate Lecturers on Bucks' MSc Applied Positive Psychology programme.

On the Introduction to Positive Psychology course, you will get an overview of the main subjects covered on the MSc Applied Positive Psychology programme. As former Bucks students, Dan and Lesley are also able to give you an insight into the MSc from a student's perspective and answer any questions you may have regarding work/life balance as a part time student.

Delegates who attend the Introduction to Positive Psychology course and are subsequently accepted onto one of the Positive Psychology courses at Bucks for September 2019 entry, will qualify for a 10 per cent discount off their University course fees.

Positive Psychology Learning also offer a special discount of more than 50 per cent for a limited number of places booked on the Introduction to Positive Psychology courses during 2019.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Studying our MSc Applied Positive Psychology programme can be life-changing. Our course aims to equip you to master positive psychology skills that will help you to flourish. Discover the nature of happiness and what makes people thrive. Whatever work you do, whether you're a teacher, counsellor, coach, or team leader, Applied Positive Psychology can help you find ways to improve your own wellbeing and performance, as well as that of others.

We don't assume our students have a background in Psychology but we will ask you what goals you have for undertaking the programme and how you wish to use the subject in your life. If you can answer these questions and also have energy and focus in 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 have 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.

This course is approved by the British Psychological Society for the purposes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

As one of the few universities that offer this course, Bucks 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
Bucks 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 three years to complete, and can dedicate the last year to your dissertation, however you can choose to study over two years. 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.

Workshop dates for 2019-2020

8-9 Feb 2020 (Missenden Abbey)
7-8 Mar 2020 (High Wycombe)
4-5 April 2020 (Missenden Abbey)
9-10 May 2020 (Missenden Abbey)

Personal teaching approach
At Bucks, 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.

Information for international students

For further suppport and advice please visit our International student support section on our website.

Fees and funding

If you have any questions regarding fees, please email the Enquiries Team or call 0330 123 2023.