Awards

Target Award

Award Description:Master of Science - MS
Alternative Exit
Alternative Exit

Programme Offerings

Full-Time

F2F-JMU-SEP

Educational Aims of the Course

Positive Psychology focuses on the scientific understanding of the factors that contribute to a meaningful, happy, fulfilled and socially engaged life. It uses this understanding to develop and implement approaches that promote and preserve these factors. This MSc takes a balanced approach to theory, psychological mechanisms and evidence-based practice to develop the skills and understanding needed for applying positive psychology approaches in a broad range of contexts.

Specific programme aims are:

  1. To provide an academically rigorous framework through which students can study scientifically, the psychological, biological, social and spiritual processes involved in psychological health and wellbeing
  2. To develop an awareness and practical understanding of applied approaches that promote and preserve the factors that contribute to a meaningful, happy, fulfilled and socially engaged live.
  3. To introduce strength-based self-reflection that empowers students to engage their individual strengths in their academic and professional work
  4. To support students in developing a sustained mindfulness meditation practice.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Evaluate, synthesise and apply theoretical models of psychological health, happiness and wellbeing
2.
Critically evaluate psychological, biological, social and spiritual contributions to flourishing and wellbeing
3.
Critically appraise relevant evidence of positive psychological functioning in relation to individual differences, lifespan and cultural perspectives
4.
Synthesise knowledge to design, apply and conduct research in positive psychology
5.
Synthesise information to design and evaluate applied approaches and interventions in positive psychology
6.
Critically analyse complex issues systematically
7.
Creatively appraise and integrate information from a variety of sources
8.
Analyse, interpret and summarise psychological data
9.
Plan, design, execute and report on a programme of original, empirical research
10.
Employ skills of self-reflection
11.
Select, adapt and apply research methods and theoretical approaches to contribute to the development of knowledge in positive psychology
12.
Compare and contrast a range of positive psychology interventions aiming at positive human functioning and wellbeing
13.
Retrieve and organise information effectively
14.
Use a variety of psychological tools, including specialist software and psychometric instruments
15.
Carry out an extensive piece of independent research, applying skills of choosing and applying appropriate research methodologies and the treatment of resulting data with appropriate analytical methods
16.
Apply skills of literature search, critical review and selection of relevant sources, and systematic synthesis and treatment of key material
17.
Implement and maintain systems for professional and ethical standards in applied psychology
18.
Present and explain applied positive psychology approaches and practices
19.
Use a variety of specialist data analysis software applications
20.
Demonstrate problem solving and reasoning skills
21.
Organise self-management of learning, utilising time-management skills and effective planning strategies
22.
Develop collaboration and co-operation in working with others
23.
Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
24.
Identify, select and use qualitative and quantitative approaches to data analysis

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Lectures and directed independent reading are used to introduce core knowledge. These are supplemented by seminar, workshop and practical activities in which students can explore ideas in more depth and contribute to, and benefit from, peer learning. These activities also provide opportunities for the development of declarative knowledge regarding positive psychology themes, with feedback from tutors and peers. Practical engagement with mindfulness meditation and other positive psychology applications will allow students to develop a felt sense of engaging in positive psychology interventions. Many of these learning activities will be tied to critical reflection, allowing students to develop their self-reflection skills.

In addition, students are expected to cover substantive course content through their own directed reading. These approaches are consistent with the learning outcomes of each specific module within the programme. While a number of course texts will be utilised to introduce students to the core concepts, critical examination of these concepts using primary sources including journal articles and reports will form a major component of the teaching strategy. Individual supervision meetings support students in developing, conducting and reporting an empirical investigation in positive psychology.

In line with the Positive Psychology perspective of the programme, a diagnostic strength-based approach integrated into module delivery will furthermore support students in identifying, applying and intentionally developing their personal strengths in relation to their academic work.

The assessment strategy aims to foster in-depth and active learning to achieve an appropriate match between teaching and learning methods and assessment tasks. It includes the provision of summative, formative and peer feedback, an appropriate balance of assessment tasks over the programme, and inclusivity of a range of student approaches to learning. A variety of assessment methods is therefore utilised across the programme.

Workshop activities provide opportunities for formative feedback from both peers and tutors. Similarly, dedicated coursework preparation seminars and online discussion forums within modules and individual tutor support during the preparation of coursework assignments provides opportunities for formative feedback and general guidance.

Coursework assessment is used to provide timely and detailed summative assessment. Individual tutors also build in opportunities for formative assessment during modules, and take advantage of opportunities to provide formative assessment that arise from students' work and engagement with the tasks. Assessment methods include essays, critiques, reports, reflective portfolios, presentations, practical demonstrations, research proposal and dissertation.

Opportunities for work related learning

There is no formal work-based learning during this MSc, although students may conduct their research project in a range of professional settings. As such these research studies support the student to build real experience in the working environment and create professional relationships outside the university setting.

Programme Structure

Programme Structure Description

To exit the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate the students must achieve 60 credits.To exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma the students must complete and pass all modules to achieve 120 credits (except 7000POSPSY Empirical Project 60 credits).

Approved variance from Academic Framework Regulations

Variance approved 11/17 to allow Meditation and Mindfulness (7004POSPSY) to operate as yearlong module.

Entry Requirements

IELTS
Other international requirements
RPL
Undergraduate degree

HECoS Code(s)

(CAH04-01) psychology