Introduction
Put yourself at the forefront of this developing discipline by joining a strand of applied psychology only offered at a few universities across the world. Discover and discuss the nature of happiness, what helps people thrive and make a difference to everyday lives by studying MSc Applied Positive Psychology at ARU. Positive psychology is life changing. Our degree course helps you investigate the science behind how we can prepare for more successful lives and better well-being, through challenging existing cognitive and emotional patterns and encouraging positivity with evidence-based activities.
By studying Applied Positive Psychology at ARU, you’ll be introduced to research and interventions around topics like positive and negative emotions, character strengths, motivation, resilience, creativity, wisdom and other conditions shown to make a difference to the lives of individuals, groups and organisations. You'll constantly test your skills and apply them to real-life situations, coming to understand which tools and strategies to use in delivering meaningful, high-impact interventions. You’ll be able to use your new skills to shape businesses, education and communities. Our wide choice of modules means that, whether you work in coaching, business, education or health, you can tailor your studies to your career goals. Our course will also suit you if you have a BSc in psychology and want to further your knowledge. Our Applied Positive Psychology degree course is taught via blended learning, a mixture of both distance learning and face-to-face delivery in Cambridge and France. In France, teaching takes place approximately 40 minutes from the centre of Paris by train, giving you the advantage of cheaper accommodation as well as the chance to make a quick visit to the capital. In Cambridge, teaching takes place at our East Road campus, where you’ll also have access to the psychology laboratories in our Science Centre.
How you'll be assessed
100% of your assessment will be through coursework. This could include essays, blogs, a reflective portfolio, self-reflective log, handouts, video presentation, mind maps, reports, a research proposal and a major project. You'll also get the chance to carry out an applied project in either a personal or professional setting, to give you experience of how positive psychology can be implemented in practice.
Careers
You could find yourself using positive psychology within training, government, an organisation or even in life coaching. You might want to use the sustainable well-being and development skills you gain in the charity, social enterprise or health sectors. Or you could even use the methods to transform a business or help develop and optimise the potential of a group, community or institution.
If you’re a qualified clinical psychologist, counsellor or psychotherapist, you’ll find positive psychology theory, research and applications will benefit your clinical work. Teachers, youth workers and educators also use positive psychology expertise in their work. You’re also in the perfect position to continue your academic career and move up to our Psychology PhD. You will gain Intermediate awards: PG Cert, PG Dip
