Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MC-APP) // Attributes, outcomes and skills

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this course, graduates should be able to:

• Articulate the concepts, key works, scholars, and developments that have influenced the field of positive psychology.
• Evaluate the contextual relevance and implications of wellbeing conceptualisations.
• Critically review and evaluate positive psychology and wellbeing-related research.
• Translate positive psychology and wellbeing-related research into personal and professional contexts.
• Critically evaluate methods of research, evaluation, and practice employed in positive psychology and the wellbeing sciences.
• Develop ethically and culturally sensitive approaches to improve wellbeing for individuals, groups, and communities.
• Analyse factors that impact sustainable behaviour and systems change.
• Design a project grounded in positive psychology, wellbeing science, and related disciplines with clear real-world implications.
• Demonstrate a capacity to communicate positive psychology and wellbeing-related research clearly, critically and persuasively.
• Demonstrate reflective practice regarding learning and professional application.

Generic skills

Graduate attributes

On completion of this course, graduates should be:

• Academically excellent: Graduates will develop in-depth research and evidence-based knowledge of wellbeing science. They will demonstrate a high level of achievement in writing, problem solving, and communication, with clear understanding of research and evaluation methods and ethical practice. Graduates will be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning.
• Knowledgeable across disciplines: Graduates will critically examine, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across multiple disciplines relevant to wellbeing, including psychology, sociology, economics, public health, and education. They will expand their interdisciplinary analytical and cognitive skills through a variety of learning experiences and collaborative learning processes, with a set of flexible and transferable skills relevant to a diverse range of employment opportunities.
• Leaders in communities: Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles in relevant context and will be well resourced to initiate and implement constructive change with individuals, organisations and communities. They will demonstrate excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of their personal strengths and areas of professional competence, as well as their limitations and competency boundaries. Graduates will demonstrate professional integrity and sound ethical practices. Graduates will be aware of community needs and will actively engage in public discourse with the goal of achieving increased awareness around wellbeing that focus on early intervention and prevention.
• Attuned to cultural diversity: Graduates will have a clear recognition and respect for the perspectives and needs of individuals and groups from diverse cultural background. Graduates will be well-informed and resourceful citizens who strive to meet the needs of a wide range of groups in contextually appropriate ways.
• Active global citizens: Graduates will value pro-social activities and will demonstrate a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics. They will recognise that wellbeing science provides an important mechanism for empowering people and mitigating the adverse effects of inequity and disadvantage. Graduates will accept social and civic responsibilities and will be strong advocates of policies and activities that support individual and collective wellbeing.