Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing Science (GC-WBSCI)

Graduate CertificateYear: 2025 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville) or Online

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Overview

Award titleGraduate Certificate in Wellbeing Science
Year & campus2025 — Parkville
Fees informationSubject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date
Study level & typeGraduate Coursework
AQF level 8
Credit points50 credit points
Duration6 months full-time or 6 months full-time or 12 months part-time or 12 months part-time

The Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing Science explores the science of wellbeing with an evidence-based approach, using science based methods of building wellbeing in varied contexts. Students gain a scientific understanding of how humans flourish and communities and institutions can be strengthened through a wellbeing science lens. The course will equip students to apply positive psychology and wellbeing science principles in their professional and personal life; valuable transferrable skills and the practical know-how to strategically apply wellbeing science in various settings.

The course provides a rich and solid foundation of the historical developments of the field of Positive Psychology; explores key elements, theories, and perspectives from a range of scholars and practitioners; and introduces innovations within the field along with the frontiers of wellbeing research. Through experiential learning approaches, students explore applications of the positive psychology perspective and wellbeing science with individuals, organisations, and communities.

As part of the learning and assessment processes, students engage in a range of conceptual, applied and research-informed tasks. The program draws on a variety of pedagogical approaches to promote deep learning, connection with others, and critical scholarship, providing students with skills to confidently apply their knowledge in the future.

Links to further information

Information for future students: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/graduate-certificate-in-wellbeing-science/

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

either

  • A bachelor honours degree or equivalent in a cognate area*; or
  • A three-year undergraduate qualification and at least 50 credit points, or equivalent, of graduate study in a cognate area*; or
  • A three-year undergraduate qualification in a cognate area*, and at least two years of documented relevant work experience.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

  • Prior academic performance; and
  • Relevant work experience, where applicable.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance Band 7 is required.

Note:

*Cognate area: psychology, education, sociology, business, management, political science, medicine, public health, and economics.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

This course welcomes applications from students with disabilities.

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Overview, Objectives and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University and degree policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the degree. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this course are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Student Equity and Disability Support Team: https://students.unimelb.edu.au/student-support/student-equity-and-disability-support.

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 wellbeing science and positive psychology.
  • Evaluate the contextual relevance and implications of wellbeing conceptualisations.
  • 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.
  • Demonstrate a capacity to communicate positive psychology and wellbeing-related research clearly, critically, and persuasively.
  • Demonstrate reflective practice regarding learning and professional application.
  • Critically review and evaluate positive psychology and wellbeing-related research.
  • Analyse factors that impact sustainable behaviour and systems change.

Generic skills

In this course, students will develop the following set of key transferable skills:

  • Problem solving skills which are creative, innovative and solution focused.
  • Analytical skills and the ability to construct and articulate logical arguments.
  • Collaborative and teamwork skills through working with fellow students.
  • Ability to critically investigate, revise and review new ideas and approaches.
  • Effective organisational and planning skills.
  • High level communication skills.
  • Application of behaviour change methods.
  • The gathering and use of relevant supporting scientific evidence and data.

Graduate attributes

This course will enable graduates to achieve the following Graduate Attributes:

  • Academically excellent: graduates will develop research and evidence-based knowledge of wellbeing science. They will demonstrate a high level of achievement in writing, problem-solving and communication. Graduates will be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning and be adept at learning in a range of ways such as through experiential methods, group work, independent activities and information and communication technologies.
  • Knowledgeable across disciplines: graduates will critically examine, synthesise, and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines. They will expand their analytical and cognitive skills through a variety of learning experiences and collaborative learning processes. As a result of completing the Graduate Certificate, graduates will acquire a set of flexible and transferable skills relevant to a diverse range of employment opportunities.
  • Leaders in communities: Graduates will be better prepared for leadership roles and to initiate and implement constructive change. They will also demonstrate outstanding interpersonal 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 improved wellbeing services that focus on early intervention and prevention.
  • Attuned to cultural diversity: Graduates will gain knowledge of a variety of individuals and groups from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Graduates will value different perspectives and lifestyle choices and will be informed and resourceful citizens who strive to meet the needs of a wide range of client groups.
  • Active global citizens: Graduates will accept social and civic responsibilities and will be advocates of community and voluntary work. They will value pro-social activities and will demonstrate a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics. They will recognise that health and education are important mechanisms for empowering people and mitigating the adverse effects of inequity and disadvantage.

Course structure

The Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing Science requires the completion of 50 credit points of study, usually over six months full time, or one to two years part time.

Students must complete:

  • Two compulsory subjects (25 points); and
  • Two elective subjects (25 points).

Note that:

  • The two compulsory subjects must be completed in the first semester of study.
  • Online course mode students may only enrol in Online mode subject availabilities.

Alternative Exit Point

An early exit point is available for students who commence the Graduate Certificate, but later decide to not complete the whole course. These students may exit the Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing Science early*, and apply to graduate with one of the following awards:

*Students must discontinue their enrolment in the GC-WELLSCI without completing the award, to be conferred the exit award.

Subject Options

Note: Subject availability modes (i.e., On Campus / Online) can be found via the subject links.

Compulsory Subjects

Complete both subjects in the first semester of study.

Code Name Study period Credit Points
EDUC91041 Principles of Positive Psychology
March (On Campus - Parkville)
July (Online)
 12.5
EDUC91042 Applications of Positive Psychology
March (On Campus - Parkville)
August (Online)
 12.5

Elective Subjects

Select and complete two subjects.

Code Name Study period Credit Points
EDUC91046 Wellbeing Design, Delivery & Evaluation
March (Online)
August (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
EDUC91043 Systems Informed Approaches to Change
March (On Campus - Parkville)
July (Online)
 12.5
EDUC91044 Positive Psychology and Organisations
March (On Campus - Parkville)
August (Online)
 12.5
EDUC91045 Critical Review of Wellbeing Science
March (Online)
August (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

Further study

Professional and Continuing Education Degrees 

The University of Melbourne's Faculty of Education is widely recognised as a leader in continuing professional education.

Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing Science graduates who wish to further their studies in wellbeing science may apply to the  Master of Applied Positive Psychology with advanced standing.

For more information about continuing professional study in Education, see the Faculty of Education Courses page.

Last updated: 27 February 2025