Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MC-APP)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2025 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville) or Online
About this course
Contact
Faculty of Education
Currently enrolled students
Future students:
Principal Coordinator
Jacqui Francis
Overview
| Award title | Master of Applied Positive Psychology |
|---|---|
| Year & campus | 2025 — Parkville |
| CRICOS code | 079279E |
| Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
| Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
| AQF level | 9 |
| Credit points | 100 credit points |
| Duration | 12 months full-time or 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time or 24 months part-time |
The Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) is designed for students who are interested in scientifically-grounded approaches to understanding and supporting wellbeing personally and professionally. The MAPP aims to equip graduate students with the skills, knowledge and abilities to competently apply positive psychology and wellbeing science principles to a range of real-world contexts. The course emphasises critical thinking, contextually relevant analysis, and the ethical application and evaluation of concepts.
The program provides a deep and strong foundation of the historical developments of the field; explores key elements, theories, and perspectives from a range of scholars and practitioners; and introduces innovations within the field. Through experiential learning approaches, students explore applications of the positive psychology perspective and wellbeing science with individuals, organisations, and communities. Multi-disciplinary empirical research is combined with thoughtful discourse, with a particular emphasis on contextual relevance, critical thinking, and understanding of the complexities involved in creating and sustaining positive change.
The program also addresses issues related to ethical and professional practice. As part of the learning and assessment processes, students are expected to 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
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-applied-positive-psychology
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:
a) *Cognate area: psychology, education, sociology, business, management, political science, medicine, public health, and economics.
b) Successful applicants with one of the following University of Melbourne degrees may be granted applicable advanced standing:
- Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing Science (50 points of advanced standing);
- Professional Certificate in Positive Education (25 points of advanced standing);
- Professional Certificate in Positive Psychology (25 points of advanced standing. Available to students that commenced the PR-POSPYC from 2022 onwards only); or
- Professional Certificate in Wellbeing Science (25 points of advanced standing): or
- Professional Certificate in Wellbeing Coaching (12.5 points of advanced standing for equivalent subjects); or
- Professional Certificate in Wellbeing Leadership (12.5 points of advanced standing for equivalent subjects).
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The Master of Applied Positive Psychology 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 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
This course develops the following generic skills:
- Problem solving skills that 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 (oral and written) skills.
- Application of behaviour change methods.
- Ability to gather, interpret, and distinguish relevant supporting scientific evidence and data.
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.
Course structure
The Master of Applied Positive Psychology requires the completion of 100 credit points of study, usually over one year full time or two years part time.
Students must complete:
- 6 x compulsory subjects (75 points); and
- 1 x capstone subject (25 points).
Note that:
- Principles of Positive Psychology must be completed in the first semester and:
- Capstone in Positive Psychology may only be undertaken after satisfactory completion of 50 points (and in the final semester of study).
Alternative Exit Point
Early exit points are available for students who commence the Masters^, but later decide to not complete the whole course. These students may exit the Master of Applied Positive Psychology early*, and apply to graduate with one of the following awards:
- Graduate Certificate in Wellbeing Science (GC-WBSCI) if they have satisfied the completion requirements for that award during their enrolment in this masters course (i.e., successfully completed the prescribed 50 credit points of study).
- Professional Certificate in Positive Education (PR-POSED), if they have satisfied the completion requirements for that award during their enrolment in this masters course (i.e., successfully completed the prescribed 25 credit points of study).
- Professional Certificate in Wellbeing Science (PR-WBSCI), if they have satisfied the completion requirements for that award during their enrolment in this masters course (i.e., successfully completed the prescribed 25 credit points of study).
^These early exit points are only available to students who commenced the MC-APP from 2022 onwards.
*Students must discontinue their enrolment in the MC-APP without completing the award, to be conferred the exit award.
Subject Options
Compulsory Subjects
| 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 |
| 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 |
| EDUC91046 | Wellbeing Design, Delivery & Evaluation |
March (Online)
August (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Capstone Subject
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDUC90790 | Capstone in Positive Psychology |
March (Online)
August (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
Further study
Graduate Research Degrees
The University of Melbourne's Faculty of Education is widely recognised as a leader in Australian and international education research.
Graduates interested in further study in one of Faculty of Education’s suite of graduate research degrees may have several options, depending on their prior qualifications, academic achievement, research experience and professional experience.
Graduates from this course (MC-APP) may be eligible to apply to:
- the Graduate Certificate in Educational Research or
- the Master of Education (Research) or
- the Doctor of Education.
Alternatively, Graduates from this course (MC-APP) who have completed:
- the Graduate Certificate in Educational Research or
- the Master of Education (Research) or
- an undergraduate Honours degree
may be eligible to apply to one of the following Faculty of Education research degrees:
Entry to these courses is a competitive process and each course has other entry requirements such as a minimum academic entry score, research experience and/or professional experience which must be met. Please check the Handbook course entry for details of entry requirements.
For more information about graduate research study in Education see the Faculty of Education Research Degrees page.
Last updated: 4 March 2025