North West University
Master of Arts in Positive Psychology
The Master of Arts in Positive Psychology in Psychology is offered by North West University.
Program Length: 1 YEAR.
Subjects: 6.
Master of Arts in Positive Psychology offered by the North West University at the Faculty of Health Sciences
Outcomes of the qualification
After completion of the qualification, the student should be able to:
a) Demonstrate comprehensive and systematic knowledge of concepts, theories and research in the fields of positive psychology, well-being, positive organisational scholarship, psycho-social health, positive lifespan development and aging and enabling communities;
b) demonstrate critical awareness of current issues, debates, new insights and cutting edge issues within positive psychology to be able to solve identified problems in the field of positive psychology;
c) demonstrate competence in positive psychology assessment methods
d) demonstrate awareness of meta-theoretical and philosophical perspectives in positive psychology and the role of cultural, social, economic, political, historical aspects in conceptualizations and practices of positive psychology.
e) use principles, concepts and theories from positive psychology to assess and enhance psycho-social health and well-being in various contexts, for facilitation of life-span development, capacity building, prevention and advocacy for more comprehensive public health policies;
f) make interventions at the appropriate level within a system, based on the understanding of the hierarchical relations within the system, and the ability to address the intended and unintended consequences of interventions;
g) show an awareness of and understanding of ethical constraints and scope of practice associated with application of positive psychology interventions; contribute to the development of ethical standards in specific contexts; identify, and manage emerging ethical issues and monitor consequences where applicable.
h) develop knowledge, understanding, skills and experience needed to carry out research in positive psychology.
i) demonstrate the ability to creatively select, design and apply appropriate research methods and techniques, appropriate to the specific issue and context.
j) communicate ideas from positive psychology to a wide range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
k) reflect critically on own learning and experience; demonstrate the ability to develop own learning strategies which can sustain independent learning and academic development, and to take responsibility for own work, decisions and use of resources
Duration
The minimum duration for the study is one year and the maximum duration two years, calculated from the date of first registration for the particular programme. The faculty’s decision is based on the current subsidy model for universities and may differ from other faculties or regulations.
Programme: Positive Psychology
This programme is a structured master’s degree that consists of both taught and research components. The taught modules will be presented in several one week sessions on campus in the first year of study. The research component (minidissertation) runs over the first and second year of study. The aim is to equip students to apply knowledge from positive psychology in various contexts with the aim of enhancing the well-being and quality of life of people. It is a specialized degree in positive psychology and not a clinical qualification, and does not provide registration at the HPCSA.
Curriculum: Positive Psychology
The curriculum consists of course work presented by means of five lectured modules which must be completed during the first year of study. The research mini-dissertation has to be completed in the second year of study.
Modules
Research Mini-dissertation in Positive Psychology (60 credits)
Introduction to Positive Psychology (24 credits)
Research methods in Positive Psychology (24 credits)
Assessment and Basics of Interventions (24 credits)
Applications in Positive Psychology (24 credits)
Advanced Positive Psychology (24 credits)
