Positive Psychology



Overview

Positive Psychology is a relatively new branch of the discipline, taking a counterpoint approach to many of the traditional models of disordered function from which Psychology has learned so much. It celebrates the potential of humans, offers discussion on what can be achieved (“what great looks like”), and perspective on how to move towards healthier, happier, more enjoyable lives. 

Running through the course is a theme related to Optimism, give to be so crucial in improving the subject experience of wellbeing. We will also look at Strengths, and how focussing on strengths increases positivity, assists with self-confidence, and increases resilience. Grit and Determination are also introduced as two key elements from the suite of Positive Psychology skillsets leading to happier, more fulfilled lives.

We will introduce the 10 positive emotions as those which are given to have the 'most positive' benefits, and we will consider how these can be woven into everyday behaviour. We will also consider the value of meaningful living, with practical applications for the achievement of goals.

This course takes a fun and light-hearted view of Positive Psychology, and introduces some of the ideas it presents in improving wellbeing. Students should come with an open mind, and be prepared to explore and share ideas relating to happiness, kindness, altruism and optimism.

Programme details

Course starts: 22 Jan 2026

week 1: Origins of Positive Psychology, the study of Wellbeing

week 2: What does great look like?

week 3: Optimism and Wellbeing

week 4: The 10 Positive Emotions

week 5: Meaning, purpose and legacy

week 6: Building self confidence

week 7: Strengths

week 8: Happiness and Hedonism

week 9: Valuable Positives

week 10: The Hope Map; Conclusions

Certification

Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) Points

Only those who have registered for assessment and accreditation will be awarded CATS points for completing work to the required standard. Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail. Please follow this link for more information on Credit Accumulation Transfer Scheme (CATS) points

Digital Certificate of Completion 

Students who are registered for assessment and accreditation and pass their final assignment will also be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Information on how to access the digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course attended. You will be able to download the certificate and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Please note students who do not register for assessment and accreditation during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee (with no assessment) £300.00
Assessment and Accreditation fee £60.00

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, you are a full-time student in the UK or a student on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:

Concessionary fees for short courses

Tutor

Dr Jane Pollock

Independent Consultant and Researcher

Jane is a Chartered Psychologist, an Independent Consultant in Organisational Psychology, and a tutor and lecturer in Psychology and Statistics. She has a history of highly successful courses in both Psychology and Business streams, and takes a practical approach to a subject crucial to the success of people in organisations.

Course aims

  • To explore some of the methods and techniques employed in Positive Psychology to improve wellbeing.
  • To gain an understanding in the history and paradigms used in Positive Psychology
  • To consider the value of positive emotions from a scientific perspective
  • To gain experience of practical techniques for improving wellbeing

 

Teaching methods

Teaching methods will include lecture and seminar format for the purposes of introducing material. There will be several hands-on exercises and practical workshops where students bring their own experience and have the opportunity to apply techniques presented to their own lived experience.

Learning outcomes

  • Students will have an understanding of the intent of certain elements of the Positive Psychology literature.
  • Students will explore their own perspectives and learned expectations, and may choose to change these as a consequence of the material presented.
  • Students will have had the opportunity to try out the frameworks and theoretical models in hands-on practical exercises

 

Assessment methods

Formative assessment in the shape of a 500 word essay proposal or plan, and summative assessment as an 1500 word essay from a choice of alternatives provided.

Only those students who have registered for assessment and accreditation will submit coursework.

Application

To be able to submit coursework and to earn credit (CATS points) for your course you will need to register and pay an additional £60 fee per course. You can do this by ticking the relevant box at the bottom of the enrolment form or when enrolling online. Please use the 'Book' or 'Apply' button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an Enrolment form for short courses | Oxford University Department for Continuing Education

Students who do not register for assessment and credit during the enrolment process will not be able to do so after the course has begun. If you are enrolled on the Certificate of Higher Education you need to indicate this on the enrolment form but there is no additional registration fee.

 

Level and demands

The Department's Weekly Classes are taught at FHEQ Level 4, i.e. first year undergraduate level, and you will be expected to engage in a significant amount of private study in preparation for the classes. This may take the form, for instance, of reading and analysing set texts, responding to questions or tasks, or preparing work to present in class.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support