Master of Applied Positive Psychology

• Study the science of wellbeing
• Learn from internationally recognised academics
• Evidence-based research and training
• Our research Centre for Wellbeing Science is globally renowned
• Apply positive principles in your professional and personal life
• Study on campus or online, granting you greater flexibility
• Entry and exit points available

This course has two intakes with different delivery modes. Semester 1 commencement is face-to-face delivery only and Semester 2 commencement is online only.

The online commencement offers the same outcomes as the face-to-face commencement. The online course is not available to international students who are holders of an Australian student visa, for study onshore in Australia. This online course is available to all other international students to study wholly online.

Australia’s leading Master in Applied Positive Psychology explores the science of wellbeing with an evidence-based approach. You will gain a scientific understanding of how humans flourish and how communities and institutions can be strengthened through positive psychology. The course will equip you to apply positive psychology principles in your professional and personal life.

The course provides a deep and strong 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. Through experiential learning approaches, students explore applications of the positive psychology perspective and wellbeing science with individuals, organisations, and communities.

The course 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.

Who is the course for?

The course is for students looking for a scientific approach to studying wellbeing, as well as anyone in a professional setting wanting to increase productivity. The course 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. Graduates with either professional experience or postgraduate study are welcome to apply. The program is ideal for teachers, HR professionals, entrepreneurs, consultants, health or law professionals.

Please note: the Master of Applied Positive Psychology does not carry professional accreditation and is not a pathway to professional registration as a psychologist.

Why choose the Master of Applied Positive Psychology with us?

On the Master of Applied Positive Psychology, you'll be taught by a number of internationally recognised education experts, including Professor Lindsay Oades, Professor Dianne Vella-Brodrick, Associate Professor Aaron Jarden and Associate Professor Gavin Slemp. As students of Faculty of Education researchers, you'll experience evidence-based research and training with a rigorous scientific approach.

Our Centre for Wellbeing Science is known to be one of the best in the world, and the best of its kind in Australia. The research undertaken here feeds directly into your curriculum, bringing you a thought-leading program.

The course has a strong cohort experience and attracts students from varied backgrounds and experiences, enabling experiential cohort learning and understanding.

Explore our Centre for Wellbeing Science

Support while you learn

We take pride in the excellent support we offer our Master of Applied Positive Psychology students from enrolment, throughout their studies, and beyond. If you are an Indigenous student, we offer a range of support services here at the University of Melbourne via Murrup Barak.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

• English language test score requirements

• If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

  IELTS

  7.0

  ---

  with written 7.0 and no band less than 6.0

  TOEFL

  94+

  ---

  with writing 27; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

  PEARSON

  72+

  ---

  with written communicative skill of 75 and no other communicative skill below 60

  CAMBRIDGE

  185+

  ---

  with no less than 185 in writing and no less than 169 in each other skill

  *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection