Master of Arts in Positive Psychology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to offer learners an advanced knowledge base of and research competence into the nature, development and enhancement of psychosocial well-being and health in various contexts, developmental phases and cultural groups. Phenomena include, amongst others, positive emotions, the experience of meaning, resilience, character strengths, optimism, enabling social contexts and positive institutions. A basic premise of positive psychology is that human flourishing cannot be achieved simply through curing pathology and eliminating behavioural and emotional problems, but requires building and capitalising on strengths and capabilities.

Overall aims of the programme are to enable learners to

• Gain specialist knowledge to enable them to engage with, and critique current research and practice in positive psychology as a field, and to manifest the ability to conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge and practices.
• Develop depth of knowledge and critical understanding of the theory, research and intellectual history of positive psychology.
• Become proficient in selecting and using positive psychology assessment methods.
• Study a range of positive psychology interventions, apply them within professional settings and develop innovative approaches for new situations, as well as the competencies to evaluate such interventions.
• Gain a thorough knowledge of appropriate research methods and data analysis techniques, as well as the skill in application thereof.

Rationale

Positive psychology is a new branch of psychology that emerged in the late 1990s. The qualification was developed because a need was identified to contribute towards shifting the attention from correlation studies towards the development and evaluation of positive interventions for enhancing wellbeing via randomised controlled studies. The qualification focuses on different customs of dealing with psychological problems. Positive psychology interventions are applied to a number of other contexts, such as workplaces, parenting and relationships, the military, communities and health rehabilitation programmes. Positive psychologists now focus on some additional goals, such as identifying interaction effects, individual difference factors and the underlying mechanisms of effective positive interventions to maximise the favourable outcomes of positive interventions with a range of benefactors in mind. This is the first institution to offer formal training in Positive Psychology and it is anticipated that more will soon follow.

The Master: Positive Psychology is perceived as a new way to meet the demands of the modern world and provide better ways to enhance the wellbeing of a greater number of ordinary (but troubled) people. Through research the whole continuum of mental health, especially at the upper end of normal, and optimal functioning will benefit. The qualification strives to cultivate values and ethics, which include a sense of calling, service to the community, high ethical standards and good stewardship, on top of academic rigour.

It is expected that learners possess adequate knowledge in Psychology as the focus. Learners are expected to be able to read and critically evaluate academic text in English and communicate information and own ideas orally and in written text that is grammatically correct, well structured, clear and concise, using accepted standards of medical science and academic writing, at NQF Level 8.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

A portfolio containing evidence of prior learning in academic fields or a brief overview of work experience and context will be considered for granting learners admission. Learners will be expected to motivate how their professional or life experience has prepared them for studying positive psychology. Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior relevant studies.

Access to the qualification

Admission requirements for the qualification are

• An Honours Degree (or equivalent) in psychology, sociology, health, social welfare or other related discipline, with a minimum of 65%.

The qualification consists of six compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 worth a total of 180 credits.

Modules

• Introduction to Positive Psychology, 20 credits.
• Assessment and Basics of Interventions, 20 credits.
• Applications in Positive Psychology, 20 credits.
• Advanced Positive Psychology, 20 credits.
• Research methods in Positive Psychology, 25 credits.
• Research Dissertation in Positive Psychology, 75 credits.

• Apply specialist knowledge to engage with and critique current research and practice in positive psychology as a field and to manifest the ability to conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge and practices.
• Develop depth of knowledge and critical understanding of the theory, research and intellectual history of positive psychology.
• Develop proficiency in selecting and using positive psychology assessment methods.
• Apply a range of positive psychology interventions within professional settings and develop innovative approaches to new situations as well as the competencies to evaluate such interventions.
• Apply thorough knowledge of appropriate research methods and data analysis techniques as well as skill in the application thereof.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are embedded in the qualification and will be assessed appropriately.

The following Assessment Criteria are applicable in an integrated way across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Current research and literature within the positive psychology discipline are critically evaluated.
• The ability to creatively select, design and apply appropriate evaluation and interventions methods and techniques, appropriate to the specific context is demonstrated.
• Creativity and originality in the interpretation, application and development of knowledge and practice are used.
• Awareness and understanding of ethical constraints associated with the application of positive psychology interventions are expressed.
• The ability to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production and research, as well as individual, group, community or organisational issues is demonstrated.
• Critical awareness of current issues, debates, new insights and cutting edge issues within positive psychology is developed.
• The ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and methods of knowledge production in Positive Psychology is demonstrated.
• Capacity on analysis and synthesis is developed for evaluation of concepts at a meta-level, capability to identify assumptions, evaluation of statements with regard to evidence, detecting false logic or reasoning, identification of implicit values, appropriate generalisation, meaningful integration of facts and inferences.
• Advanced competence in using various positive psychology questionnaires and measures is demonstrated.
• A wide range of positive interventions across personal and professional domains are applied.
• Knowledge, understanding, skills and experience needed to carry out research into positive psychology areas are developed.
• Appropriate research methods and data analysis techniques are applied.
• Strategies to access, process and manage information, and to defend substantial ideas in the field of Positive Psychology are designed and implemented.
• Ideas from positive psychology are communicated to a wide range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
• Meta-theoretical and philosophical perspectives in positive psychology, the pertinent social, economic, political, historical issues and the wider context of positive psychology and positive social sciences are applied during interventions.
• A wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address challenging problems in the field of positive psychology as a discipline and practice are implemented.

Integrated Assessment

For every module one test, one assignment and one examination will be written. Modules will include practical/group assignments and these will be presented in writing. Assessment of practical modules is by means of a reflective portfolio of experiences that is compiled by every learner. Summative assessment will consist of the final examinations for each module.