Launch of the Hope Scholarship!

The Hope Scholarship falls under the Positive Psychology Centre and is funded by the Positive Psychology Guild and private donations. Three partially-funded positions are available in 2024/2025 for the Community Based Interventions Initiative.

Applicants to this scholarship should be Certified Positive Psychology Practitioners who are engaged in professional practice (e.g. a coaching, training, or organisational facilitation practice). They should have in place case study research skills and be looking to develop these skills further at Level 7.

Exceptions can be made for Certified Strengths-Based Practitioners using Positive Psychology-informed approaches who are willing to study Positive Psychology Fundamentals at Level 5 prior to beginning their Level 7 research.

The objective of this scholarship is to generate research-informed community based interventions for one (or more) of the following themes:

Theme 1

Building hope for young people.

To address the increased depression and sense of hopelessness among some of today’s young people, this scholarship project aims to combine Positive Psychology insights, concepts, theories, and strategies within a community-based intervention to help young people to develop greater hope.

Theme 2

Relieving loneliness through connection.

To address the current epidemic of loneliness and isolation, especially among older people, this scholarship project aims to apply Positive Psychology approaches within a community-based intervention to help generate innovative ways to build relationships of caring and trust.

Theme 3

Resolving conflict in our communities.

To overcome the increased polarisation in our world today, this scholarship project aims to apply Positive Psychology insights, concepts, theories, and strategies within a community-based intervention to help people in conflict discover common ground and create new solutions together.

Applicants are invited to present their initial research ideas during the application process. If the application is successful, these ideas will be further developed during research supervision.

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Phase 1: Level 7 Diploma / Certificate Studies

Three successful scholarship applicants will first complete the Level 7 Diploma / Certificate Applied Positive Psychology Research. This part of the scholarship will result in a pilot-tested Positive Psychology Research Project that will contribute towards their scholarship theme.

The Certificate is designed to take 12 months to complete. This includes independent learning, individual supervision sessions via Zoom for research project guidance, and regular group supervision calls via Zoom for peer support. Applicants must be able to commit to all of these areas.

If the scholar is not a Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner at Level 5+, they may be asked to complete the Diploma which takes up to 18 months to complete.

Using a qualitative research method such as Grounded Theory, Narrative Inquiry, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, or Autoethnography, the study will examine if and how Positive Psychology may be a helpful intervention for community members within the given scholarship theme. Quantitative measures may be added if they are deemed helpful.

Assessment is via a written assignment (academic dissertation) and presentation via Zoom (academic poster). Individual learning needs will be taken into account during assessment to ensure the process is inclusive of difference and builds on the scholar’s strengths.

The scholar will be expected to contribute at least one white paper on their evolving research during their certification studies. They will also need to set aside on average 5-7 hours for research engagement on a weekly basis during the certification period.

Should a successful scholar not be a Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, they will be asked to study the Level 7 Diploma Applied Positive Psychology Research. This is essentially the same as the above course but begins with a module on Level 5 Positive Psychology Fundamentals that takes around 6 months to complete via independent learning with 1:1 tutor support.

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Phase 2: Community Based Intervention

Following certification, the scholar will design, implement, and evaluate a practical community-based intervention to support members of a community in line with their scholarship theme. This should be based on case study research and further develop their certification research.

This second phase of the project is expected to take up to 6 months and should be presented as a journal article or conference paper with a recorded presentation.

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Eligibility Criteria

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and geographical locations. Applicants will be assessed on skill, experience, vision, and character.

Applicants must be Certified Positive Psychology Practitioners with a relevant Level 5 certification and professional experience. Exceptions can be made for Strengths-Based Practitioners using Positive Psychology-informed approaches.

Essential

• Fluent English (written, spoken, reading)
• Strong interest in practicing Positive Psychology in communities
• Independent learner with research skills (this is not a taught course)
• Capacity to study at Level 5+ (equivalent to a foundation degree in the UK)
• Available to begin the scholarship within 3 months of being offered a place
• Able to commit to a 12-18 month online research programme (5-7 hours / week)
• Able to commit to a further 6 months of independent research (5-7 hours / week)
• Able to fund part of their scholarship fees (£975) – payment plans are available

Desirable

• Understanding of scientific research methods (qualitative, quantitative)
• Professional experience in a community setting

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Application Process

Please note that there is 1 remaining place available for this scholarship as follows:

• One partially-funded place (£975 GBP)*
• Payment plans are available on request.

*The scholar will pay the partial fees of £975. The Positive Psychology Guild (PPG) will fund the remaining fees for the scholarship. This will be £1475 for the Level 5 Diploma route (standard fees are £2450) and £675 for the Level 5 Certificate route (standard fees are £1650). Please visit the course website page here for further information. PPG also funds the supervision period for the Community-Based Intervention. The completion timeline for the scholarship is 2 years.

Please state clearly in your application which scholarship theme you are applying for (Theme 1, 2, or 3 – please see the details on each at the top of this page).

There is no application deadline. This scholarship will remain open until the places are filled.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

If you have any questions, please contact us for further information at: research@ppnetwork.org