Positive Psychology is one of the fastest growing and most exciting disciplines within Psychology today.

Positive Psychology transcends the emphasis on mental illness and puts the focus on optimal wellbeing and flourishing. It is one of the most holistic scientific approaches to physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Its research includes mastery of fear, courage, resilience, authenticity, hope, and much more.

Its approaches have now been widely adopted by the NHS and favoured as an approach by the CQC and the Care Act (see here). The applications go beyond mental illness towards mental flourishing within business, life, education, health, and relationships.

New research continues to evolve in the inter-disciplinary fields of Positive Education, Positive Health, Positive Neuroscience, and Positive Exercise & Sport. As an applied science and philosophy, it has much value to offer to individuals, as well as to families, communities, schools, workplaces, and even national governance.

Coach individuals and small groups on Positive Psychology approaches to Strengths, Authenticity, Resilience, Positive Emotions, and Motivation…

As a graduate from our Level 5 Diploma in Positive Psychology Coaching Practice,  you will be certified to practice Positive Psychology using coaching skills. You may apply for Professional Membership of the Positive Psychology Guild, which insures UK-based practitioners, and join the PPG Register of Professionals, which sets professional standards for the practice and regulation of Positive Psychology today.

PPG has a strong relationship with Bucks New University which was formed when our founder completed the MAPP programme. Dr Reece Coker, the PPG President, is a strong advocate for this programme, and we feel that the Level 5 Diploma will prepare you to engage in a Masters of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) MSc degree course. Should you wish to progress to a MAPP following certification, PPG will provide an academic reference on your behalf. Acceptance will be subject to the usual University checks.

1. Course Overview

Successful completion of this course will certify you as a PPG Positive Psychology Coaching Practitioner.

On graduation, you will be certified to run a Positive Psychology Coaching Practice or integrate what you have learned into an existing professional role (e.g. as a coach, manager, teacher). You may also apply for Professional Membership with the Positive Psychology Guild, which offers insurance and liability coverage for practice (UK), and join the Register of Practitioners (worldwide).

For further details on the course, please read on or contact us at: training@ppnetwork.org

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Student Profiles

This course is designed for people who wish to gain a scientific, philosophical, and humanistic understanding of Positive Psychology whilst deepening their understanding of themselves and other people (individuals, groups, communities).

Students who are drawn to Positive Psychology Coaching Practice are typically interested in personal development and supporting individuals and small groups in finding ways to support their wellbeing and to flourish. This might be within a specific context (e.g. work, sport, relationships) or more broadly.

Students and graduates of this course come from across the world with diverse backgrounds and reasons for doing the course. Some wish to build or extend their own private practice while others plan to integrate what they learn into an existing professional role. Some also plan to contribute to research.

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Our Course Tutors & Trainers

This course is delivered by Certified Positive Psychology Practitioners.

All of our tutors and trainers have completed this course (or a similar one) and are practicing Positive Psychology. They are there to help empower you to learn and give you autonomy over your own learning process whilst supporting you through each stage of the process.

Our team is committed to safe and ethical practice. We follow the PPG Professional Guidelines for Positive Psychology Practitioners and Safe Practice Guidance (see here), and keep up to date with developments in research and best practice. We welcome student feedback and seek to create an optimal learning environment where students feel supported, included, and a sense of belonging.

We also take a strengths-based approach to learning that focuses on what a student can do, offering skills support where needed (e.g. on how to research), and practice learner differentiation. If you have individual learning needs (e.g. new to online learning, dyslexia), and you feel comfortable, please mention these in your application so that we can be aware of any learning adjustment you might need.

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Course Delivery & Timeline

This course learning materials are delivered online by the Positive Psychology Academy.

The Academy is a virtual learning environment where you will access your course materials and engage in a virtual study group led by your course tutor or trainer. Outside of live classes, you will attend Zoom calls, participate in online discussion threads, and develop your assignments with peer support.

The course timeline is 2-3 years and an accelerated route is typically 2 years. Please note that timelines can vary slightly depending on the enrolment date and student’s pace of learning. The maximum course completion time is 3 years.

Entry Criteria

This is a Level 5-ranked certification (non-regulated qualification).

Level 5 is equivalent in complexity of learning to a foundation degree in the UK.

To apply, you should hold a Level 3 certificate or above (e.g.  A-levels), or the equivalent (e.g. relevant work experience and professional training), in a related subject and be willing to engage in Level 5 studies that are delivered through online academic learning, professional training and supervision, and self-paced guided learning materials. 

You will have a keen interest in wellbeing and flourishing, and be curious about how people think, feel, behave, and change. Experience of having been coached as a client by a certified coach is required prior to application (at least 10 hours). This may include but is not limited to life, executive, and sport coaching, as well as Positive Psychology coaching.

Due to the introspective nature of Positive Psychology and Positive Psychology Coaching, we recommend having a self-awareness practice and/or support network in place prior to application. This can look different from person to person, as needs and interests will vary.

Examples include:

• Activities that cultivate presence and help you to manage stress (e.g. gardening, walking, journaling, meditation, spiritual or creative practice) 
• Activities that help you feel connected to yourself or others or nature (e.g. a hobby, physical activity, caring for family, caring for animals)
• Past or present engagement in a personal development process with a professional as appropriate to your needs (e.g. coaching, counselling)

The above are examples and not comprehensive. Every individual is unique and there are many ways to support ourselves in practice, as you will learn on this course.

Please consider the above information carefully before you apply and let us know if you have any questions about what to expect before committing to an application.

For further information or to apply, please contact us at: training@ppnetwork.org

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Accelerated Routes

Are you a certified Level 5+ Coach who wishes to integrate Positive Psychology into your coaching practice? Or a MAPP or PPG Positive Psychology Practitioner Diploma graduate looking to acquire Positive Psychology Coaching as an additional mode of client engagement? 

If your certification/s and professional experience meet or exceed our Level 5 standards, and you have a strong motivation and the skills to direct your own learning for part of this course, you may apply for one of our accelerated diploma routes. For more details, please read on!

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Online Application Form

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO THIS COURSE

We recommend applying at least 3 weeks prior to your desired enrolment date to allow time to process your application.

To enquire about your application, please contact: training@ppnetwork.org

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2. Course Outline

Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Coaching Practice 

This course is delivered in 3 stages. Module 1 builds your fundamental knowledge base in Positive Psychology with inter-disciplinary links. Module 2 trains you in the ethics of Positive Psychology Practice. Module 3 completes your training as a PPG Positive Psychology Coaching Practitioner. 

The course combines self-paced learning materials (studied in your own time), enrichment learning materials (e.g. recorded webinars), and direct learning support through group learning and group training cycles. These cycles are held with a group tutor or trainer via Zoom.

On successful completion of all three modules, you will receive the following certificate: Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Coaching Practice (500hrs). You may refer to yourself as a PPG Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner (Coaching) or PPG Certified Positive Psychology Coaching Practitioner. 

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Module 1 – Positive Psychology Fundamentals (Year 1)

In this Module, you will study the Psychology of Strengths, Authenticity, Resilience, Positive Emotions, and Motivation.

You will also explore broader concepts in Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, Theology, and Spirituality (PPG Positive Psychology Matrix, 2025) that are relevant to understanding the research, theory, and practice of Positive Psychology and its multidisciplinary dimensions.

You will study and explore:

• Character Strengths & Virtues
• Authenticity, Self & Identity
• Resilience, Wellbeing & Positive Growth
• Positive & Negative Emotions
• Motivation, Needs & Goals

For more details on this module content and its assessment, please click here.

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Module 2 – Positive Psychology Practice (Year 2)

In this Module, you will be trained in the ethics and values required for professional practice.

You will discuss and reflect on these values with your trainer and peers during a 6-week training course. 

You will study the components of a safe and ethical practice, and how to engage your future clients using a strengths-based, hope-oriented, and person-centred/led approach.

You will also study how to run an inclusive practice that recognises diversity and belonging, and how to refer clients whose mental health needs exceed the scope of (non-clinical) practice.

You will study and discuss:

• Ethics & Regulation
• Strengths-Based Approaches
• Practitioner Values & Paradigms
• Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Cultural Diversity & Inclusion
• Neurodiversity & Inclusion

For more details on this module content and its assessment, please click here.

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Module 3 – Positive Psychology Coaching Practice (Year 2)

In this Module, you will be trained to apply Positive Psychology using coaching as a mode of practice.

You will learn and practice coaching skills during a 6-week training course. You will learn how to facilitate client coaching conversations, psychoeducation, and guided reflective practice using scientific, humanistic, and philosophical approaches. This will bring your learning from Modules 1 and 2 to life.

Later, you will apply this learning with volunteer “clients”. These “clients” are individuals who consent to being coached by you as part of your training. You will be supervised individually during this final phase of your practitioner training. This final phase of learning is experiential and will prepare you to coach individuals and small groups (up to 6 individuals) as a Positive Psychology Practitioner.

On successful completion of this module and course, you will become a Certified Positive Psychology Coaching Practitioner and may work with adult clients in a safe and ethical manner.

You may apply for Professional Membership with the Positive Psychology Guild and become a registered Positive Psychology Practitioner.

You will study and practice:

• Coaching Framework
• Client Intake & Assessment
• Coaching Conversations 1 (Goals)
• Coaching Conversations 2 (Interventions/Solutions)
• Coaching Conversations 3 (Narrative Identity)
• Case Study Analysis

On completion of this module, you will progress to certification.

For more details on this module content and its assessment, please click here.

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3. Certification

This course is internally accredited by the Positive Psychology Guild (PPG) as continuing professional development (CPD).

On successful completion of all three modules, you will receive the following certificate: Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Coaching Practice (500hrs). You may refer to yourself as a Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner (Coaching) or Certified Positive Psychology Coaching Practitioner. 

PPG is a Not for Profit Organisation and a government registered learning provider with a UK Provider Reference Number: 10067939. It provides Professional Membership to Certified Positive Psychology Practitioners and Strengths-Based Practitioners using a Positive Psychology-informed approach.

For more details on the organisation, please click here.

For more details on professional membership, please click here.

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Course Endorsement

This course and/or training programme has been endorsed by the Quality Licence Scheme for its high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course and/or training programme is not regulated by Ofqual and is not an accredited qualification. Your training provider will be able to advise you on any further recognition, for example progression routes into further and/or higher education. For further information please visit the Learner FAQs on the Quality Licence Scheme website.

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Professional Membership

Graduates of this course may join the Positive Psychology Guild as a Professional Member.

PPG Professional Membership includes registration to practice as a PPG Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, insurance and liability coverage (UK) for Positive Psychology activities and coaching, and professional guidance on ethics and safe practice.

For more information on membership services, please click here.

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Course Progression

On certification, you may progress to one of the following courses:

• Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Practice & Training (Accelerated Route 3)
• Level 5 Diploma Positive Organisational Psychology (Accelerated Route 3)
• Level 7 Certificate Applied Positive Psychology Research

For further details, please contact us at: training@ppnetwork.org

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Further Learning

During enrolment, you will be given complimentary access to the PPG Community Library, which contains a range of live and recorded webinars on Positive Psychology by various speakers. You may also request complimentary access to PPG CPD training events run by the Positive Psychology Centre. These include recorded webinar series on Positive Health, Positive Education, and Positive Organisations.

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4. Next Steps

Applications for this course may be submitted throughout the year.

Upcoming enrolment dates are:

• Tuesday 8th September 2026 (Application Deadline: Thursday 13th August 2026)*
• Tuesday 2nd February 2027 (Application Deadline: Thursday 14th January 2027)**
• Tuesday 1st June 2027 (Application Deadline: Thursday 13th May 2027)**
• Tuesday 5th October 2027 (Application Deadline: Thursday 16th September 2027)**

*There is an induction session via Zoom for new students on enrolment day with two options for attendance (1pm-2.30pm and 6pm-7.30pm UK).

*There is an induction session via Zoom for new students on enrolment day with one option for attendance (1pm-2.30pm UK).

Please note the 2027 Group Learning Cycle and Group Training Calls take place at 1pm (UK) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For a schedule, please contact: training@ppnetwork.org

If you are applying for Accelerated Route 2 (see below – MAPP graduates and PPG Level 5 PPF graduates only), please check with us for enrolment dates for Module 2.

Please scroll down for the online application form, course fees, Accelerated Routes, and FAQs.

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Online Application Form

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO THIS COURSE

We recommend applying at least 3 weeks prior to your desired enrolment date to allow time to process your application.

To enquire about your application, please contact: training@ppnetwork.org

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Course Fees

The course fee is £2,450.

This includes all three modules as well as the following:

• Access to the Positive Psychology Academy (this includes study groups)
• Access to online learning materials (e.g. recorded webinars, lessons, reflective practice guidance)
• Group tutoring (Zoom calls), tutor feedback (email), and assessments
• Group training (Zoom calls) and trainee practice supervision (Zoom calls)
• Enrichment learning materials (e.g. CPD Positive Health / Organisations / Education)
• Certification on successful completion of the course (electronic and print)

Payment options include:

• Single payment during enrolment with a £100 discount (£2,350)
• PPG Payment Plan 1 – deposit (£850) and 16 monthly payments (£100 x 16)
• PPG Payment Plan 2 – deposit (£850) and 8 monthly payments (£200 x 8)

Corporate payment option (employees):

• Single payment with a £100 discount (£2,350)

Payment Methods:

• Bank transfer and online card payments (UK & Overseas)
• Direct debit for monthly instalments (UK only)

Course fees and deposits are due on receipt of invoice and prior to enrolment unless otherwise agreed. Please note there are no course refunds.

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Accelerated Route 1 (Level 5+ Coaches)

Certified and experienced Level 5+ coaches may apply for an accelerated version of this course.

You will complete Modules 1 and 2 then go directly to Module 3 project supervision. You will not attend Module 3 training.

The fee for this option is £2,150.

Payment plans are available on request.

Entry Criteria

• Level 5+ Coaching certificate from a recognised learning provider. This should include an understanding of professional ethics, client engagement and progression (needs analysis and case formulation are desirable), and a person-centred/led coaching practice.

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Accelerated Route 2 (MAPP & PPG Level 5 Positive Psychology Fundamentals Graduates)

MAPP (Masters of Applied Positive Psychology) and PPG graduates (Level 5 Certificate / Diploma Positive Psychology Fundamentals) may apply for an accelerated version of this courses.

You will go directly to Modules 2 and 3. Please check with us for the next available enrolment dates: training@ppnetwork.org

The fee for this option is £1,450.

Payment plans are available on request.

Entry Criteria

• MAPP degree from a recognised university OR
• MSc Positive Psychology degree from a recognised university OR
• PPG Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Fundamentals

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Accelerated Route 3 (PPG Level 5 Certified Positive Psychology Practitioners)

PPG Certified Positive Psychology Practitioners (Level 5+ only) may apply for an accelerated version of this course.

You will go directly to Module 3 training. Please check with us for the next available enrolment dates: training@ppnetwork.org

The fee for this option is £950 (September 2024+ fees).

Payment plans are available on request.

Entry Criteria

• PPG Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Training Practice OR
• PPG Level 5 Diploma Positive Organisational Psychology

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Accelerated Route 4 (PPG Level 3 Certified Positive Psychology Practitioners)

PPG Certified Positive Psychology Practitioners (Level 3 only) may apply for an accelerated version of this course.

You will complete Module 1 then go directly to Module 3. Please check with us for the next available enrolment dates: training@ppnetwork.org

The fee for this option is £1,450 (September 2024+ fees).

Payment plans are available on request.

Entry Criteria

• PPG Level 3 Certificate Positive Psychology Practice

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Positive Psychology Guild?

The Positive Psychology Guild is a Not for Profit Organisation (Company Number: 11015084) and a government registered learning provider (UK Provider Reference Number: 10067939). It is also a Quality License Scheme Training Provider (Provider Number: 01390). It trains, certifies, and insures Positive Psychology Practitioners and Strengths-Based Practitioners using Positive Psychology-informed approaches, and accredits Positive Psychology courses. For further information, please click here.

2. How many hours of studying a week should I expect?

We recommend setting aside 5-7 hours a week for studying (this includes group calls and reflective practice) with additional hours during assignment phases over a 2 year period. If a slower pace is needed, it is possible to request a third year for course completion. The maximum timeline for completion is 3 years after which course extension fees may apply.

3. Are there any live attendance requirements on this course?

Yes. During Module 1, you will be expected to attend 3 x 8-week Group Learning Cycles via Zoom. These sessions take place on Tuesdays from 1pm-2.30pm (UK).

During Module 2, you will be expected to attend 1 x 8-week Group Training Cycle via Zoom. These sessions take place on Wednesdays from 1pm-3pm (UK).

During Module 3, you will progress to individual practice supervision and attend approximately 6 supervision calls. These will be scheduled on joining Module 3 and will take place during the hours of 11am and 5pm (UK) at mutually convenient times for yourself and the supervisor.

4. What is the total completion time for this course?

The total completion time is set at 500 hours. This includes class time, participation in online Academy study group discussion threads, reading/watching the materials provided, further reading and research of your own initiative, peer exchange and practice, “client” project delivery, supervision and observation, and assignment development and submissions.

5. Which certification will I receive?

You will receive a PPG-accredited Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Coaching Practice. You will also receive a certificate from the Quality License Scheme, which endorses this course.

6. Do graduates go on to practice professionally after this degree?

Graduates of this course may set up a private coaching practice or use their course learning to add value to an existing one. Some integrate their course learning into an existing professional role, or draw on their course experience for personal development.

7. Will this course teach me how to diagnose clinical conditions or facilitate therapeutic processes?

No. The scope of this course is educational approaches to Positive Psychology using psychoeducation and coaching as modes of practice. It is not a clinical psychology course nor a therapy or counselling course. If you know you wish to practice in these areas, we recommend pursuing a university degree in Clinical Psychology or a diploma in Counselling from a reputable training provider.

8. Will I be registered to practice professionally after certification?

On certification, you may apply for Professional Membership with the Positive Psychology Guild (see here), which includes registration to practice.

Being insured to practice is a requirement for registration to practice.

The membership package includes liability and insurance coverage to practice Positive Psychology in the UK within the scope of your training and certification. Alternatively, you may arrange for your own insurance and liability coverage.

If you live or intend to practice outside of the UK, we recommend exploring any local insurance requirements prior to applying for this course.

For more information on membership, please contact: membership@ppnetwork.org

9. Will this course prepare me for a MAPP degree?

This course is set at Level 5. A Masters in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) is equivalent to Level 7 in terms of complexity.

The course will prepare you academically to progress onto a MAPP degree. For example, you will learn to read and critically evaluate scientific journal articles on Positive Psychology and learn how to conduct Positive Psychology self-interventions. You will also learn how to write literature reviews and reflective logs. In addition, you will learn case study research and analysis skills in your final project.

Throughout the course, you will be challenged to think critically and reflectively about Positive Psychology research, theory, and practice. These skills are essential to any MAPP degree. 

This course will not teach you advanced research skills. If you wish to acquire these, you may apply for the Level 7 Certificate Applied Positive Psychology Research on completion of this course (click here for course details) as a stepping stone to a MAPP degree or in place of one.

If you wish to apply for a MAPP degree after your course, you may request an academic reference and set of transcripts from PPG to support your application. Please keep in mind that universities have a separate and independent admissions process, and we cannot influence any decision-making.

10. I want to apply to this course but I’m not “academic” – can I still apply?

Yes, you are welcome to apply, so long as you are prepared to learn academic skills like research and referencing, as these will be important elements of your course.

Academic skills are important when building an evidence-based practice in Psychology. For example, being able to think critically about scientific research and how to apply it is an important aspect of safe practice in Positive Psychology. Thinking critically also fosters safe and effective practice.

If you are certain you don’t wish to learn academic skills at Level 5, we recommend applying for the Level 3 Certificate Positive Psychology Practice. This is a lighter introduction to professional practice.

11. I am interested in conducting Positive Psychology research – what are my options?

You may progress after this course to the Level 7 Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology. This certificate is an exciting opportunity to explore practical questions you may have about the application of Positive Psychology and develop your own research contribution to the field.

You may also consider applying for a MAPP degree. Please see question 8 above.

12. I am neurodivergent – is it possible for me to apply?

Yes. The Positive Psychology Guild and its Academy is run by a neurodiverse team and we welcome applications from neurodivergent individuals. We also take a strengths-based approach to learning with a focus on what students can do as well as seeking to remove any barriers to learning.

Amongst our student base are individuals with autism, dyslexia, OCD, and ADHD. Some may need to be assessed differently (e.g. oral rather than written assignments) while others may need more one-to-one tutor or trainer support (e.g. for study plans). Some may excel in independent learning and need no additional support. They might even need to be challenged further in order to grow.

12. I come from a non-dominant / minority culture – will my cultural differences be welcomed?

We welcome cultural diversity and believe it is essential to the growth of Positive Psychology research and practice today. We also recognise that it is a broad and subjective area that requires depth and sensitivity in understanding of that which is seen and unseen. We are open to learning and dialogue with our students to ensure our curriculum continually evolves to represent people of all cultures, and we periodically seek critical feedback from students on how we are doing here.

13. I struggle with my mental health – is this a barrier to applying or doing the course?

As Positive Psychology educators, we recognise that everyone’s mental health can fluctuate over time. To help reduce unnecessary pressure during your studies, we offer flexibility with assignment submission dates and pacing. Should you need to take a break from or extend your course learning time in order to care for your wellbeing, your course completion timeline can be adjusted.

Please be mindful that studying Positive Psychology or training to become a Positive Psychology Practitioner is not a substitute for getting the mental health support we might need from a qualified professional. Online studying can also require more self-motivation and self-direction than in-person courses, and these capacities can be impacted by a mental health condition.

If a mental health condition is being managed with professional support, then learning about Positive Psychology can become a meaningful and rewarding experience. This could be done initially with a qualified professional using a Positive Psychology-informed approach and later through formal studies such as this course.