Positive Psychology is an exciting area of research and practice within Psychology today.

Established as a field of study in 1998, it has evolved to reach all corners of the globe. Its initial research was on universal character traits and whether people could learn to be more optimistic.

From in-depth and cross-cultural research, a classification system of 6 virtues and 24 character strengths emerged. A scientific system then emerged to measure these traits in people, offering an alternative way of defining people beyond standard personality theories, and exploring how people could enhance their wellbeing and cultivate pathways to flourishing through the engagement of their strengths.

Study the science of Positive Psychology for personal, academic, and professional development…

As a graduate from our Level 5 Diploma in Positive Psychology Fundamentals, you will understand the research and evidence base for Positive Psychology in five key areas: Character Strengths and Virtues, Authenticity, Resilience, Positive Emotions, and Motivation. You may progress from here to one our Level 5 Positive Psychology in Practice Diplomas (Coaching, Training, or Organisations) and/or our Level 7 Applied Positive Psychology Research Certificate.

PPG has a strong relationship with Bucks New University which runs one of the Positive Psychology Courses at Masters degree level in the UK. All of our Positive Psychology diplomas 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 in Positive Psychology Fundamentals.

You will study the Psychology of Strengths, Authenticity, Resilience, Positive Emotions, and Motivation. The Science of Wellbeing and Philosophy of Flourishing runs throughout the course.

On graduation, you will be able to integrate what you have learned into an existing professional role.

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

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Student Profiles

Our students are based in the UK and across the world.

Their professional backgrounds include coaching, training, teaching, psychology, counseling, psychotherapy, management, leadership, fitness, yoga, mindfulness, and martial arts. Many progress to further Positive Psychology practitioner training and qualifications, and/or research.

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Course Tutors

This course is delivered by people who are passionate about Positive Psychology.

All of our tutors have either 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.

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Course Delivery & Timeline

This course is 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 participate in online discussion threads in the group and develop your assignments with peer support.

You will complete your qualification training within 12 months. Your course access is valid for 12 months in total.

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Entry Criteria

This is a Level 5-ranked qualification.

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

To apply, you must hold a Level 3 qualification or above, or the equivalent (e.g. relevant work experience and professional training), and be willing to engage in Level 5 studies that are delivered through a blend of online group learning (live) and self-directed studies outside of class.

You will need to have a keen interest in personal development and wellbeing, and be ready to study scientific and philosophical approaches to Positive Psychology.

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

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2. Course Outline

Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Fundamentals

On this course, you will explore Strengths, Authenticity, Resilience, Positive Emotions, and Motivation.

You will study broader concepts in Psychology, Philosophy, and Sociology that are relevant to understanding the research, theory, and practice of Positive Psychology and its inter-disciplinary links.

This learning will form the knowledge base required if you wish to continue with Level 5 Positive Psychology Master Practitioner training or Level 7 Applied Positive Psychology Research at a later date.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive a Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Fundamentals.

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

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You will study and explore:

• Unit 1: The Psychology of Strengths
• Unit 2: The Psychology of Authenticity
• Unit 3: The Psychology of Resilience
• Unit 4: The Psychology of Positive Emotions
• Unit 5: The Psychology of Motivation

For more details on this module content and assessment, please view: PPQS-02 L5 PPF Diploma Qualification Specification

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3. Certification

This certificate is accredited by the Positive Psychology Guild (PPG).

PPG is a Not for Profit Organisation and a government registered learning provider with a UK Provider Reference Number: 10067939. It is also a CPD Group accredited provider (777427).

On successful completion of your diploma, you will receive a certificate stating that you hold a Level 5 Diploma in Positive Psychology Fundamentals and may use the letters PPGDip after your name.

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Course Progression

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

• Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Coaching Practice
• Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Training Practice
• Level 5 Diploma Positive Organisational Psychology Practice
• Level 7 Certificate Applied Positive Psychology Research

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

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Professional Membership

On successful completion of one of the below qualifications, you may apply to join the Positive Psychology Guild as a Professional Member and Registered Positive Psychology Practitioner:

For further details on professional membership, please click here or contact: membership@ppnetwork.org 

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CPD Training Events

As an Academy member or graduate, you will be invited to CPD training events run by the Positive Psychology Centre.

Recorded events include Positive Education and Positive Leadership & Engagement. Upcoming live events include Positive Health and Positive Organisations.

For information and bookings on upcoming events, please contact us at: events@ppnetwork.org

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4. Course Fees

The Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Fundamentals fee is £1650 plus VAT (20%) = £1980.

This includes:

• Access to the Positive Psychology Academy
• Access to self-paced interactive study material
• Group tutoring, tutor feedback, and assessments
• 1:1 tutoring support for written assignments
• Certification on successful completion of the course

Payment options include:

• Single payment during enrolment with a £100 discount on the course fee (£1550 + VAT = £1860)
• PPG Payment Plan – deposit (£650 + VAT = £780) and 10 monthly payments (£100 + VAT = £120 x 10)
• PPG Payment Plan – deposit (£650 + VAT = £780) and 5 monthly payments (£200 + VAT = £240 x 5)

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Next Steps

Entry to this course is open throughout the year.

The units may be studied in any order – this allows flexibility in your start date.

Following enrolment, you will join the next unit’s group learning cycle.

Upcoming dates for these cycles are:

• Tuesday 9th January 2024 – Authenticity Unit (Zoom classes start on Tuesday 16th January 2024 / Application Deadline: Friday 8th December 2023)
• Tuesday 5th March 2024 – Resilience Unit (Zoom classes start on Tuesday 12th March 2024 / Application Deadline: Friday 16th February 2024)
• Tuesday 30th April 2024 – Positive Emotions Unit (Zoom classes start on Tuesday 7th May 2024 / Application Deadline: Friday 12th April 2024)
• Tuesday 25th June 2024 – Motivation Unit (Zoom classes start on Tuesday 2nd July 2024 / Application Deadline: Friday 7th June 2024)
• Tuesday 15th October 2024 – Strengths Unit (Zoom classes start on Tuesday 22nd October 2024 / Application Deadline: Friday 27th September 2024)

Please note there is a 2-hour induction session via Zoom for new students on enrolment day. There are two options for attendance (1pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm UK).

You will be given a training schedule during enrolment. You may also request a training schedule during the enquiry phase to check you are available for live and mandatory classes.

The total time for course completion is 12 months.

For further information, please contact: training@ppnetwork.org

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Application Form

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO THIS COURSE

For further information, please contact: training@ppnetwork.org

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Positive Psychology Guild?

The Positive Psychology Guild is a limited company with not-for-profit status and a UK government registered learning provider. It trains, certifies, and insures Positive Psychology Practitioners, and accredits Positive Psychology courses and qualifications. For further information, please click here.

How many hours of studying a week should I expect?

We estimate 5-7 hours a week (this includes group tutor calls) with additional hours during the assignment phases.

What is the Total Qualification Time (TQT) for this course?

The TQT is set at 250 hours (each unit is 50 hours).  This includes class time, participation in the online study group discussion threads, reading the materials that we provide, further reading of your own initiative, and assignment development and submission.

As a graduate of this course, will I become a Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner?

No. This course will provide you with a strong knowledge base in the science and philosophy of Positive Psychology. You will apply concepts and theories to yourself but you will not be trained to apply your knowledge with other people.

To become a Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner, we would recommend continuing your studies with any of the below courses:

• Level 3 Certificate Positive Psychology Practice
• Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Coaching Practice (Accelerated Route 2)
• Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Training Practice (Accelerated Route 2)
• Level 5 Diploma Positive Organisational Psychology (Accelerated Route 2)

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.

The course will prepare you to progress onto a MAPP degree. For example, you will read research articles on Positive Psychology and learn how to conduct Positive Psychology self-interventions, write literature reviews, critical reviews, and reflective logs, and prepare a research proposal.

Throughout the course, you will be challenged to think critically about Positive Psychology research, theory, and application. These academic skills are essential to a MAPP degree. You will also study links between Positive Psychology and other schools of thought in Psychology, Philosophy, and Sociology.

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.

I want to apply to this course but I’m not academic – can I still apply?

This diploma challenges many of our students in a positive way. We will encourage you to go beyond a surface-level understanding of Positive Psychology to reach a point where you can critically read, discuss, analyse, and synthesise the research and theory behind and related to Positive Psychology.

You will complete academic and personal development assignments, and will be encouraged by your group tutor to select unit assignment topics that motivate and inspire you. It will require strength and skill but if you want to do it, we believe that with our support, you can do it!

Having said that, if you decide while studying for this course that Level 5 assignments aren’t right for you, we may offer a conversion route to a Level 5 Certificate Positive Psychology Fundamentals or a Level 3 Certificate in Positive Psychology Fundamentals depending on your individual needs. You will continue to attend the course as usual with your group but complete these shorter and lighter assignments.

I am curious / passionate about research but don’t wish to engage in university studies – what are my options?

If you wish to study research methods and engage in an independent research project, you may apply for the Level 7 Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology on completion of this course. You may begin this certificate at any time of the year subject to availability of supervisors.

While academically rigorous, the certificate is an exciting opportunity to explore practical questions you may have about the application of Positive Psychology. Examples of 2022 research projects include forgiveness in survivors of intimate partner violence, collaborative autoethnography on domestic abuse, and motivation to practice movement over time.

We also offer opportunities to research Positive Psychology approaches to Autism Awareness and Neurodiversity & Inclusion in collaboration with our Autism Centre.

For further information on becoming a Positive Psychology Researcher, please contact us at: research@ppnetwork.org

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

Yes. The Positive Psychology Guild and its functions (Membership, Education) is a Neurodiversity Inclusivity Confident Employer, or NICE place to work. This means it meets the expected criteria for including neurodivergent individuals at work.

This policy extends to being inclusive of Positive Psychology Academy students. Amongst our student base are individuals with autism, dyslexia, 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.