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.

While this is not a practitioner certification, on graduation, you will be able to integrate what you have learned into an existing professional role within an established professional field (e.g. coaching, counselling, training, teaching, management, facilitation, research).

Provided you hold appropriate qualifications in your established field, you may be eligible to 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 content, please read on or contact: training@ppnetwork.org

If you wish to learn more about eligibility for Professional Membership, please contact: membership@ppnetwork.org

~

Student Profiles

This course is designed for people who wish to gain a scientific and philosophical understanding of Positive Psychology while furthering their understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Students who are drawn to Positive Psychology Fundamentals are typically interested in their own personal development and/or their client development. They usually want to integrate their learning into an existing profession (e.g. coaching, counselling, training, teaching, management, facilitation, research) and are not yet looking to become a PPG Certified Positive Psychology Practitioner.

~

Course Tutors

This course is delivered by Certified Positive Psychology Practitioners.

All of our tutors and trainers 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.

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.

~

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.

The course timeline is 1-2 years. Please note that timelines can vary slightly depending on the enrolment date and the student’s pace of learning. The maximum course completion is 2 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 must hold a Level 3 certificate or above (e.g.  A-levels), or the equivalent (e.g. relevant work experience and professional training), in any subject and be willing to engage in Level 5 studies that are delivered through a blend of online academic learning and professional training. While you will have group tutor / trainer support and supervision, you will also be expected to study independently.

You will have a keen interest in personal development and wellbeing, and be curious about how people think, feel, behave, and learn from scientific and philosophical perspectives.

Due to the introspective nature of Positive Psychology, where we reflect and practice on self before others, you may experience growth and transformation. For this reason, we recommend having a self-awareness practice and/or support network in place, or being open to exploring these during the course. This can look different from person to person, as needs and interests will vary.

Examples include:

• Activities that cultivate presence and mindfulness (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 therapeutic or personal development process as appropriate to your needs (e.g. counselling, coaching)

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

~

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

~

2. Course Outline

Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Fundamentals

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

You will study broader concepts in Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, Theology, and Spirituality 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 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 (370hrs).

Classes are typically held as follows (you will select only one time slot):

• Tuesdays at 1pm-2.30pm or 6pm-7.30pm (UK)

Please note training days and timings are subject to change.

For further details on class dates, please contact: training@ppnetwork.org

On successful completion of this course, you will receive the following certificate: Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Fundamentals (370hrs).

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 assessment, please click here.

~

3. Certification

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

On successful completion of this course, you will receive a certificate stating that you hold a Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Fundamentals. This is not a practitioner certification in itself but coupled with other professional certifications that meet application criteria (e.g. coaching, training), it may be used as a basis to apply for PPG Professional Membership.

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

~

Professional Membership

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

The basis for this application is subject to entry criteria and holding further certification or qualification in a related field of practice (e.g. coaching, counselling, training, teaching, management, research).

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

For more information on membership services, please click here

~

Course Progression

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

• 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)
• Level 7 Certificate Applied Positive Psychology Research

Graduates from all of the above courses are eligible to apply for PPG Professional Membership.

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

~

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.

~

4. Next Steps

Applications for this course may be submitted throughout the year.

Upcoming enrolment dates are:

• Tuesday 8th September 2026 (Application Deadline: Monday 12th October 2026)
• Tuesday 2nd February 2027 (Application Deadline: Monday 11th January 2027)
• Tuesday 1st June 2027 (Application Deadline: Monday 10th May 2027)
• Tuesday 5th October 2027 (Application Deadline: Monday 13th September 2027)

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

~

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

~

Course Fees

The course fee is £1,650.

This includes:

• 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
• Further 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 on the course fee (£1,550)
• PPG Payment Plan – deposit (£650) and 10 monthly payments (£100 x 10)
• PPG Payment Plan – deposit (£650) and 5 monthly payments (£200 x 5)

Corporate payment option (employees):

• Single payment with a £100 discount (£1,550)

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.

~

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 1-2 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 2 years after which course extension fees may apply.

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

The total completion time is set at 370 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 assignment development and submissions.

4. Which certification will I receive?

You will receive a PPG-accredited Level 5 Diploma Positive Psychology Fundamentals.

5. As a graduate of this course, will I become a PPG 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. Having said that, you may integrate what you have learned into a relevant established profession where you follow a code of ethics and receive professional guidance.

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

• 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)
• Level 7 Diploma Applied Positive Psychology Research (Accelerated Route 5)

6. 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, critical reviews, and reflective logs, and how to conduct a piece of independent research and present academic findings.

Throughout the course, you will be challenged to think critically and reflectively about Positive Psychology research and theory. 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.

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. 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 exploring the scientific dimensions of 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.

9. 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 6 above.

10. 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 any struggles.

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.

11. 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.

12. 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.