Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness

Course Overview

Are you curious about what truly makes life fulfilling? Explore the science behind happiness and well-being and embark on a journey of self-discovery. 

Delve into the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of happiness and well-being and learn how to make the most of your life. 

The Science of Happiness short course dives into the field of positive psychology and its key theories and practices that contribute to a happy and fulfilling life. Throughout this course, you will gain practical tools to enhance your happiness and those around you. 

The course explores concepts such as gratitude, resilience and mindfulness, and examines their profound impact on mental and physical well-being. Investigate how positive psychology interventions—like gratitude journaling, mindfulness meditation, and acts of kindness—can be incorporated into everyday life and how these practices enhance daily experiences and cultivate long-term happiness, purpose, and fulfilment.  

Emphasis is placed on the importance of strengths-based living, focusing on the character strengths and virtues that allow people to overcome challenges and find meaning in their lives. The course encourages individuals to cultivate positive emotions, such as joy, gratitude, and love, which help broaden perspectives and build emotional resilience.  

Furthermore, the course highlights the importance of nurturing meaningful relationships and understanding that strong social connections provide essential emotional support and foster a sense of belonging. 

Time commitment

+/- 50 hours to complete this short course.

Is this course for you?

If you want to find purpose and meaning in life and learn how to apply various practices from positive psychology, this course is for you!  

What is positive psychology?

Positive psychology is a strengths-based approach, emphasising what people do well and how they can build on those strengths to thrive. The goal of positive psychology is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities by promoting well-being, resilience, and meaningful engagement. 

Dates and Registration

• Class of 2025 April – June
• Class of 2025 July – September
• Class of 2025 October – December

Short course classes are on demand allowing you to register at any time and move through course content at a time that suits you. Learners will have access to the course for the class period they choose when registering.

Certification

Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate of completion. This certificate verifies your newfound knowledge and skills.

The Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness short course has been designed and developed by experts in the field of psychology. The course is for everyone, who wants to learn about tools and practices to make their lives better and offers 50 hours of learning. 

What You’ll Learn

Through course videos, readings and discussions, you will explore the following topics:

• Introduction to Positive Psychology – Gain a comprehensive understanding of happiness by exploring key concepts in positive psychology, the distinction between different types of happiness, and how happiness is studied, measured, and perceived across cultures and historical contexts. Investigate the neuroscientific foundations of happiness. 

• Core Theories in Positive Psychology – Explore the foundational theories of positive psychology and how they can be applied to enhance happiness. 

• Character Strengths & Virtues – Understand the role of character strengths and virtues in fostering well-being and personal growth, and apply strengths-based interventions to enhance resilience, engagement, and overall life satisfaction. 

• The Power of Positive Emotions and Well-Being – Apply positive emotions and evidence-based strategies to enhance well-being, build resilience, and strengthen social connections. 

• Building Resilience Through Mindfulness and Strengths – Develop resilience by applying mindfulness techniques, leveraging personal strengths, and fostering emotional regulation and stress reduction.  

• Meaning and Purpose in Life – Analyse the role of meaning and purpose in fostering long-term happiness and personal fulfilment. Explore and develop a personal well-being plan for incorporating your goals and actions into daily life. 

Course Outcomes

By the end of this short course you will be able to:

• Describe key concepts and terminology within positive psychology. 
• Explore the development of positive psychology as a field. 
• Explain the scientific foundations of positive psychology. 
• Understand key theories of happiness. 
• Identify and apply personal strengths to enhance resilience. 
• Cultivate positive emotions by implementing evidence-based practices. 
• Integrate physical health with psychological well-being. 
• Strengthen relationships for well-being. 
• Apply strategies to maintain supportive and meaningful social connections. 
• Build resilience to enhance emotional well-being. 
• Practice mindfulness techniques to reduce stress. 
• Develop a sense of meaning and purpose in both personal and professional contexts. 

The Team

Our short course developers are expert practitioners. They have been selected for the breadth and depth of experience in their respective disciplines. The team loves sharing their knowledge and online learning expertise to help you get the most out of your learning journey.