Everyday Psychology

Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness

Build practical tools to boost your own happiness and support those around you in doing the same.

R3,700.00

Portrait of happy Latin girls having fun embracing outdoor

Structure

On-demand

Duration

50 hours

Total Hours

50 hours

Start Date

1 July 2026

End Date

30 September 2026

Mode

Self-paced learning

Course Overview

Do you want to be happier? Start a journey where you explore the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of happiness and well-being.

The Science of Happiness short course covers positive psychology, key theories, and practices that help create a happy and fulfilling life. You will gain practical tools to improve your own happiness and the happiness of others.

Look into how positive psychology techniques, such as keeping a gratitude journal, practicing mindfulness meditation and doing acts of kindness, can fit into your daily routine. These activities enhance everyday experiences and promote lasting happiness, meaning and fulfillment.

You will also discover how to engage in regular reflection. This powerful technique helps you understand and manage yourself better. By thinking intentionally about your experiences, you can gain deeper insights into your feelings, behaviors and thought patterns.

Additionally, this course emphasizes the importance of building meaningful relationships. Strong social connections offer vital emotional support and create a sense of belonging.

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.

Learner Experience

Jaydine Middleditch

"Completing this online short course was a truly transformative journey. It's deepened my understanding of well-being, resilience and the role of optimism. The content was both inspiring and practical. I especially appreciated the reflection aspect this course had as it's helped me cultivate a more intentional, purpose-driven approach to daily life."

Kayla Thomsen

"I did the Positive Psychology: The Science of Happiness online short course, and it offered valuable insight into the field of positive psychology. The practical tools were excellent, and the interactive reflections helped me connect the concepts to my own experiences, making the learning truly personal and impactful."

Julia Shaw

"This online short course gave me a lot to think about and opened the door to genuine self-reflection. It helped me better understand who I am, recognise my strengths, and discover simple ways to build a happier, more intentional life."

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.

Dates and Registration

Class of 2026 Jul-Sep: 1 July – 30 September
Class of 2026 Oct-Dec: 1 October – 31 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.

Course highlights

A women sitting in her home working in front of her laptop

Find purpose and meaning to help you live a happier life.
Learn how to apply various practices from positive psychology.
Gain deeper insights into your feelings, behaviours and thought patterns.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements?

Anyone 18 years of age or older can sign up for this short course. There are no academic entry requirements or conditions.

Who is this short course for?

This short course is for anyone interested in finding purpose and meaning in life.

What is the time commitment?

A total of 50 hours is required to complete the short course.

What do you need to do the short course?

Access to Microsoft Word
Google Chrome (recommended)
Stable internet connection

Is the short course accredited?

The short course is not accredited and non-credit bearing.

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. Read more here.

The Team

The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.