Diploma in
Positive Psychology
(Dip. Pos. Psych.)

Distance Learning Course Details

   College accreditation: International Association for Distance Learning.
   Course accredited by Institute for Meridian Psychotherapy
   for professional development purposes  

UPDATE JANUARY 2012

The course now uses the second edition of Alan Carr's book "Positive Psychology" and the cost of the course has increased to GBP 225.  The questions and course manual have been revised and the course workload has increased.  

Total recommended period of study: approx. 4 months or less. Continuous enrolment. No time limit.

Cost: £225.00  (225 Pounds Sterling - for currency conversion see www.xe.com )

One FREE textbook will be included for students from the UK.   Students outside the UK will need to buy the textbook separately.  No other books are required.

Method of study 

Textbook study. Written assignments based on textbooks and exercises. Assignment questions are issued by email and students return their written work by email. Grades and feedback are issued by email.

Course overview

Positive Psychology is the psychology of personal growth, happiness and positive personal qualities. The history of clinical psychology shows a preoccupation with mental illness and disability and treatments for psychological problems. Positive Psychology is a new direction in psychology that looks at how we can feel positive emotions such as happiness and hope, and how we can foster creativity and wisdom. This course uses a key textbook that surveys the research done in this exciting new area and the theories that have emerged. Key concepts are explained and there are guides to further reading both of an academic and a self-help nature. Students are encouraged to answer self-reflective questions as well as to appreciate academic knowledge. Examples are given of how psychologists apply these principles and there are recommendations for how positive psychology can change clinical practice and ultimately help to change society for the better.

Syllabus (this syllabus is subject to change):

• Psychology of happiness

• Psychology of flow

• Psychology of hope and optimism

• Emotional Intelligence

• Psychology of giftedness, creativity and wisdom

• Personality and positive traits

• Self-esteem and the positive self

• Psychology of positive relationships

• Steps and processes of positive change/ helping and psychotherapeutic relationships

A university-level textbook is required as the main book for the course. Further reading is optional though comprehensive reading lists and lists of websites are given, enabling you to pursue further studies at your leisure.

Entry criteria and suitability 

This course is geared towards therapists, counsellors, coaches and other helping professionals and may also be taken for personal interest. No particular qualifications are required for entry but the ability to study from university-level textbooks is required: this is not a "self-help"-style course.

Qualification

Successful graduates will receive the Diploma in Positive Psychology awarded by UK College of Holistic Training which is a private UK qualification. The college is accredited by the International Association for Distance Learning. Course graduates may use the postnominal designation Dip. Pos. Psych.

Please note that this course is privately accredited and not accredited by any government-recognised authority. It not a preparation for entry to British universities and is not a path towards UK Chartered Psychologist status. It is a private qualification aimed at the helping professional in private practice, those who already have the core qualifications for their career, or those interested in the subject.  

The course is accredited by The Institute for Meridian Psychotherapy (which is linked to UKCHT) for professional development purposes (see societies page for explanation).

This diploma is accepted by Calamus International University (a non-UK, private distance university with private accreditation) for credit towards a degree.

Further information

Please see our FAQs page for general information.

We reserve the right to change the syllabus and other details of any course at any time.

To apply for this course now, go to our Application page