Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology
Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology at CQUniversity is designed to equip you to develop and implement positive interventions aimed at improving the mental, emotional and physical health of the population in a variety of contexts. In this course, you will explore the history, development and practical application of positive psychology for enhancing the wellbeing and resilience of individuals, groups, communities and organisations. This, combined with contemporary theory will provide you with an understanding of the multidimensional nature of wellbeing with relation to human flourishing. The applied nature of the course will also enhance your career prospects and employability by helping you to use positive psychology principles learnt during the course within existing or future professional settings.
This is a four-unit course design to equip you to develop and implement positive interventions aimed at improving the mental health of the population in a variety of contexts. The applied nature of the course will enhance your career prospects and employability by helping you to use positive psychology principles learned during the course within existing or future professional settings.
In this course, you will explore the history, development and practical application of positive psychology for enhancing the wellbeing and resilience of individuals, groups, communities and organisations. This, combined with contemporary theory will provide you with an understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of wellbeing with relation to human flourishing. In doing so the course will draw from Seligman’s (2011) PERMA model: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, together with other elements of wellbeing such as resilience, optimism, hope, mind-body wellness, natural and built environments, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and collective wellbeing. You will examine system and behavioural change drivers and tools used to integrate change. Using the fundamental principles and theories you will research, design and develop positive psychology interventions across a range of settings.
Study Experience
- Authentic Learning Experiences
- Experienced Teaching Team
- Flexible Online Study
- Seamless Pathways
Career Opportunities
It is expected that graduates of this course will have access to a range of career options. Graduates will be equipped to develop and implement positive interventions aimed at improving the mental health of the population in a range of settings including:
- clinical settings
- teaching and education
- coaching and consulting
- health care settings
- communities and organisations.
This course is an ideal course to advance your skills and knowledge in positive psychology principles. It won't lead to a career as a psychologist, so if you are seeking a career as a registered psychologist, please explore our other psychology course options.
Structure & Availability
The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.
Available Locations
Your Course
You must complete four units (24 credits):
- 1The core structure (4 units)
Unit Details
The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.
Core Units
You must study the following core units:
- PSYC20037 - Introduction to Positive Psychology: Perspectives on Wellbeing
You must also study one of the following units:
- PSYC29003 - Coaching Individuals for Positive Change
- PSYC29001 - Applied Positive Psychology
You then have the option to study two of the following units:
- PSYC20041 - Group Facilitation Skills
- PSYC20042 - Building Wellbeing and Resilience: Interconnected Factors
- PSYC20039 - Inter-disciplinary and Cross-cultural Approaches to Wellbeing
- PSYC20038 - Positive Psychology: Research Methods
- PSYC20040 - Wellbeing Initiatives: Local and Global Scales
Course Planner
To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and when you will study each unit, check out our course planners.
Additional Information
If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.
Requirements
To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
During Your Study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative First-Year Fee
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one academic year depending on the type of place you are offered, for example, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place. For a graduate certificate, this is usually four units studied full-time over one term or part-time over two terms. The indicative fee should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the cost-per-unit spreadsheet available on our fees webpage for the approved unit fees. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change.
Commonwealth Supported Places
With Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this course in 2025, you may be eligible for significant fee savings, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
If you are not eligible for a CSP or if CSPs are full, you will be required to pay full fees.
HECS-HELP
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees.
Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your Application Options
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Extra Admission Information
Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.
Start Your Application
Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.
