Overview

This project-based unit will provide students with an in-depth view of the field of Positive Psychology, and contribute to students’ understanding of core human character strengths and virtues. This unit examines how the scope of psychology is broadening beyond the identification of pathology and treating or preventing disorder, and give students the opportunity to develop professionally relevant skills in the Positive Psychology field.

Requisites

Prerequisites
PSY30011 Psychology of Wellbeing

Rules

Pre-requisite
25 Credit Points in PSY Level 2 units

Equivalent
PSY20004 Psychology of Wellbeing AND PSS210 Psychology of Wellbeing

Antirequisites
PSY30015 Positive Psychology
Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Teaching Period 1
Location
Online
Start and end dates
09-March-2026
07-June-2026
Last self-enrolment date
22-March-2026
Census date
07-April-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
28-April-2026
Results released date
30-June-2026
Teaching Period 3
Location
Online
Start and end dates
02-November-2026
07-February-2027
Last self-enrolment date
15-November-2026
Census date
01-December-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
22-December-2026
Results released date
02-March-2027

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Appraise the theory, methodology and practice of positive psychology
  • Analyse and evaluate the various issues pertinent to positive psychology (e.g., wellbeing, character strengths, personal values, improving health)
  • Examine and explain the various factors that contribute to or decrease subjective wellbeing
  • Design and construct an intervention using elements of the positive psychology approach
  • Critically evaluate the research literature in the area of positive psychology

Teaching methods

Swinburne Online

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Live Online
Class		2.00 13 week 26
Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning		22.83 12 weeks 274
TOTAL300

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Presentation/Group Individual  10%  3,4,5 
Project Individual  50%  1,2,3,4,5 
Report Individual  40%  1,2,3,5 

Content

  • Definition, history and science of positive psychology
  • Theory of positive psychology as applied to issues such as emotions, motivation, love
  • The positive psychology approach to topics such as wellbeing, health, coping, lifespan
  • Current social and cultural implications related to positive psychology

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.