MSc Positive Psychology and Wellbeing

The MSc Positive Psychology & Wellbeing at Liverpool John Moores University explores the science of human flourishing, focusing on strengths, virtues, happiness, and mindfulness. It suits psychology graduates or professionals interested in applying evidence-based approaches to wellbeing, coaching, or organisational settings. 

Curriculum structure:
Throughout the programme, students start with Concepts in Positive Psychology, gaining historical and theoretical insight into well-being, flourishing, and resilience. They build research capacity in Research Skills for Positive Psychology and Analysis for Positive Psychology, developing competence in both qualitative and statistical methods. In Pathways to Wellbeing, learners examine psychological, social, biological, and spiritual mechanisms that promote wellness, while Promoting & Preserving Wellbeing explores applied interventions across the lifespan. Simultaneously, Meditation & Mindfulness gives students a practical, experiential grounding in strengths-based meditation practices. The year concludes with a 60-credit Empirical Project, where students design, conduct, and write up their own piece of original research. 

Focus areas:
“positive emotion and strengths; wellbeing mechanisms; mindfulness practice; applied intervention; empirical research”

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will understand core theories of positive psychology, design and analyse wellbeing research, apply mindfulness and strengths-based interventions, and deliver a high-quality empirical research project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While not a clinical psychology qualification, this MSc prepares students for applied roles in coaching, organisational wellbeing, education, or for further research and doctoral study. 

Reputation (employability rankings):
LJMU reports 97% of its postgraduates are in work or further study within 15 months, and this programme’s strong applied and research components prepare graduates for roles in counselling, coaching, health promotion, or PhD-level psychology.