University of East London Homepage

Happy days! Dr Ilona launches unique Masters degree in Applied Positive Psychology at UEL

Thursday 16 November 2006

The University of East London (UEL) is happy to announce the launch of a new Masters degree in Applied Positive Psychology – the first programme of its kind in the UK.

MSc Applied Positive Psychology will enable students to develop understanding and practice of the scientific study of human happiness and wellbeing. The unique programme is launched in February 2007, and places are filling up fast.

Dr Ilona Boniwell, one of Europe’s foremost positive psychologists, is Programme Leader for the new MSc. Dr Boniwell, former Chair of the European Network of Positive Psychology, is author of the best-selling book Positive Psychology in a Nutshell and a consultant on the BBC2 Happiness Formula TV series, broadcast in May 2006.

Dr Boniwell said: “Psychology, as a science, has generally focussed on addressing mental illness, as opposed to increasing mental wellbeing. The rapidly developing field of positive psychology aims to redress this imbalance by encouraging research in areas including happiness, creativity, personal strengths and psychological health.

“In short, positive psychology is concerned not with how to alleviate misery, but with how to build up happiness. MSc Applied Positive Psychology will offer students the opportunity to develop understanding and practice that can help transform schools, business organisations and local communities.”

Positive Psychology is already available as a popular module on UEL’s BSc (Hons) degree in Psychology. Sue Browne (41), of Dagenham, has been studying the module since September and has already decided to move on to the MSc after completing her degree next summer.

Sue said: “My whole UEL degree has been great, but the Positive Psychology module has been absolutely fantastic – completely life-changing! It’s changed the way I think and played a massive role in me finding employment with a wonderful charity organisation.

“Ilona’s an amazing tutor, full of life and always positive and supportive - she definitely practices what she preaches! I’m really looking forward to starting the MSc and developing a career that allows me to do what I love best - helping people to live their lives well."

On Monday 20 November, Professor Martin Seligman, president of the American Psychologist Association, and the ‘father’ of positive psychology, will be awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science of the University of East London.

UEL's School of Psychology is recognised as one of the UK’s leading centres for postgraduate professional psychology training. The new MSc Applied Positive Psychology is open to all candidates with a previous degree. For further details, contact Marika Hooke on m.hooke@uel.ac.uk or 020 8223 4609, or visit www.uel.ac.uk/psychology.

Dr Boniwell’s five top tips for positive living:

  • There is more to happiness than just feeling good
  • At least once a day do something you are really good at
  • Freedom is not about having more choice, but knowing when and how to choose
  • Take some time for yourself on a daily basis
  • Look back at each day and find three things that went well

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

Information for screenreader users:

For a general description of these pages and an explanation of how they should work with screenreading equipment please follow this link: Link to general description

For further information on this web site’s accessibility features please follow this link: Link to accessibility information