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Unit of study_
PSYC4730: Applied Positive Psychology
2026 unit information
This unit of study teaches the application of positive psychology to coaching in work and personal life contexts. We consider the core principles of positive psychology and how these can be applied in coaching interventions. Topics covered include coaching as an applied positive psychology; historical and contemporary perspectives on happiness and wellbeing; subjective and psychological well-being; meaning and purpose; character strengths and virtues; theories of positive emotions, including gratitude, hope, and optimism; goal self-concordance; engagement and engaged living; positive relationships; and the use of positive psychology in healthcare and educational contexts. There is emphasis on both theoretical understanding and personal practice. The experiential learning component requires encourages students to evaluate each week's topic in relation to their own personal life experience and to participate in group discussion and coaching practice.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Psychology Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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PSYC4721 and PSYC4722 |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. demonstrate an understanding of positive psychology generally and its key aims and objectives
- LO2. demonstrate an understanding of the theories and techniques of positive psychology
- LO3. critically evaluate current positive psychology research and its practical applications
- LO4. construct conceptually coherent eclectic models of applied positive psychology in order to meet specific client needs
- LO5. apply the taught theories and techniques to a wide range of coaching client issues.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2025
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Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney | |
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Semester 1 2025
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Online | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2026
|
Block mode | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Semester 1 2026
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Online | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Additional advice
The lectures are delivered in a 5-day intensive format (9am to 5pm), during which students are expected to attend in-person (on-campus) or remotely (via Zoom). Whilst these lectures are recorded, watching recorded lectures is not counted as a substitute for attendance. PSYC4721 and PSYC4722 prerequisite can be waived for full-time students by submitting an Enrolment Exception Request via Sydney Student.