Positive Health Sciences - Applied Positive Psychology Well-being & Health

The MSc in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Well-being and Health at RCSI’s Centre for Positive Health Sciences is designed for professionals across various industries such as healthcare, education, finance, retail, IT, government, professional services and others who are interested in the application of positive psychology.



This transformative, fully online Level 9 programme offers a deep, research-led exploration of advanced topics such as systems-based well-being, the challenges of applying positive psychology in practice, and real-world healthcare applications.



With flexible learning, live tutorials, and practical assignments, MAPPWH equips professionals to enhance resilience, improve patient care, and lead meaningful change across clinical, organisational, and research settings.



This course is a Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.



Suitable for

This programme is suitable for professionals such as coaches, teachers, lecturers, workplace, well-being champions, policymakers, and many others. Within healthcare, it is suitable for doctors, nurses, surgeons, allied health staff and administrators seeking to apply positive psychology to enhance patient care, professional practice and personal well-being.



Accreditation and recognition

This programme is accredited by the National University of Ireland and RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Year 1, Semester 1, Module 1

The Foundations of Positive Psychology (10 ECTS)

Discover the evolution, key ideas and real-world impact of positive psychology today.



Year 1, Semester 1, Module 2

Perspectives on Well-being and Flourishing (10 ECTS)

Explore what drives well-being and flourishing, from personal to global perspectives.



Year 1, Semester 1, Module 3

Practising Well-being (10 ECTS)

Learn to apply positive psychology tools to boost well-being in real life and professional settings.



Year 1, Semester 2, Module 4

Positive Psychology in Context (10 ECTS)

Explore how culture, context and complexity shape global approaches to well-being and strengths.



Year 1, Semester 2, Module 5

The Dark Side of Positive Psychology (10 ECTS)

Explore how adversity, trauma and shadow experiences can deepen well-being and personal growth.



Year 1, Semester 2, Module 6

Positive Psychology from Head to Toe (10 ECTS)

Discover how well-being influences and is influenced by the brain, body, and biological systems.



Year 2, Semester 3, Module 7

Research Methods and Methodology (10 ECTS)

Gain the skills to design, apply, and evaluate research for evidence-informed innovation and change.



Year 2, Semester 3/4, Module 8

Capstone Project (20 ECTS)

Design and deliver a real-world research project to drive innovation and evidence-informed change.

An undergraduate degree at Level 8 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications is usually required. If you do not hold an undergraduate degree, please see the Recognition of Prior Learning section.



Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

If you do not meet the minimum academic requirements above, you may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills and competence previously acquired.



Learning occurs in many contexts which include work, involvement in social and community activities, or learning through life experience generally. RPL does not give credit for experience as such; rather it considers the learning that was acquired as a result of the experience.



RPL may be used to gain:

Admission to courses/programmes where a person may not have obtained the standard entry requirements.



Exemptions from course modules which duplicate the learning outcomes an individual has already demonstrably acquired through prior learning.



The recognition of prior learning (RPL) pathway is outlined at: https://www.rcsi.com/dublin/postgraduate/policies-and-guidelines/recognition-of-prior-learning



If you wish to apply for recognition of prior learning, please complete the essay requirement as per assignment descriptor.



English language requirement exceptions

Exemptions may apply for:

• Applicants who have completed their school or undergraduate studies (three or more years) through English in a country where English is the majority native language.

• Applicants who have completed their school or undergraduate studies (three or more years) in an English speaking institution in a country where English is not the majority native language and where an IELTS score of 5 or more was a requirement for admissions to the programme.

• Applicants who have been working in a country (three years or more) where English is the majority native language or for an employer where English language is the official language.

• Graduates of an RCSI undergraduate, masters or professional diploma programme in Dublin and Bahrain.



Please note: certified proof must be uploaded as part of your application.

How to apply

Applications for the MSc in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) Well-being and Health are now open for the autumn 2026 intake. There is only one intake each year, starting in September.

2 years. Mode of delivery Online - Part-time.

Next start date: September 2026.

Progression options

• Progress to doctoral-level research (e.g., PhD or Prof Doc in Psychology, Health Sciences, or Education).

• Advance careers in healthcare leadership, education, coaching, or organisational development.

• Apply their learning to specialist roles in well-being, staff development, or patient care innovation.

• Contribute to policy-making or research in health promotion and mental health.