This course combines a study of theory, research, and application in the rapidly growing field of positive psychology. You critically examine the psychology of well-being with its possibilities and limitations, focusing on topics such as positive emotions, character strengths, flow, flourishing, mindfulness, creativity, and post-traumatic growth within the context of culture and history. Investigate how positive psychology complements other areas of psychology, therapy, coaching, and communication; and how it can be applied in real-world, professional settings such as business development and the clinical context. Through experiential learning and reflection, gain the necessary tools for developing sustainable happiness and increased life satisfaction.
Experience practical application of the theory you learn in class through an additional 3-credit companion practicum:
In the Happiness Lab: Positive Psychology, you work together with other students carrying out research activities to investigate how key concepts within the field of positive psychology may affect a person’s psychological, emotional, behavioral and/or cognitive style, and responses
Travel on Study Tour
You only take one Core Course per semester, and each Core Course includes two Study Tours: one Short Study Tour to a nearby destination for three days, and one Long Study Tour to another European country for six days.
Led by your faculty, Study Tours take you into real-world settings where you will apply what you’ve learned outside the classroom.
“The Positive Psychology course at DIS provided me with life changing experiences that have inspired me in so many ways…This program provided me with a closer look into the incredible world of psychology through hands-on course work that changed my life!””
Allison Bikshorn
University of Missouri-Columbia
Faculty
Michelle Lindhardt
M.Sc. Clinical Psychology (2021, Utrecht University). B.Sc. Psychology (2020, Radboud University). Works as a clinical psychologist in private practice and is authorized by the Danish Supervisory Board of Psychological Practice. Experience with individual and group therapy, supervision, research, and facilitating trainings and workshops for professionals. Specialized in Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and a licensed Metacognitive Therapist (Level 1 + 2) from the MCT Institute (UK). With DIS since 2025.
Kamilla Lange
Cand. Psychology (2006, University of Copenhagen). BA. Psychology (2003, University of Copenhagen). Authorized clinical psychologist, Psykolognævnet (2009). Clinical psychologist (2006-present). Mindfulness instructor (2008-present). Lecturer, Lægernes Uddannelses Forening (2008-2011). Lecturer, Mindwork and Fobiskolen (2008-present), Psychological supervisor, Psykiatrisk Center Bispebjerg, Region Hovedstaden (2011-2013). Psychological supervisor, Mindwork and Fobiskolen, (2009-present). Author (2012). With DIS since 2015.
S. Salman Ahmad
PhD in Psychology (2005) from Osmania University, India. Worked as faculty and consultant in the areas of psychology, leadership and organizational development across South Asia, the Middle East and Europe. In Denmark since 2010. Chief Consultant at the Living Institute and External Lecturer at Copenhagen Business School. Faculty member with the Department of Psychology at DIS since 2013.
Gitte Vonsild
Master’s in Positive Psychology, minor in Psychology. M.Sc. in Economics. Specialized in the field of Applied Positive Psychology. Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) from the Coaches Training Institute, CTI. CFO at the Brewery Darguner Brauerei GmbH in Germany, 1997-2005. Self-employed coach and workshop leader since 2005. Lecturer on coaching & counseling, Positive Psychology, Positive Psychology coaching, change theory, and stress management at Metropolitan University College, 2008-2012. With DIS since 2011.
Camilla Søeberg Hale
Msc. Psychology (2013, University of Copenhagen). BA. Psychology (2010, University of Copenhagen). Works as a clinical psychologist in private practice. Experience with family therapy and counselling (2013-). With DIS since 2022.
Long Study Tour
About this tour
What’s the good life?
This question will guide us throughout this week-long Study Tour. Through workshops, academic visits, and cultural encounter cross Bologna and Vienna, we will explore the foundations of human flourishing from both academic and experiential perspectives.
Drawing on insights from positive psychology and related disciplines, we will examine key elements of the good life – including positive emotions, flow, relationships, meaning, and achievement – and investigate how these dimensions are shaped by different social, cultural, and historical contexts. By engaging directly with the environments and communities we visit, students will connect theory with lived experience and gain new perspectives on wellbeing across cultures.
Learning outcomes
Explore and critically discuss theories and current research on wellbeing from multiple perspectives in a European and global context
Develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of how positive psychological theories apply to real-world settings
Gain insight into Italy and Austria through engagement with their cultural heritage, history, and socioeconomic contexts
Participate actively in experiential learning activities that integrate academic reflection with cultural exploration
Possible activities
Discover the role of positive emotions in wellbeing and explore how cultural and social contexts shape emotional experiences
Experience creative flow during a watercolor painting session with a local artist
Visit the Viktor Frankl Zentrum in Vienna to explore the concept of meaning and its role in human flourishing
Participate in a cooking class that connects wellbeing, creativity, and achievement through the art of Italian cuisine
About this tour
The week-long Study Tour to Prague forms an integral part of the Positive Psychology curriculum as it allows you to see how theories learned in the classroom can be applied in various situations and across cultures.
Up until 1989, the Czech Republic was still a part of the communist ‘Eastern Block.’ The country is unique, in that it underwent the non-violent ‘Velvet Revolution,’ which resulted in political change. Today, it is recognized as the first former member of the ‘Eastern Block’ to achieve the status of a ‘developed country’ based on its economic growth and democratic change and is considered one of the most peaceful countries in Europe.
Research based on political changes in Europe has shown that evidence of strong democracy and political transparency are associated with increased psychological well-being. In spite of that research, however, the Czech population has rated their life satisfaction and subjective well-being as lower than average, whereas Denmark has ranked as number one. You will use the Czech Republic as a comparative study to explore the historical and current reasons for this discrepancy. Through lectures, interviews, and meeting with researchers and practitioners, you will investigate how topics within positive psychology are examined in a country whose citizens have experienced both communism and being part of the modern day EU.
To help you contextualize your studies and further understand Czech culture, you will visit museums, historic sites, and cultural landmarks.
Learning outcomes
Explore the differences in well-being between the Czech Republic and Denmark, and investigate why these differences exist
Understand how varying socio-political structures may impact the experience of well-being
Gain insight into aspects of Czech history and culture, and explore the foundations and important traits of the Czech nation
Possible activities
Conduct a ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ exercise on the streets of Prague with local Czech students
Visit the Czech National Institute of Public Health to gain insight into how the Czech Republic stands on various parameters of well-being
Visit the Bohnice Mental Hospital to study the varied and alternative ways of facilitating well-being of hospital residents
About this tour
Delve into the field of applied positive psychology on a week-long Study Tour to London. The study tour is designed to bridge theories presented in the classroom in applied settings, and how field experiences inform the development of concepts.
When positive psychology was coined in 1998 by Martin E. P. Seligman, the University of East London was the first place in Europe to turn their attention to this new research field. Since then, more than 200 Master Degrees of applied positive psychology have been awarded in London, making it the city with the most positive psychology graduates in Europe.
Today, many positive psychology professionals use their skills to coach, provide therapy, or apply the theories in industries, such as, healthcare, education, and business. The study tour will give you an opportunity to meet some of these practitioners, and experience first-hand how positive psychology is applied in various contexts. You will use these discussions and experiences to critique and elaborate upon the strengths and challenges facing this young and exciting field.
You will also experience London’s culture and diversity by exploring museums, markets, and historical sites in various boroughs of the city.
Learning outcomes
Explore the current trends in positive psychology and investigate how it is viewed and applied in the United Kingdom
Learn about new developments in the field of positive psychology with leading researchers and practitioners
Learn about the benefits of focusing on well-being on an individual and national level
Possible activities
Participate in a workshop focused on current trends in positive psychology, led by Kate Hefferen, the author of the course’s textbook
Take part in an interactive workshop led by a professional Shakespearian actor to learn and explore the relationship between elements of positive psychology and Shakespeare’s work
Visit a non-profit organization whose aim is to create macro-level positive social change
About this tour
In Scotland, the cornerstones of positive psychology are applied in both policy and practice to empower individuals, influence communities, and promote positive mental health and well-being. This week-long Study Tour explores the link between these aspects and analyzes their effectiveness. The academic visits give you a forum to discuss and debate cultural differences within ‘best practice,’ and encourage you to explore the historical, economic, and social backgrounds of positive psychology.
During the Study Tour, you discuss public policies, community practices, and individual efforts. You also have the opportunity to gain insight and observe the culture of both Glasgow and Edinburgh by attending performances, visiting museums, and exploring the highland landscape to add to your understanding of well-being.
The Study Tour integrates theories presented in the classroom for an extended study of positive psychology practices from many cultural perspectives.
Learning outcomes
Gain insight into the field of positive psychology
Understand how positive psychology can be applied at the policy level and in institutions
Compare and contrast the Danish and Scottish governments, in regards to the ways well-being is supported
Explore the impact of urban planning and socio-economic factors on quality of life
Possible activities
Visit a meditation center to learn how it influences positive thinking
Hike to Arthur’s Seat and utilize positive psychology methods in nature
Discuss and meet with top researchers in the field of mental health
Visit an NGO that empowers workforces to promote emotional health and well-being of children and young people
About this tour
Scandinavian countries are known for the high levels of wellbeing reported by their populations and their governments are often considered role models of strong welfare states. However, Scandinavian states have also had a troubled history when it comes to dealing with certain communities – e.g., the Sami people, who are the indigenous population of these lands.
On this tour, we will dive into the various ways in which the Scandinavian welfare model manifests itself across Sweden and Norway, but also how certain communities have navigated the challenges they have historically faced and continue to face living in these ‘model’ welfare states. You will speak with members of local Sami communities to learn their stories and traditions as well as researchers in the area who are studying the relationships between culture and well-being. A major aspect of the tour will also be the arctic climate itself, with a focus on understanding how it shapes the cultures who live in it and how adverse landscapes affect human resilience.
Learning outcomes
Explore structural and agentic aspects of human well-being in the context of Scandinavia
Gain a deeper and more nuanced understanding of how Positive Psychology can be applied to the real-world environment through exposure to the history, the stories, the socioeconomic climate and institutions of the region
Deepen your relationship with your fellow students and professor in an extended out-of-class setting and engage in your personal learning process by actively participating and challenging your current ideas and assumptions
Possible activities
Academic lectures at the Arctic University’s Department of Psychology from researchers studying the relationship of culture and well-being – with reference both to the settler and indigenous populations.
Visits to the local indigenous communities in Jukkasjärvi/Kiruna to listen to their stories of living in these countries, listening to their music and healing traditions
Understand the hostile world scenario and human resilience/perseverance through a trip to the Polar Museum and the stories of polar explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen
Short Study Tour
About this tour
Core Course Week, including the short Study Tour, enhances the Positive Psychology curriculum by meeting with Danish researchers and practitioners, as well as visiting institutions that apply principles of positive psychology. You will experience and analyze the unique features of the Danish socio-cultural model, and how it shapes the experience of well-being in Denmark.
The Core Course Week program is supplemented with visits and activities to help you gain a more well-rounded understanding of the communities in which you study. Some activities include touring museums, visiting historic sites, and sampling traditional Danish cuisine.
Learning outcomes
Explore the relationship between culture, social structures, and happiness in a Danish Context
Reflect on and synthesize experiences of positive psychology practices and how these can be adapted and applied in various settings
Engage in your personal learning process outside the classroom by actively participating and challenging your current ideas and assumptions
Possible activities
Visit one of Denmark’s happiest workplaces to explore how positive psychology is applied to create and maintain a happy workplace
Explore the Danish concept of ‘bofælleskab,’ a Co-Living Community, and its impact on well-being
Visit a school that uses the principles of positive psychology as a pedagogical tool
