This is the website for the Centre for Positive Psychology at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) in High Wycombe, England. We are staff (lecturers on the BNU MSc in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) programme), students and alumni of BNU and affiliates with an interest in (especially applied) positive psychology research, applications, events, and much more. We also have external collaborations with various other universities and organisations, such as in private coaching consultancies, education, social work, and healthcare.

Positive psychology is the scientific study of humanity’s strengths and of how people best flourish in their daily lives. We study topics such as hope & resilience, strengths & virtues, the benefits of both positive and negative emotions, happiness & wellbeing, growth & learning, creativity, engagement, peak experiences, and prosociality (altruism & empathy).

The Centre is intended as a forum for discussion, collaboration, and support for research and outreach. We meet roughly monthly for updates, and we organise an annual symposium on Applied Positive Psychology in conjunction with the other UK universities that provide MAPP programmes, Anglia Ruskin University and the University of East London, with connections to other positive psychology researchers and programmes at other universities and institutions, such as the University of Northampton, University of Buckingham, University College Cork, Goldsmiths, and the Positive Psychology People and Positive Psychology Network as well.

Meet the Team

The core team consists of the MAPP Senior Lecturer/Assoc. Profs.: Drs Genevieve Cseh, Ceri Sims, Matthew Smith, and Visiting Honorary Prof (Retired) Piers Worth, and more recently Associate Lecturers Sarah Cramoysan, Hannah Dunn, Abi Gibbs, Lisa Jones, Kate Mcallister, Sarah Monk, Matt Rodda, Dr Kristin Thompson, and Kimberley Wakefield. However, we have connections to many former and current MAPP students, professional relationships to the other MAPP programmes across the UK and elsewhere in the world, and associate staff and colleagues who play a role in the MAPP and the Centre.

If you are interested in joining us, please contact us.