We all want to be happy, to feel good and to know that are lives are worthwhile. The science of wellbeing demonstrates that about 50% of our happiness is due to our genes, 10% due to the circumstances of our lives, but 40% is due to our everyday choices and activities, and this is under our control.

Action for Happiness (www.actionforhappiness.org) targets this 40% to build happier lives and communities. The Dalai Lama is the Patron, and members take action to increase wellbeing so that people are happier in their relationships, work and communities. Their aim is to have more people functioning well and helping others. In September, 2015 the Dalai Lama launched their eight-week evidence based programme, Exploring What Matters.

The course is for people from all backgrounds who would like to contribute to a more positive and caring society. Over eight weekly two-hour sessions participants explore what it takes to build a happier and more meaningful life, and what actions will bring this about.

Joe Murphy decided to choose an MA in Applied Psychology (Positive and Coaching Psychology) in UCC, and describes how this decision led to achieving a Masters that Matters.

"I chose the Masters course because it is the first course of its kind in Ireland, my friend had previously completed the course and highly recommended it, the course subjects were exactly what I was looking for, and my initial conversations with lecturers were very positive.

Having a real interest in the subject material and being supported by the lecturers to apply and further develop my interests in applying the subject material in a future career has been really helpful. Lecturers made themselves available to discuss any career choices and questions that I had. I feel I have a really relevant up to date Masters, I have been supported to fully develop my passion in the subject, and I feel confident making my transition from student to my new career. The lecturers were very knowledgeable, accommodating and supportive towards our needs throughout the year; they were subject leaders and had a real passion for the subject matter themselves."

Take the next step to make your Masters matter by registering to receive further information from UCC.