Understanding Wellbeing Theory and Practice

Understanding Wellbeing Theory and Practice IL028/IL128

Module Code

IL028 - Level 5 (Intermediate)

IL128 - Level 6 (Third year/Finalist)

Module Convenor

Dr Paul PrescottLink opens in a new window

When/Where

Term 1 (Autumn)
Monday 14.00 - 16:00

IAS Seminar Room

Assessment

15 CATS

1) Student Devised Assessment (50%)
2) 6-8 minute video plus 400 word commentary (50%)

What is the module about?

As reported in several national studies, we are observing a growing crisis in student mental health and wellbeing in UK universities, including the University of Warwick.

The main aim of this module is therefore to engage students to look at a global, timely and relevant topic in its full complexity, discovering the potential of an interdisciplinary approach to the matter.

The module will analyse the concept of wellbeing from the perspective of several disciplines (Biomedical disciplines, Sociology, Economics and Arts & Humanities) and will help students to understand the multiple dynamics of this crucial topic and the relevance of a holistic approach in order to solve the issues related to it.

Structure

In general, the first part of the session will be an interactive lecture given by the subject expert with the second part being a workshop, led by the module leader together with the disciplinary expert, to facilitate the learning experience of the students. During the sessions, students will work in groups and individually.

Weekly Topics 2025-26 (may be subject to change)

Week 1

1. Module Introduction (Paul Prescott and Prof Elena Riva, Head of IATL)

The session will cover:

the scaffolding themes of the module, i.e. measuring and monitoring wellbeing, factors that influence wellbeing, interventions to promote wellbeing
student’s personal experiences and reflections
module’s organisation, learning outcomes and assessment
students who wish to will have the opportunity to use the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) for positively assessing their wellbeing at the beginning (and end) of the module

Week 2

2. Introduction to Wellbeing (Guest Speaker: Professor Sarah Stewart-Brown, WMS): Through a pre-recorded video, Sarah will introduce students to the different perspectives on wellbeing favoured by the different disciplines and discuss the way these influence the measurement of wellbeing, research methodologies and approaches to improving wellbeing at the personal and population levels.

Week 3

3. Self-Maintenance with Jaeda Goodman and Anna Zabaronski, Psychological Therapists, Wellbeing Support Services

In this session we will explore some of the challenges of maintaining wellbeing in modern westernised society and consider some of the evidence based strategies for optimal wellbeing. In the second half of the session, students will be involved in ‘out of the classroom’ activities that will allow them to discover and reflect on the relationships between the theories presented by Jaeda and Anna and the daily life on campus (e.g. reflective visit to a campus canteen/café, the Library, etc.).

Week 4

4. The Science of Wellbeing

In this session you will work with:Professor Sarah Stewart-Brown, WMS

PLEASE NOTE: THIS SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE ONLINE
The session will cover:

Can Science help us to understand and sustain wellbeing?

The science of wellbeing drawing on the research of many different disciplines including genetics, psychoneuroimmunology, neuroscience, child development, psychology and biology.
Some of the ways in which suboptimal early environments can be compensated for in later childhood, adolescence and adult life, enhancing wellbeing both at the individual and population levels.

Week 5 Week 6

6. Emotions and Wellbeing

In this session you will work with Dr Lorenzo Serini (Department of Philosophy, Warwick)

In this session you will:

explore the nature of emotion in relation to other psychological constructs (e.g. feeling/sensation, mood and temperament);
think about the relationship between emotions and wellbeing
learn about the ancient conception (and practice) of philosophy as a way of life - as an art of living or spiritual exercise - which is largely dedicated to an education of the emotions.

We will return to, and use, the ancient concept of Eudaimonia. You should be familiar with Eudaimonic Wellbeing by now, but here is a helpful blog entry on the history of the concept:

https://positivepsychology.com/eudaimonia/#historyLink opens in a new window

Moreover, in class we will read the Preface of The Happiness Industry by William Davies. If you want, you can read it in advance. You can find a pdf copy below.

Week 7

7. Wellbeing and Failure

This session will be led by Professor Jonathan Heron (IATL)Link opens in a new window

In this session you will:

1. Reflect upon issues of mental and physical health in relation to the interdisciplinary subject of failure;
2. Consider critiques of the wellbeing agenda and challenge conventional narratives of success and wellness;
3. Analyse case studies that will draw upon the creative arts as well as medical and social models of disability in order to consider ‘failing better’ as a strategy for wellbeing.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO COMPLETE ANY READING IN ADVANCE OF THIS SESSION. We will, however, consider the following question during the session so you may like to think about it before we meet:

Consider the different associations and definitions that come to mind when you think of the following two words: resilience & endurance. What are the similarities and differences between their meanings?

Week 8

8. Physical Activity and Wellbeing

Session led by George Chowrimootoo, Health and Fitness Manager, Warwick Sport

In this session, students will explore the role of sport and physical activity in relation to wellbeing. Before analysing the theoretical underpinning, students will take part in a simple mood rating task before and after participating in an ‘out of the classroom’ ‘mindful’ physical activity (e.g. Yoga and/or Tai Chi) and a higher intensity physical activity (i.e. circuits, boxercise). Students will use this experience to reflect on the immediate and short-term impact of physical activity on mood and the role of regular physical activity for promoting wellbeing and the relationships between wellbeing and physical activity, exercise and sport.

Week 9

9. The Arts, Therapy and Wellbeing

In this session you will work with: James Kirk, Art Psychotherapist

In this session you will:

Think about the relationship between art, health, wellbeing;
Learn about art therapy;
Practically engage with art therapy activities

James will be looking at ways that creativity and visual arts can be used as an outlet for everyone to create a positive mental attitude, and mental wellbeing on a day to day basis. At the beginning of the session, students will be directly involved in a practical workshop that will help them to understand this particular relationship while also reflecting on their personal experience.

Trigger Warning: During the session we will be asked to reflect on our wellbeing. If, for any reason, you feel uncomfortable you can stop engaging in the exercise/practice/experience. If you need further help and support please contact the Warwick Wellbeing ServicesLink opens in a new window.

Week 10

How will I be assessed?

Assessment

Student Devised Assessment (SDA) - 50%
6-8 minute video plus commentary - 50%

In the Student Devised Assessment the assessment method will be designed by you with the full support of the tutor. You will have the opportunity to create a piece of work (for example, an article, a short film, a talk, a play, a workshop, a painting, a podcast etc.) that offers a solution to a controversial topic or a question that has arisen during the module.

You will be free to select your preferred topic/question and, subsequently, you will undertake your own research using the methodologies and the holistic approach introduced during the module. You must demonstrate and communicate the themes and topics presented in the module in your piece and provide a critical description of the theories underpinning your SDA main piece in an accompanying narrative. You will be given full tutor support both when planning your devised assessment and when bringing it to fruition. This will include some one-on-one time with a module tutor.

Read more about assessment methods and watch our short video 'Demystifying Student Devised Assessments' on the IATL Assessment Methods Page!

What skills will I develop?

Level 5 (IL028) By the end of the module you will have:

Recognised the multifaceted and rounded nature of ‘wellbeing’ and the importance of a holistic approach to it in order to have a better understanding of such a complex topic.
Demonstrated a good theoretical knowledge and understanding of disciplinary theories, positions (including critique to wellbeing agenda and practices) and research themes related to the field of wellbeing.
Recognised the problems, limitations and issues connected to the theories, practices and research themes of wellbeing
Appreciated the value of adopting inter-disciplinary approaches and research methods for understanding global topics such as wellbeing and attempt to find a solution to difficult issues.
Summarised ideas from the different disciplinary backgrounds for exploring potential inter- and trans- disciplinary answers to the various questions that will be presented during the module and to problems that students will identify during their personal learning process and research.
Formulated relevant questions and engage in personal and collaborative attempts to answer them in an informed manner via independent and collaborative research to develop inter- and trans-disciplinary ideas.

Level 6 (IL128) By the end of the module you will have:

Displayed a deep and critical understanding of the multifaceted and rounded nature of ‘wellbeing’ and the importance of a holistic approach to it in order to have a better understanding of such a complex topic.
Demonstrated a deep and critical understanding of abstract and complex theories concerning the themes of the module.
Critically evaluated the problems, limitations and issues connected to the theories, practices and research themes of wellbeing
Appreciated the value of adopting inter-disciplinary approaches and research methods for understanding global topics such as wellbeing and engage in imaginative and novel attempts to find a solution to complex problems.
Independently evaluated ideas from the different disciplinary backgrounds for exploring potential inter- and trans- disciplinary answers to the various questions that will be presented during the module and to problems that students will identify during their personal learning process and research.
Formulated imaginative and novel questions and engage in personal and collaborative attempts to answer them through via independent and collaborative research to develop inter- and trans-disciplinary ideas.

Transferable Skills:

Active listening, Complex problem solving, Critical reflection, Independent working skills, Interpersonal and communication, Management of learning, Research skills, Self-management and resilience, Team working

Learning outcomes

See module catalogue:

Please select: IL028-15 Level 5 (Intermediate)Link opens in a new window

Please select IL128-15 Level 6 (Third year/Finalist) Link opens in a new window

How to register

Complete our online form to request your place.

Once IATL have confirmed you have been allocated a place, follow your home department's procedure to register.

IATL Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL)