Understanding Wellbeing Theory and Practice

An IATL interdisciplinary module

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Module Code

IL213-15 Level 5 (Intermediate)
IL313-15 Level 6 (Year 3/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

Student Devised Assessment (50%)
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?

1) Student Devised Assessment (SDA) - 50%

You will undertake a Student Devised Assessment (SDA) developed in consultation with your module tutor. This assessment will involve the creation of an original piece of work (e.g., article, short film, presentation, theatrical piece, workshop plan, visual artwork, podcast) that proposes a resolution to a contentious issue or question identified during the module. You will be free to select your chosen topic/question and you will conduct your own independent research, employing the methodologies and holistic approach introduced within the course. The assessment must effectively demonstrate and articulate the theoretical frameworks presented in the module. Comprehensive tutor support will be provided during both the planning and execution phases of the devised assessment, including individual consultations with your module tutor.

2) 6-8 minute video plus commentary - 50%

You will produce a video presentation that is six to eight minutes in length that addresses an academic audience in the style of a conference presentation.

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?

You will learn how to:

Independently identify and/or devise interdisciplinary connections between all disciplines and become an integrative system thinker.
Reflect on the possibility to implement a more global approach to your own study, work and practice.
Use the communicative and collaborative skills introduced in the module in your professional life.
Become an active listener
Solve complex problems
Work independently and become more resilient
Work in a team

Learning outcomes

See module catalogue:

Please select: IL213-15 Level 5 (Intermediate)

Please select IL313-15 Level 6 (Third year/Finalist)

How to apply

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.

Apply for this module

Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning (IATL)