Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Program Overview

Bangor University's Master of Arts in Mindfulness-based Approaches provides postgraduate training in research and theory related to mindfulness-based therapies and interventions. The program fosters professional expertise in facilitating MBIs, critical analysis of MB research, and a deeper understanding of mindfulness within its historical Buddhist context. Graduates are equipped for careers in research, teaching, clinical roles, consulting, and other settings where mindfulness-based interventions are delivered.

Program Outline

Outline

Course Content

• Foundation Module (Year 1)
This module introduces students to the field of mindfulness-based therapy and the key theoretical concepts that underpin it. Topics of discussion will include:
• history and context
• key applications across different populations and problems
• ethical and legal considerations
• mindfulness as personal practice and professional skill
• Teaching 1 & Teaching 2 Modules (Years 2-4)
These modules will guide students, step-by-step, in the design and delivery of a teacher-led group-based Mindfulness-Based Intervention (MBI). During these modules, students will have the chance to experience this approach themselves through participation as facilitators in training. Each module involves five days of face-to-face intensive teaching and participation for students (approximately two weeks apart.)
• The modules will cover various teaching methodologies and pedagogies that are appropriate for MBIs.
Emphasis will also be placed on how to adapt MBIs for different populations and contexts.
• (Please note: Teaching 2 is only available for students who have already completed Teaching 1)
• Research Module (Years 2-5)
In this research module, students develop theoretical and empirical research skills by participating collaboratively in research projects and engaging with the wider field of MB research with a focus on:
• critical awareness and exploration of methodologies commonly used within mindfulness research
• conducting and reviewing qualitative and quantitative research studies on mindfulness-based approaches
• presenting research methods findings from a chosen area of investigation in the field of mindfulness
• Buddhist Background Module (Year 3)
This module explores the origins of mindfulness practices in both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. Exploring Buddhist historical and philosophical texts, students gain deeper insight into how mindfulness has evolved historically, its various applications, and philosophical underpinnings.
• Mindfulness and the Brain Module
This module will explore the fascinating relationship between mindfulness and brain function using evidence from cognitive neuroscience. Students in the module will discuss:
• how mindfulness has demonstrably changed various aspects of the brain and how and which areas of the brain are engaged differently during mindfulness activity.
• the neural pathways involved in attention, cognition, emotion, and self-awareness can provide insights into how mindfulness influences these processes.
• how various aspects of mental and physical wellbeing (e.g., cognitive performance, stress reduction, emotion regulation) can be facilitated through mindfulness.

Thesis (Year 3-5)

Students undertaking the thesis will design, conduct and produce an independent 15,000-word research project based on original inquiry and investigation.

Assessment

The assessment methods will differ depending on the chosen modules. Some utilize exams and written assignments in addition to practical elements with oral assessment and reflective writing tasks. The thesis involves the submission of an original research project through a written dissertation (approximately 15,000 words.)

Teaching

Teaching Methods

The program aims at fostering interdisciplinary and collaborative learning environments while providing a solid grounding in theoretical and practical knowledge of mindfulness-based therapy. The courses utilize diverse teaching formats including:

• a 2-week teacher training format for the Teaching modules featuring demonstrations, exercises, peer and expert feedback opportunities
• in-class group discussions and practical exercises for the remaining modules
• individual and group research consultation for the thesis projects

Faculty

The courses are guided and taught by prominent researchers and experienced practitioners specializing in mindfulness and research methodologies across the field. Some faculty members are involved in collaborative international research with a focus on MB interventions for psychological problems within various populations. Their research also explores issues related to MB training, implementation, and adaptation across diverse groups.

Uniqueness of Approach

Bangor University's Master of Arts in Mindfulness-based Approaches focuses specifically on offering post-graduate training in research and theory related to MB therapies and interventions. Additionally the program fosters:

• professional expertise and skills in facilitating MBIs that can be tailored to specific populations.
• the ability to critically analyze research within the MB therapy domain.
• a deeper understanding of mindfulness within its historical Buddhist context.

Careers

This qualification will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to work in research, teaching, clinical roles, consulting, therapy and other professional settings where mindfulness-based interventions are delivered across the education, health, government and business sectors. This course allows students to develop valuable expertise which can facilitate career opportunities including, but not limited solely to:

• research roles involving mindfulness-based approaches across healthcare, psychology, and education contexts
• teaching roles which involve providing instruction using mindfulness-based programs
• clinical settings as mindfulness therapists working in both one-to-one and group situations
• consulting positions to help organizations incorporate mindfulness into their practices within the private and public sectors (e.g., healthcare organizations, corporate settings, government or educational programs).

Other

This Masters will enable you to study mindfulness-based approaches without training to become a mindfulness teacher. The Master's route typically takes three years to complete (flexible delivery with part-time study structure.) The three-year route is eligible for Postgraduate Loan funding through Student Finance England. Additionally, there are three compulsory modules (Foundation, Research and Thesis) with two optional modules. We welcome applications from international students. However, please note that this program is part-time and will not enable students to get a student visa to the UK. International students who apply will need to independently arrange visas to attend the teaching days over the 3-5 year period.