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  6. ED505A: Mindfulness

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ED505A: MINDFULNESS (2026-2027)

Last modified: 08 Jun 2026 11:16


Course Overview

ED505A Mindfulness is the first course in the MSc in Studies in Mindfulness. The course introduces the three elements of the Programme: mindfulness practice, the study of mindfulness (and associated concepts) and the relevance of mindfulness to a self-selected professional, work or voluntary context. An introduction to developing a sustained, formal mindfulness practice, based upon a unique approach, is encompassed within the course. Within the course there are two residential weekends of teaching, study and practice.   

 

 

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term Full Year Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Kate Smith

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • MSc Studies in Mindfulness
  • Any Postgraduate Programme

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The course topics are the following:

- Introduction to Mindfulness: what it is, why practice it and its relevance to secular life and work contexts;
- Introduction to postgraduate study;
- Practicing Mindfulness:
  (i)   recognising the unsettled mind and practising being recollected and attending to the present moment;
  (ii)  practising mindful sitting, mindful movement, using mindfulness supports (visual object, sound, breath) and working with distraction;
  (iii) working with and observer and undercurrent model of mindfulness practice and examining how changes can come about;
  (iv) practising mindfulness in daily life situations; 
- Critical Analysis of the Concept of Mindfulness: drawing upon research, relating this analysis to personal practice and experience and to a selected professional context.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 70
Assessment Weeks 15 Feedback Weeks 17

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback Word Count 4000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualEvaluateDemonstrate a critical understanding and knowledge of theories, principles, definitions and key features of mindfulness.
ConceptualEvaluateDemonstrate a critical awareness of current issues with regards to mindfulness
FactualEvaluateCritically analyse, consolidate and review knowledge and thinking.
FactualEvaluateIdentify and critically explore the concept of mindfulness in a selected professional setting.
FactualEvaluateDemonstrate a critical awareness of current issues with regards to mindfulness
FactualUnderstandConvey use of reading and use this to support points made in discussion.

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks 19 Feedback Weeks 24

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback Word Count 2000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualEvaluatePractice, review and critically appraise methods for developing mindfulness and the development of the attitudes and values commensurate with mindfulness in their personal life context.
FactualEvaluateCritically analyse, consolidate and review knowledge and thinking.
FactualUnderstandUnderstanding and knowledge of principles and key features of mindfulness.
FactualUnderstandConvey use of reading and use this to support points made in discussion.
ReflectionCreateDeal with complex issues and make informed judgements with regards to mindfulness practice.
ReflectionEvaluatePractise mindfulness in daily life situations and reflect on your experiences

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resit failed element in same format

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualUnderstandUnderstanding and knowledge of principles and key features of mindfulness.
ReflectionCreateDeal with complex issues and make informed judgements with regards to mindfulness practice.
FactualUnderstandConvey use of reading and use this to support points made in discussion.
ConceptualEvaluateDemonstrate a critical understanding and knowledge of theories, principles, definitions and key features of mindfulness.
FactualEvaluateCritically analyse, consolidate and review knowledge and thinking.
FactualEvaluateIdentify and critically explore the concept of mindfulness in a selected professional setting.
FactualEvaluatePractice, review and critically appraise methods for developing mindfulness and the development of the attitudes and values commensurate with mindfulness in their personal life context.
ConceptualEvaluateDemonstrate a critical awareness of current issues with regards to mindfulness
ReflectionEvaluatePractise mindfulness in daily life situations and reflect on your experiences
FactualEvaluateDemonstrate a critical awareness of current issues with regards to mindfulness
 

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