We offer a range of in-person and online workshops in behavioural science, all available on our website. You can also commission a bespoke workshop or tailor one of our existing packages to suit your specific needs.

Next bookable workshop:

• Behavioural Science without the BS (details below).

Overview

The world of applied behavioural science, or behavioural insights is replete with claims that your mind is fundamentally flawed, or biased, and the road to good thinking is to fight against these biases or override intuitive ‘heuristic’ judgements. This simplistic picture is based on outdated research, and quick fix interventions based on this vision typically fail to have impact, or even backfire.

This four-week course begins with an overview from UCL academics on the how the human mind really works. It is a system of unfathomable sophistication, creating rich visuo-spatial simulations and manages to solve problems of incredible complexity which still defy computational and AI approaches. Biases can occur, but delegates will leave with a rich understanding of where these come from, rather than a checklist to avoid.

In further sessions delegates will be taught some key behavioural science frameworks for diagnosing and solving behavioural / social problems at work, they will be introduced to some key techniques for social influence and persuasion as well as the fundamentals of risk and uncertainty and will learn to apply a causal lens to any situation. 

Applied component

Alongside the theory, delegates will be asked to bring a real problem they are facing in their work and will work with the course lead across the four weeks via coaching sessions and homework on finding a solution that really works. ‘Problems’ can be almost anything psychological or social related to their work. Examples could include launching something new in your department or company (big or small), refining communications, shaping social behaviour or help with any kind of internal or external interventions. We will provide feedback on initial ‘problem’ proposals to ensure a good fit.

Who this course is for

This workshop is aimed at:

• Any professionals interested in learning more about human behaviour and psychology, particularly those in innovation, insights, behaviour or communication related roles.
• Professionals interested in designing behaviour-change interventions in their organization: policy-makers, program managers, product designers, consultants.

Course content

Topics covered:

• Introduction to behavioural science & the cognitive model of the mind. (Dr Stephen Dewitt)
• Frameworks for diagnosing and improving psychological, social and communication problems at work. (Dr Stephen Dewitt)
• Social factors, influence and persuasion. (Dr Alicia Melis)
• Heuristics and biases. (Professor Adam Harris)
• Decision making: Value, risk and uncertainty. (Professor Adam Harris)
• Advanced causal thinking / applying the causal lens to problems. (Professor David Lagnado)

Teaching and structure

The days will be structured as follows:

• 9:30 - 10:30 - Morning homework / problem work with course lead
• 10:30 -12:30 - Session 1
• 12:30 - 1:30 - Lunch
• 1:30 - 3:30 - Session 2
• 3:30 - 4:30 - Afternoon homework / problem work with course lead

Weekly homework will involve:

• Reading: 1 * academic paper or free book chapter from weekly academic, to be discussed the following week.
• Homework / activity: this will involve trying something out in the workplace related to the weekly theme, or the delegate’s individual problem, to report back the following week.

Certificates

You'll receive a Certificate of Participation upon completion of the course.

Learning outcomes

You will learn through a combination of taught content and interactive case studies. By the end of the course, you will have a good understanding of the basics of behavioural science and feel confident to start applying behavioural interventions in your own workplace.

Cost

• Early Bird Rate: £2,790pp (standard fee: £3,100)
• Partners & Discounted Sector: £2,511pp (extra 10% off). This includes:
  • UCL Alumni
  • If you have attended a previous Changing Minds workshop or have completed a BIX project with our students
  • Public or third sector
  • Small business (<5 employees)
• Additional 10% off for group bookings of 2+ people. Contact Pia Horbacki for details

• Mailing List Bonus - If you join / are on our mailing list you get an extra 10% off!

Ready to Book? 

Once on the booking page:

• Select the “Partners / Discounted Sectors” price option if you are a:
  • UCL Alumni
  • If you have attended a previous Changing Minds workshop or have completed a BIX project with our students. 
  • Public or third sector
  • Small business (<5 employees)

Course team

Dr Stephen Dewitt

Stephen Dewitt, Director of Changing Minds, and tutor

Dr Alicia Melis

Alicia Melis, Deputy Director of Changing Minds

Professor Dave Lagnado

Dave Lagnado, Tutor

Professor Adam Harris

Adam Harris, Tutor

Course information last modified: 12 Feb 2026, 16:29