Behavioural Economics for Policy

Understand the psychology of decision-making and develop the skills you need to inform and influence policy and business development. Register now to secure your place.

Time:Price
$1100
Time:Duration
40 hours
Time:Delivery
Blended or Online
Time:Starts
7th of August, 2023

About this course

Designed to leave you equipped with the behavioural economics skills needed to inform policy development. Our behavioural economics experts will work with you to develop a strong and practical understanding of how psychology affects the decisions we make and how these insights can be applied in multiple contexts, to create positive change. Whether in policy or a broader professional setting, you will be equipped with the behavioural economics knowledge and skills to build efficient and effective solutions needed to respond to policy challenges.

With behavioural economics skills becoming increasingly utilised in policy development and the business world, this course is created with job-ready skills in front of mind. Developed as a practical learning opportunity, you’ll be encouraged to apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills to contemporary projects, under guidance from our experts at the University of Tasmania’s flagship Behavioural Lab.

On completion of this course, this professional and practical development opportunity will entitle you to a Certificate of Completion and credit points towards our Graduate Certificate of Behavioural Insights.

Understanding Behavioural Economics

Behavioural economics incorporates knowledge, theories and principles from both psychology and economics to understand how people make decisions and how to formulate more effective solutions to social and economics problems. Identified as a ‘major disrupter’ (Ernst & Young Consulting), behavioural economics is set to shift how business, government and companies operate and is increasingly recognised as an essential business resource.  With companies that implement behavioural economics principles outperforming their peers by 85% in sales growth and more than 25% in gross margin (Gallup Consulting), it’s no surprise that businesses are increasingly turning to behavioural economics in what has been dubbed the ‘Behavioural Revolution’.

Who should do this course?

It is recommended that those wishing to undertake this course have basic/introductory economics knowledge.

The learning outcomes of this course are applicable to professionals in all industries, however those working in public service or businesses looking to advance their ability to develop, apply, disseminate and evaluate effective policy practices will find great value in this course.  Those considering or entering graduate programs to undertake policy functions in the workplace will also find this learning of value.

The short course draws on learning from within the University of Tasmania’s Graduate Certificate in Behavioural Insights in which credit can be applied for those looking for a practical policy development opportunity with the option to engage in further study longer term.

Course Structure

This course is scheduled to commence on the 7th of August, 2023 and will be taught over a four-week period.  The course consists of a combination of face-to-face workshops (2 x 2-hour workshops) and online learning to provide flexibility for learners.  It is recommended that participants commit to approximately 40 hours of learning, including the scheduled contact learning which will be delivered in Hobart, Melbourne (date to be confirmed) or Online for more flexibility.

The Hobart workshop takes place on Thursday, 28th of September between 13:00 – 17:00, at the Tasmanian Behavioural Lab (100 Melville Street, Hobart)

Online workshops have been scheduled to occur on Tuesday, 12th of September between 6pm - 8pm and Wednesday, 13th of September between 6pm - 8pm.

To successfully complete the course, you will be required to undertake a written assessment.  All participants will gain access to the online learning materials from the 7th of August, 2023 and retain access to these resources until 22nd of November, 2023

What you will learn

As part of the course, you will:

  • Understand the critical role of behavioural economics in policy.
  • Evaluate the underlying behavioural factors that impact social and economic decision-making.
  • Analyse social and economic challenges in different contexts using a behavioural lens to develop informed solutions and strategies.
  • Communicate behavioural solutions to diverse stakeholders to enable policy application.

Understand the core concepts of behavioural economics in a policy setting

Apply behavioural economics to formulate policy solutions with positive impacts.

Be supported by and learn from our behavioural economics experts.

Gain a Certificate of Completion and credit points towards the Graduate Certificate in Behavioural Insights.

Meet your instructors

Swee-Hoon Chuah

Swee-Hoon Chuah is a Professor of Behavioural Economics at the University of Tasmania and Director of the Tasmanian Behavioural Lab. She holds a PhD in behavioural and experimental economics from the University of Nottingham, U.K. Swee-Hoon’s research and consultancy work focuses on the application of behavioural insights to public policy challenges. The policy-relevance of her research is evidenced by significant amounts of funding from governmental agencies, NGOs and research councils in the U.K, U.S.A. and Australia.

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Robert Hoffmann

Robert Hoffmann is a Professor of Behavioural Economics in the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics. He joined UTAS in 2022 after previous academic appointments in Australia, Europe and Asia. Rob's research areas are in behavioural economics and economic psychology. Most of his work deals with decision making in social and strategic situations. He is particularly interested how culture, religion and other social identities affect how people interact. His teaching interests include applied microeconomics for business, game theory, organisational and behavioural economics.

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