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Critical Thinking

This short course builds your ability to analyse problems objectively, evaluate options and anticipate risks. You’ll learn practical tools to identify challenges, respond in a structured way and apply critical thinking techniques at work to test ideas quickly and constructively.

Next Dates: 7 May; View more dates
Duration: 1 day
Delivery mode: In-person or Online
Location: UNSW Canberra City

Price (AUD inc. GST): $1,130
Spots remaining: AVAILABLE

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Course summary

Sharpening your mind

This course introduces you to the core principles of critical thinking and why it’s an essential asset in any modern workplace. You’ll explore how critical thinking strengthens management capability, learn to recognise different thinking styles and apply a structured critical thinking process to real-world challenges.

The course also equips you with practical, lightweight tools that make critical thinking easy to use in your day-to-day role. You’ll also examine the human factors that influence decision-making and how to avoid common pitfalls to make more clear, objective and confident decisions.

Who will benefit

Members or leaders in Defence, industry and government groups. The World Economic Forum identified complex problem-solving and critical thinking as the top two skills needed for success in the future of work.
The content in this course can be applied to a range of problem-solving situations, from team management and public services decisions to the Defence and industry sectors.

Course is suitable for

The course is designed for beginners and assumes no prior knowledge.

Delivered by experts

Ebrahim Aly

Facilitator

Ebrahim, a Research Associate at the UNSW Canberra, brings a blend of theoretical and practical expertise to his work in complex systems modeling.
His research into resilience and sustainability of such systems employs a diverse range of methodologies including causal inference, Bayesian methods and system dynamics.
Beyond his research, Ebrahim applies his knowledge to develop crucial thinking techniques and mental modeling skills in professionals. His expertise in utilising models to solve intricate problems lays a solid foundation for this endeavour. Key principles guiding his research, such as causality, uncertainty and dynamism, mirror the core tenets of critical thinking.
Ebrahim’s work illuminates how the tools and methods of complex systems modeling can be leveraged to enrich and deepen understanding. He focuses on empowering professionals to navigate and shape their fields with greater acuity.

About the course

More than just thinking!

Critical thinking is more than just “thinking harder” — it’s the disciplined art of analysing, questioning and evaluating information so you can make smarter, clearer decisions.

In this Critical Thinking short course, you’ll sharpen your ability to break down complex problems, assess situations objectively and evaluate alternative solutions with confidence. You’ll explore practical, proven tools you can apply immediately in the workplace. This will help you identify issues early, pressure-test ideas and respond to challenges with structure and intention.

Walk away with a toolkit that strengthens your decision-making, reduces risk and elevates how you think, lead and contribute.

Why enrol in this course

Sharpen your thinking

Sharpen your ability to analyse information, identify assumptions, and draw sound conclusions — essential skills in today’s complex professional landscape.

Make better decisions

Develop structured thinking tools that help you weigh evidence, compare alternatives, and make confident, well-reasoned decisions.

Build professional credibility

Critical thinking is valued across sectors — whether you work in policy, project delivery, leadership, or strategy — helping you stand out in your role.

Translate insight into action

Apply proven thinking tools directly to real workplace challenges to enhance judgement and outcomes.

Key features

Real-world relevance

Explore thinking strategies and examples drawn from contemporary workplace challenges, making learning directly applicable to your context.

Core thinking skills

Develop skills in objective analysis, bias recognition, evidence evaluation, creative problem handling and structured decision-making.

Practical tools and frameworks

Gain usable tools that support clearer thinking and better outcomes.

Learning outcomes

Think smarter, solve better

This course equips you with the core skills of effective critical thinking. You'll gain a foundational understanding in analysing problems from multiple perspectives and recognising hidden assumptions and cognitive biases.

Learn to define root causes more accurately, use creativity in problem-solving and apply reflective practice to refine your thinking. By the end, you’ll be able to apply structured, reliable methods to improve decision-making and strengthen your everyday problem-solving activities.

What you'll learn

On completion of this course, you will be able to analyse problems objectively, recognise hidden assumptions and biases, apply creative problem-solving techniques and use structured critical thinking methods to make smarter, more confident decisions in the workplace.

Topics covered

Skills/competencies/knowledge that would be gained through this course:

Understand the fundamentals of critical thinking and why it matters.
Identify, analyze and evaluate different perspectives about a problem and solutions.
Recognize unstated assumptions, cognitive biases and heuristics as well as tactics to overcome them.
Better define the causes of problems before they occur and learn to leverage creativity in assisting with problem-solving.
Apply systematic reflective practice to examine and update your assumptions continually.
Apply a range of methods for bringing critical thinking to your problem-solving activities.