Understanding human behaviour to influence change

Understanding and shifting human behaviour is critical to addressing many of the world’s pressing sustainability challenges. From waste reduction and water conservation to current health issues and social equity, many sustainability challenges require behaviour change. Designing effective solutions to address these issues depends on a clear understanding of the complex influences on human behaviour.

This unit introduces you to a structured, evidence-based approach for exploring and influencing behaviour in sustainability contexts. Drawing on behavioural science theory and practical tools, you will learn how to define behavioural problems, identify and prioritise opportunities for change, and apply behavioural models to develop effective, real-world solutions. Through a combination of conceptual learning and applied collaborative work, you will gain the skills needed to design behaviour change strategies that are grounded in research and responsive to the needs of people and the planet.