Master the Psychology of Unconscious Bias with Professional Diploma

The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Psychology of Unconscious Bias offers an in-depth exploration of the hidden mental processes that shape human perception, decision-making, and behaviour. Learners will gain a clear understanding of how unconscious biases form, why they persist, and the impact they have on both personal and professional environments. Through interactive content and practical examples, participants will explore the ways bias influences judgements, hiring practices, workplace culture, and social interactions. The course encourages critical reflection, equipping learners to recognise subtle biases and implement strategies to reduce their effects in everyday life.

Participants will examine key psychological theories and research that underpin unconscious bias, including cognitive heuristics, stereotyping, and social conditioning. The course provides insights into the neurological and behavioural mechanisms that contribute to biased thinking, highlighting how automatic mental shortcuts can lead to unfair outcomes. Learners will also study the role of culture, media, and personal experiences in shaping attitudes and perceptions. Emphasis is placed on practical application, with exercises designed to enhance self-awareness, empathy, and objective decision-making skills, fostering inclusive practices in professional and social settings.

The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Psychology of Unconscious Bias equips learners with actionable knowledge and strategies to address implicit prejudices and cognitive blind spots. Participants will gain tools to implement fairer processes, improve communication, and enhance workplace and community interactions. The course blends theory with hands-on exercises, case studies, and reflective tasks to ensure participants can translate learning into practice. By the end of the diploma, learners will have a comprehensive understanding of unconscious bias, its psychological roots, and evidence-based approaches to mitigate its impact, promoting more conscious and ethical decision-making in all aspects of life.

Program Highlights

Study Units

Introduction to Unconscious Bias and Implicit Cognition (3 Hours)
Psychological Roots of Stereotyping and Prejudice (5 Hours)
Types and Manifestations of Unconscious Bias (5 Hours)
Unconscious Bias in Workplace Decision-Making (3 Hours)
The Neuroscience of Bias: Brain, Perception, and Behaviour (3 Hours)
Cultural Conditioning and Social Identity Theory (3 Hours)
Recognising and Mitigating Bias in Organisational Practices (5 Hours)
Inclusive Communication and Behavioural Change Strategies (3 Hours)

TTo enrol in the OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Psychology of Unconscious Bias, participants should meet the following entry requirements:

Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 18 years of age to ensure maturity and readiness for professional-level course content.
Educational Background: A minimum of high school completion or equivalent is recommended. Candidates with prior diplomas or certificates in psychology, social sciences, human resources, or related fields will find the course particularly accessible.
Language Proficiency: Participants should have a good command of English, as all course materials, assessments, and instructions are delivered in English.
Work experience: Human resources, management, education, counselling, or social services can be advantageous but is not mandatory. This diploma is designed to build on foundational knowledge and provide practical skills that are applicable across professional and organisational settings.

These entry requirements ensure that learners can engage fully with the course content and maximise the benefits of the OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Psychology of Unconscious Bias.

Learning Outcomes

Introduction to Unconscious Bias and Implicit Cognition (3 Hours)

Define unconscious bias and differentiate it from conscious prejudice
Explain the concept of implicit cognition and its role in everyday decision-making
Identify how unconscious bias operates within various social and professional contexts
Recognise the significance of addressing unconscious bias in modern workplaces

Psychological Roots of Stereotyping and Prejudice (5 Hours)

Examine key psychological theories underpinning stereotyping and prejudice
Understand the formation and reinforcement of social categorisation
Analyse the influence of early experiences and group dynamics on biased thinking
Evaluate how stereotypes impact individual behaviour and group relations

Types and Manifestations of Unconscious Bias (5 Hours)

Identify common types of unconscious bias, such as affinity bias, confirmation bias, and halo effect
Explore how these biases manifest in verbal, non-verbal, and institutional behaviour
Illustrate examples of bias in different professional sectors
Reflect on personal susceptibility to various forms of unconscious bias

Unconscious Bias in Workplace Decision-Making (3 Hours)

Assess the impact of unconscious bias on recruitment, promotion, and evaluation processes
Understand the hidden barriers bias can create in leadership and team development
Learn practical approaches to minimise bias in workplace decision-making
Apply critical thinking to identify bias-influenced outcomes in case studies

The Neuroscience of Bias: Brain, Perception, and Behaviour (3 Hours)

Explore the neurological processes linked to implicit bias
Understand how perception and memory contribute to biased behaviour
Identify the role of emotional and cognitive shortcuts in the brain
Relate neuroscience findings to practical methods for reducing bias

Cultural Conditioning and Social Identity Theory (3 Hours)

Define cultural conditioning and explain its effect on thought patterns and bias
Understand social identity theory and its relevance to in-group and out-group dynamics
Analyse how cultural norms shape unconscious judgements
Recognise the intersectionality of identity and its influence on bias perception

Recognising and Mitigating Bias in Organisational Practices (5 Hours)

Identify bias in institutional systems, processes, and culture
Develop strategies to audit and redesign biased organisational practices
Understand the role of leadership in promoting equity and inclusion
Create action plans for sustainable bias mitigation within professional settings

Inclusive Communication and Behavioural Change Strategies (3 Hours)

Practise inclusive language and empathetic listening skills
Identify communication patterns that reinforce or challenge bias
Apply behavioural science principles to encourage inclusive conduct
Design interventions that promote conscious awareness and inclusive engagement

Target Audience

This course is designed for professionals, leaders, and individuals seeking to understand, identify, and address unconscious bias in personal, social, and workplace settings. It equips participants with practical knowledge and strategies to promote equity, inclusion, and informed decision-making.

HR and Recruitment Professionals

Learn to identify bias during hiring and promotion processes
Implement fair and inclusive recruitment strategies
Understand the impact of unconscious bias on team dynamics
Develop tools to audit organisational policies for equity
Enhance decision-making skills to ensure merit-based outcomes

Managers and Team Leaders

Recognise bias in leadership and performance evaluations
Apply strategies to foster inclusive team environments
Understand how biases affect communication and delegation
Promote equity and fairness in workplace decision-making
Develop skills to mentor and support diverse teams

Educators and Trainers

Integrate bias awareness into teaching and training programmes
Promote inclusive learning environments for all students
Identify and challenge stereotypes in classroom settings
Encourage critical thinking and cultural sensitivity
Design activities that raise awareness of unconscious bias

Diversity and Inclusion Practitioners

Assess organisational culture for implicit bias patterns
Create actionable inclusion and diversity plans
Understand the intersectionality of identity in bias mitigation
Implement behavioural interventions for workplace equity
Promote sustainable change through training and advocacy

Healthcare and Social Care Professionals

Recognise bias in patient care and decision-making
Ensure equitable treatment and support for diverse populations
Enhance communication and understanding with clients
Address systemic biases within healthcare and social care systems
Apply strategies to reduce disparities in care outcomes

Individuals Seeking Personal Growth

Reflect on personal biases and cognitive shortcuts
Develop skills for inclusive thinking and behaviour
Enhance interpersonal relationships through awareness
Apply bias-reduction techniques in daily life
Promote conscious, ethical, and empathetic decision-making

This course provides valuable insights and practical skills for anyone committed to fostering fairness, inclusivity, and conscious decision-making in professional and personal contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

The course focuses on understanding the concept of unconscious bias, how it forms, and its impact on personal and professional decision-making. Participants explore the psychological, social, and neurological roots of bias, and learn practical strategies to recognise, mitigate, and manage bias in various settings. The curriculum combines theory with real-world applications, enabling learners to identify bias in workplace policies, communication, and organisational practices.

The course is divided into modules covering the foundations of unconscious bias, psychological roots, types and manifestations, workplace applications, neuroscience insights, cultural conditioning, and mitigation strategies. Each module combines theoretical learning with practical exercises, case studies, and interactive discussions. Participants learn to apply their understanding of bias to decision-making, organisational processes, and communication practices.

Yes, the course provides actionable strategies for recognising and reducing unconscious bias. Learners are guided through techniques for inclusive communication, equitable recruitment practices, auditing organisational processes, and designing interventions for bias mitigation. Emphasis is placed on behavioural change and embedding conscious practices into everyday interactions, ensuring practical application beyond the classroom.

By completing the diploma, participants gain heightened awareness of their own biases and the tools to mitigate them effectively. This leads to improved decision-making, enhanced interpersonal relationships, and more inclusive workplace practices. It also supports ethical leadership, fosters collaborative environments, and contributes to personal growth by encouraging conscious reflection, empathy, and fairness in interactions with others.

Absolutely. The course is designed for learners from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds. While an interest in human behaviour is beneficial, no formal psychology experience is required. The content is structured to be accessible, with clear explanations of concepts, real-life examples, and step-by-step guidance on recognising and addressing unconscious bias.