Key benefits of this course
By the end of this course, participants should be equipped to:
- Navigate future trends by mastering cutting-edge methodologies such as scenario planning and backcasting, transforming how to anticipate and respond to emerging policy challenges
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Develop innovative policies by harnessing a futures-oriented mindset to craft policies that are not only responsive to today's needs, but also resilient for tomorrow's uncertainties
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Drive organisational change through learned strategies, to cultivate a forward-thinking culture within the team or organisation, positioning them as a leader in innovative policy development.
Digital badge and certificate

A digital badge and certificate will be awarded following the successful completion of any necessary tasks or assessments to demonstrate acquired learning of the short course or for meeting attendance and/or participation requirements.
Learn more about UTS Open digital badges.
Course outline
The following content will be covered in this futures thinking in practice course:
Fundamentals of Futures Thinking
- Understanding futures thinking - definitions, principles and its importance
- Differentiating between forecasting and foresight
- The role of futures thinking in policy development and innovation.
Tools and Methods in Futures Thinking
- Introduction to key methodologies, including Scenario planning, Backcasting, Delphi method and Trend analysis.
Case Studies and Best Practices
- Analysing real-world examples where futures thinking influenced policy.
Developing a Futures Mindset
- Workshops on fostering a futures-oriented culture within organisations
- Techniques for promoting long-term, systemic thinking.
Implementing Futures Thinking in Practice
- Strategies for embedding futures thinking into daily policy-making processes
- Creating a roadmap for ongoing learning and application.
Learning outcomes
By the conclusion of this course, participants should have gained:
- A comprehensive understanding of futures thinking
- The ability to articulate the value of futures thinking in policymaking and explain its fundamental concepts
- Developed skills in applying futures thinking tools to analyse policy challenges and develop innovative solutions
- A developed, futures-oriented mindset
- Strategies and techniques for fostering this mindset within the team(s) or organisation, promoting forward-thinking policy development.
Price
Full price: $698 (GST-free)*
*Price subject to change. Please check price at time of purchase.
Discounts are available for this course. For further details and to verify if you qualify, please check the Discounts section.
Discounts
Discounts are available for this course as follows:
- 10% discount for UTS staff, alumni and students
Discounts cannot be combined and only one discount can be applied per person per course session. Discounts can only be applied to the full price. Discounts cannot be applied to any offered special price.
How to enrol and obtain your UTS staff, alumni or student discount
Please contact the team at support@open.uts.edu.au with either your staff or student number.
If you are eligible for a UTS alumni or student discount, please ensure you have provided your UTS student number during checkout.
If you are an alumni and have forgotten your UTS student number, email support@utsopen.uts.edu.au with your full name, UTS degree and year of commencement.
Enrolment conditions
Course purchase is subject to UTS Open Terms and Conditions.
Contact us
For any questions on enrolment or payment, please email support@open.uts.edu.au
If you have a specific question on course content or requirements, please email ippg.learning@uts.edu.au