Professional Development

Applications

University

Campus

Frenchay

Content

The course syllabus will typically include:

Unit 1: Theory - foundations of critical thinking

1. Let's get critical: What is critical thinking and why does it matter?
2. What makes you a critical thinker? Key assets and values
3. The power of not knowing: Socratic questioning in action
4. Truth in a post-truth world
5. Context is everything: Applying CT in complex scenarios

Unit 2: Practice - critical thinking in action

1. Lab time: Case studies and live analysis
2. CT in practice: Scenario-based exercises (Part I)
3. CT in practice: Scenario-based exercises (Part II)
4. Collaborative intelligence: Peer feedback and group dialogue
5. CT beyond the classroom: Applying skills in the real world

Although the above is typical course content, please note that variations might occur every year.

Course Director

Dr Francesco Tava

E-mail

pd@uwe.ac.uk

Introduction

This course, CT Lab: Critical Thinking from Theory to Practice, empowers you with advanced critical thinking tools essential in today's complex professional environments.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for professionals who recognise the value of critical thinking in complex decision-making environments. While relevant across sectors, it is particularly suited to those in leadership, legal, policy, and strategic roles - including C-suite executives, legal and compliance professionals, senior managers and directors, financial analysts and investment professionals, healthcare administrators, IT and cybersecurity professionals, education and academic leaders, project and operations managers across industries.

Whether you lead teams, shape policy, negotiate high-stakes decisions, or oversee complex operations, this course will sharpen your analytical approach and enhance your strategic impact.

We offer: 

• top-quality teaching delivered by research-active academics with a solid background in theoretical and applied philosophy.
• adaptable formats to suit organisational needs and time constraints.
• small group sizes (max 20) to ensure meaningful engagement.
• industry-backed credibility - Our course is supported by leading firms and companies 

Meet your instructor

Dr Francesco Tava is Associate Professor of Philosophy at UWE Bristol. His scholarly work is grounded in practical philosophy, encompassing areas such as political theory, applied ethics, and data ethics. Before joining UWE Bristol, he held academic and research positions at leading institutions in Italy, Belgium, and the Czech Republic.

Francesco has developed extensive interdisciplinary networks across the UK and EU, collaborating with colleagues in philosophy, economics, law, and management. He has regularly contributed to teaching, research, and public engagement initiatives with organisations including the Open Data Institute, UKRI DARE UK, Horizon Europe, and HSBC.

His forthcoming book - a philosophical investigation of the political concept of solidarity -is under contract with Oxford University Press.

Testimonial

Thinking is a skill and we can all learn to do it better. This course is ideal for professionals with a curious mindset who want to enhance their reasoning, risk analysis and ultimately, make better decisions. - Gavin Neill (Senior Legal Counsel, HSBC).

Study facilities

The College of Health, Science and Society has an excellent reputation for the quality of its teaching and the facilities it provides.

Telephone

+44 (0)117 32 81158