This short course will provide information about the importance of individual and group attitudes towards the perception of risk and how this may influence views, conduct and actions in the face of a range of risks including the development of communication methods to disseminate information about risk(s) to a range of audiences and how to determine its effectiveness.

At a glance

Course structure

Lecture and group work with case studies used to provide context.

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Describe the "non-science" influences in risk assessment and management using sociological and psychological theories relating to risk perception, attitudes and communication,
  • Identify and evaluate drivers that may influence individual or group perceptions and attitudes towards risk in specific scenarios,
  • Participate in the discourse on the roles in society of different stakeholders (e.g. the media, NGOs, academics, government) with respect to risk assessment issues and to be able to describe to others why they have the beliefs they hold,
  • Demonstrate skills in listening to concerns from different individuals/groups towards risks and the ability to enter into dialogue with such groups,
  • Develop effective means of communication to suit specific or general situations and how to demonstrate its effectiveness, and critique methods based on theories and evidence.

Core content

  • What is meant by the perception of risk and how it varies with context,
  • Attitudes towards risk based on psychological, cultural and other dimensions,
  • The role of various societal groups (the media, NGOs, etc) in risk issues,
  • Models of the amplification and attenuation of risk,
  • Understanding the “fright factors” in risk perception,
  • Horizon scanning and scenario building tools for communicating future risk to individuals and organisations,
  • Communicating risk messages to individuals, groups and society at large and errors in communication.

Upgrade to a professional qualification

Cranfield credits are available for this short course which you can put towards selected Cranfield degrees. Find out more about short course credit points.

Who should attend

Those individuals who are involved in either risk assessment or management or would like to build their knowledge in how communication to a range of audiences can be influenced by outside factors.

Concessions

(20% discount for Cranfield alumni, 10% discount for colleagues of alumni)

£1,340 - Professional/trade association discount

£1,280 - Multiple bookings*

* Minimum of 5 delegates

Accommodation options and prices

This is a non-residential course. If you would like to book accommodation on campus, please contact Mitchell Hall or Cranfield Management Development Centre directly. Further information regarding our accommodation on campus can be found here.

Alternatively you may wish to make your own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The University is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1.

London Luton, Stansted and Heathrow airports are 30, 90 and 90 minutes respectively by car, offering superb connections to and from just about anywhere in the world.

For further location and travel details

Location address

Cranfield University
College Road
Cranfield
Bedford
MK43 0AL

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.