Everyday Psychology

Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

Harness your creative potential and cultivate creativity in personal and professional contexts.

R3,700.00

Portrait of cheerful casually clothed beautiful woman sitting at the desk at home office stock

Structure

On-demand

Duration

50 hours

Total Hours

50 hours

Start Date

1 July 2026

End Date

30 September 2026

Mode

Self-paced learning

Course Overview

Discover your creative potential and explore the essence of creativity. The Creative Thinking & Problem Solving short course will help you gain a better understanding of how to cultivate creativity in personal, academic, and professional contexts.

The short course explores the concept of creativity by examining the definitions of creativity, as well as historical perspectives and significance in different areas. The course dives into common myths about creativity and unpacks the cognitive and emotional factors that shape creative thoughts.

Throughout the online course, you will be encouraged to analyse and apply creative thinking techniques to real-world problems, reflecting on your personal creative processes and barriers to develop strategies to overcome them.

Whether you want to grow your creativity or generate innovative and fresh ideas at work, this short course will equip you with the insight and tools to think more creatively and confidently.

What You’ll Learn

Through course videos, readings and discussions, you will explore the following topics:

Understanding Creativity

Explore the concept of creativity, examining its definitions, historical perspectives, and significance in different contexts.
Dive into the myths surrounding creativity and your beliefs about creativity.

The Science of Creativity – How Creativity Works in the Brain

Investigate the neuroscience of creativity, exploring how different brain regions and networks contribute to creative thought.
Examine the roles of the default mode network, executive control network, and salience network in the creative process.

The Creative Process and Thinking Techniques

Explore the creative process and the stages of preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification.
Practice various creative thinking techniques namely
- 1) brainstorming
- 2) mind mapping
- 3) metaphorical thinking
- 4) lateral thinking
- 5) SCAMPER (Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use, Eliminate, and Reverse)
- 6) Design Thinking
- 7) Appreciative Inquiry

Overcoming Barriers to Creativity

Understand the common psychological and environmental influences on creativity.
Address common internal and external barriers to creativity, such as fear of failure, perfectionism, stress, mental blocks and environmental constraints.
Explore strategies to overcome these obstacles, foster a supportive environment for creative thinking and maintain creative momentum.
Learn how to foster a creative mindset.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this short course you will be able to:

Identify and articulate foundational concepts and theories of creativity.
Describe the brain’s role in creative thinking and the impact of cognitive functions on behaviour.
Develop practical skills for enhancing creativity using scientifically-backed strategies.
Analyze real-world challenges through creative techniques, applying novel solutions.
Reflect on personal creative processes, identify barriers, and devise actionable strategies to enhance creativity.

Certification

Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate of completion. This certificate verifies your newfound knowledge and skills.

The Creative Thinking & Problem Solving short course has been designed and developed by experts in the field of psychology. This course will teach you how to evaluate your creative process and identify barriers and strategies to improve and sustain creativity.

Dates and Registration

Class of 2026 Jul-Sep: 1 July – 30 September
Class of 2026 Oct-Dec: 1 October – 31 December

Short course classes are on demand allowing you to register at any time and move through course content at a time that suits you. Learners will have access to the course for the class period they choose when registering.

Course highlights

Giving motivational sticky notes to out team

Understand how brain regions and networks contribute to creative thought.
Address common internal and external barriers to creativity.
Learn how to foster a creative mindset.

FAQs

What are the entry requirements?

Anyone 18 years of age or older can sign up for this short course. There are no academic entry requirements or conditions.

Who is this short course for?

This short course is for anyone interested in harnessing their creative potential.

What is the time commitment?

A total of 50 hours is required to complete the short course.

What do you need to do the short course?

Access to Microsoft Word
Google Chrome (recommended)
Stable internet connection

Is the short course accredited?

The short course is not accredited and non-credit bearing.

What is creativity?

Creativity is the ability to generate original ideas and solutions by thinking outside conventional boundaries. It involves imagination and flexibility, leading to unique expressions in art, science, and problem-solving. Read more here.

The Team

The SACAP Global team brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience across various disciplines. Our expert short course developers and dedicated support team are passionate about sharing their insights to help you get the most out of your online learning journey.