You’ll study the following topics as part of the online professional course: 

• the History and Future of Artificial Intelligence which includes the definition of AI, professional and ethical issues, as well as key application areas (Industry 4.0 and FinTech)  
• AI fundamentals including the Alan Turing Test, knowledge representation and approaches to developing learning systems  
• programming paradigms and algorithms for Machine Learning 
• preparing big data for AI solutions 
• programming for learning algorithm implementation 

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to complete your qualification when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or in a café. 

Our online professional courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including: 

• multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
• discussion forums for you to chat about the module content with fellow students 
• live Q&A sessions with your tutors 
• a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals 
• support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

To ensure you receive high-quality tutor support, each class is capped at 20 students. 

Assessment methods  

You’ll be assessed exclusively through assignments. These include assessed discussion forums, written assignments and journal entries. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

• our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
• you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start 
• you’ll be able to clearly view your marks in your gradebook whenever you log on to the learning platform 
• there’s a seven-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
• you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

Study duration 

Our Understanding Artificial Intelligence online professional course has a study duration of 13 weeks, including a one-week induction to help you settle into online study. 

The Understanding Artificial Intelligence online professional course offers a whole host of opportunities. On successful completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate confirming you’ve achieved 20 academic credits at postgraduate level. This will be beneficial whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or take the first step into a role in AI – helping you stand out amongst the competition.  

If you wish to continue your studies and boost your prospects, you could study additional computing online professional courses, such as Launching into Cyber Security or The Data Professional. Alternatively, you could progress on to a PG Cert Artificial Intelligence (60 credits); PG Dip Artificial Intelligence (120 credits) or the full MSc Artificial Intelligence (180 credits).    

Please note, acceptance on to a postgraduate qualification is subject to meeting the entry requirements of your chosen programme.  

No formal qualifications or experience is necessary.  

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency of English is required. If English isn’t your first language, your ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.  

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Full tuition fee:
£1,386 UK / £1,455 International (2024-25) 

• Our courses are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included.  
• Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you’re a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
• We offer a 14-day moneyback guarantee, so if you decide your module isn’t for you during the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund. Terms and conditions apply. 

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach  on our Understanding Artificial Intelligence course are experts in the computing field.