Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how organisations operate, make decisions and deliver products and services. This course provides an accessible introduction to artificial intelligence and explores how AI and related technologies can be applied within industry and the workplace.

The course is suitable for people who are new to AI as well as those already working within business or industry who want to develop their understanding of AI and achieve a recognised qualification.

Learners will explore AI from an industry perspective, considering its applications, opportunities and challenges and how organisations can prepare for and successfully adopt emerging technologies.

The qualification is a regulated Level 3 Award from OCN NI and is recognised by UCAS.

This course may be particularly suitable for:

• employees who want to understand how AI may affect their organisation or sector;
• managers, supervisors and team leaders considering how AI could be introduced within their organisation;
• business owners and professionals interested in digital transformation and emerging technologies;
• people who are beginning their journey into artificial intelligence and want a structured introduction to the subject; and
• learners who want to achieve a recognised Level 3 qualification in artificial intelligence.

No previous specialist knowledge of artificial intelligence or computer programming is required. The qualification specification has no specific academic entry requirements, although learners should have sufficient literacy and numeracy skills to successfully complete the programme.

There is no final examination.

Assessment will take place throughout the programme through a portfolio of evidence completed across the individual units.

Learners will work through assessment activities linked to the course content, building their portfolio as they progress through the qualification.

The qualification is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis. The OCN NI specification permits portfolio-based assessment, coursework, practical assignments and e-assessment, with evidence internally assessed and quality assured by the College.

The programme consists of eight units covering:

• Understanding Artificial Intelligence
• Applications of Artificial Intelligence
• Understanding Artificial Intelligence Readiness
• Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies
• Digital Transformation
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
• Neural Networks and Deep Learning
• Artificial Intelligence and its Implications for the World of Work

Together, these units provide learners with an understanding of how AI has developed, how it is being used across industry and how organisations can prepare for its future application.

During the course you will explore topics including:

• the development, characteristics and ethical implications of AI;
• natural language processing, computer vision and machine learning;
• the application of AI within robotics, additive manufacturing and the Internet of Things;
• organisational AI readiness and the requirements for successful AI implementation;
• emerging technologies, Big Data, cloud computing and blockchain;
• digital transformation and organisational change;
• supervised, unsupervised and reinforcement machine learning;
• neural networks and deep learning; and
• the impact of AI on employment, digital skills, leadership and the future workplace.

Successful learners will achieve: OCN NI Level 3 Award in Artificial Intelligence for Industry.

Successful completion may provide a foundation for further study in artificial intelligence, information technology, digital transformation or related areas.

The qualification specification identifies progression to higher-level qualifications in AI and information technology.

Academic entry requirements for the qualification. Applicants should:

• be aged 18 or over;
• have sufficient literacy and numeracy skills to successfully complete a Level 3 qualification – GCSE English or L2 Essential Skills Communication (or equivalent); and
• have access to a computer or suitable device and internet connection to participate in online learning.

To be considered for a funded place under the Advance ME Further Programme, applicants must meet both the programme eligibility criteria and the entry requirements for their chosen course.

Applicants must:

• Meet the academic entry requirements for their chosen course.
• Be aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
• Have the right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the full duration of the course.
• Not be restricted from working or undertaking training in the UK because of their immigration status.

Evidence of eligibility will be required before an application can progress. This may include:

• a valid UK or Republic of Ireland passport; or
• appropriate evidence of the right to work in the UK, such as a Home Office right-to-work share code.