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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate An introduction to artificial intelligence short course
This online CPD course is for anyone interested in exploring the latest issues surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI). You'll critically examine the historical, ethical and social dimensions of AI and hear from a range of voices, including activists, experts, tech companies, NGOs and government. Study materials include audio, video and text, with access to a dedicated website, forum and learning advisers. While there’s no formal assessment, each unit includes quizzes to help test your knowledge. On successful completion, you’ll receive a digital badge, which can be shared on social media, added to your email signature or used as a certificate.
The course is divided into four blocks; there is a natural progression through the blocks, from providing a background to introducing risks and strategies for mitigating these risks, then examples of how to use these strategies for real-world applications, before a final look at how technology such as how AI shapes the world of work.
You’ll learn about the following:
Block 1: Setting the scene for AI technology
An introduction to the historical, social and ethical context of AI technology (Units 1 & 2)
Block 2: The risks of AI technology
An outline of the risks of AI technology and what can be done to respond to such risks (Units 3 & 4)
Block 3: Exploration of case studies
A series of case studies in which you will explore where AI technology has gone wrong as well as where it has gone right (Units 5, 6 & 7)
Block 4: AI and the workplace of the future
In this final block, you will consider AI technology and how it may shape, and perhaps already is shaping, the workplace of the future (Unit 8)
You will have opportunities at the end of each unit to test your knowledge via quizzes. After successfully completing this short course, you will receive a digital badge.

Please note that although this course is non-accredited, it can be used towards the module Making your learning count (YXM130) to gain OU credits.
By the end of this Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, you will:
The course is taught entirely online, with the aid of a learning adviser to offer support where needed. You will have access to online forums that you are strongly encouraged to participate in, as they are an excellent source of support and information. These forums combine peer support with input from the specialist learning adviser(s). Other support is available via the StudentHome website and computing helpdesk.
The course is made up of 8 units, with each unit expected to take about 4–5 hours to study. In total, you’ll need around 40 hours to complete the course.
You can begin at any time during the life of the course and study at your own pace. The course will be open to you for a time period of between 6 and 18 months depending on your course registration date and you will be advised of the specific time limitations upon enrolment.
All learning materials are delivered entirely online and there is no formal tuition for this course.
Your study is self-directed and you’ll have access to a course website, which includes:
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no entry requirements for this course.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact us.
The course is delivered online and makes use of a variety of online resources. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in using a computer or the internet you are advised to contact us about support which can be given to meet your needs.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying LG003 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
StartEngland fee
At anytime before 31/07/2026£195
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
If this course is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could ask your employer to sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees. Your sponsor just needs to complete a simple form to confirm how much they will be paying and we will invoice them.
The fee information provided here is valid for short courses starting in the 2026/27 academic year. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
You can start this course anytime.
You can start this course anytime.
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