Program Overview

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Ethical and Responsible Artificial Intelligence - PgCert

Overview

Shape the future of AI with ethical leadership. Build expertise in compliance, regulation, and responsible innovation with this PgCert.

Summary

The rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionise UK organisations by enhancing efficiency, productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. As AI evolves, so does the regulatory environment, addressing challenges like bias, transparency, and data privacy. Effective governance and regulation are crucial to ensure AI aligns with human rights, democracy, and security. Responsible AI involves designing, developing, and deploying AI systems that are safe, fair, transparent, and compliant with laws. This responsibility falls on developers, organisations, and regulators. There is a growing demand for professionals skilled in ethical AI, particularly in compliance, regulation, and leadership roles.

The target audience of the PgCert Ethical and Responsible AI is non-specialist. Students can enrol from successful completion of any primary UG Honours degree subject. This course will differ from other AI courses since it will focus on the critical skills required to evaluate and apply AI technologies ethically and responsibly, focusing on key areas such as AI policy, regulation, and practical application.

About this course

About

The PgCert Ethical and Responsible AI is designed for non-specialists, making it accessible to graduates from any undergraduate discipline. The PgCert aims to provide postgraduate education and training in the ethical governance and responsible application of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. It offers graduates a solid foundation in AI concepts along with a strong understanding of ethical and governance considerations. The PgCert equips graduates with critical skills to evaluate and apply AI technologies ethically and responsibly, focusing on key areas such as AI policy, regulation, and practical application.

Attendance

The course will be delivered through a hybrid learning model, combining both on-campus and online delivery. Each module will typically include four on-campus sessions, each lasting three hours, spread across a 12-week semester. The remaining module content will be delivered online.

Start dates

• September 2025

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, directed tutorials, and practical sessions. Support is also provided for project preparation and implementation.

The course is assessed by coursework.

Modules

Year one

Ethics and Governance in Artificial Intelligence

Year: 1

Status: C

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a specific focus on Ethical and Responsible AI principles and practices. Students will examine real-world case studies and regulatory frameworks to critically assess the ethical implications of AI technologies across diverse sectors. Through engaging with concepts such as trust, fairness, transparency, and accountability, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for evaluating and contributing to the development of safe, ethical, and socially responsible AI solutions in professional contexts.

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides students with a case-based approach to understanding and applying fundamental AI technologies. Through practical, non-programming methods, students will develop an appreciation of data value, bias, and the methodologies of supervised and unsupervised learning, including classification, predictive analytics, and pattern detection. The module emphasises the importance of using a structured lifecycle to create AI models and critically evaluate their responsibility, suitability for deployment, and interpretability. Students will gain practical insights into responsible AI applications through real-world case studies across diverse business contexts.

Applied Artificial Intelligence in Ethical Contexts

Year: 1

Status: C

This module provides the student with an industry-focused approach to understanding and applying AI technologies without requiring AI programming experience. Students will explore how AI models are designed, trained, deployed, and optimised within real-world scenarios. Since AI is a rapidly evolving field, the module content will be continually updated with current research, industry innovations, and emerging AI technologies, as advised by real-world case studies, allowing students to stay at the forefront of AI advancements.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must:

• have gained
  • an Honours or non-Honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, or from a recognised national awarding body, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard;
  • or
  • an equivalent standard in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification;
• and
• provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent);

In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.

English Language Requirements

• The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
• Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

Exemptions and transferability

The entry requirements facilitate accreditation of prior learning.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

A PgCert in Ethical and Responsible AI provides professionals with a focused understanding of ethical AI principles, regulatory compliance, and responsible AI development. While it does not offer the same depth as an MSc, it serves as a valuable qualification for those looking to integrate ethical considerations into various industries. The certificate equips graduates with the skills needed to navigate the complex ethical challenges posed by AI technologies and ensures that AI systems are designed and deployed responsibly.

Graduates with a PgCert in Ethical and Responsible AI can pursue careers as AI Ethics and Compliance Officers, particularly in industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that AI systems align with ethical guidelines and legal frameworks. Similarly, Responsible AI Consultants are increasingly in demand in consulting firms and technology companies. Their expertise helps businesses implement fair and transparent AI-driven decision-making processes while maintaining accountability.

Work placement / study abroad

This programme does not include a work placement.

Fees and funding

Tuition Fee Loans Available

Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).

Annual Increase Disclaimer

Fees illustrated are based on academic year 25/26 entry and are subject to an annual increase.

If your study continues into future academic years your fees are subject to an annual increase. Please take this into consideration when you estimate your total fees for a degree.

Additional mandatory costs

None.

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.