Program Overview

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Artificial Intelligence - PgCert

Overview

Developing new skills in the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence

Summary

Artificial Intelligence is a core discipline within Computer Science; however, it has applications in almost every industry sector including, but not limited to, Health, Financial Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, Media, Energy, Civic Society and Public Policy.

The UK will need a larger workforce with deep AI expertise, and more development of lower level skills to work within the domain. This specialist programme has been developed in response to evidence of demand from industry and business for upskilling of staff in the area of AI and addresses a clear gap in the marketplace for postgraduate study.

The course will cover all core areas including preparing participants for a career with knowledge and problem-solving skills in AI and with an appreciation of how it can be used in a range of applications.

The course content has been informed by internationally leading research being conducted in the School and by our strong industry partnerships.

There are also opportunities for graduates from the PgCert Artificial Intelligence to embark on further research by enrolling for PhD study affiliated with the research centres within the School of Computing.

About this course

About

The Postgraduate Certificate award consists of three compulsory taught modules (totaling 60 credits). As part of the programme, students will be required to use various programming languages, including Python and R.

Data Science and Machine Learning

This module provides an overview of Data Science process/pipeline. It provides systematic understanding of mathematical and statistical knowledge for exploratory data analysis (EDA) and to understand the foundations of supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms, and with the practical programming skills to apply them to real world datasets. The module discusses the constraints that needs to be considered when designing, implementing, evaluating and visualising solutions to real-world complex problems.

Knowledge Engineering

This module will cover modern topics in a classical field of artificial intelligence, including knowledge representation and reasoning (deductive and inductive), and their effective utilisation in e.g. decision making, automated reasoning and formal verification, and semantic web. Students will gain deep understanding of key concepts and principles, and gain practical skills in critically evaluating and effectively building knowledge-based applications.

Emerging and Advanced Topics in AI

This module will cover cutting-edge topics in the field of artificial intelligence, including recent advances in AI theory, algorithms and applications, as well as issues such as privacy, fairness and ethics in artificial intelligence. In doing so a number of examples of advanced AI systems and applications are reviewed. Students will gain deep understanding of key concepts, principles, and challenges, and gain practical skills in critically evaluating and effectively building AI-based applications. The module will also help students develop their skills in independent learning, research skills, writing, as well as practical skills in using software to reproduce results from the literature.

Attendance

Typically 5-10 timetabled on campus hours per week Monday – Friday including lectures, tutorials and practicals in the computer labs for the taught components of the course.

Start dates

• September 2026
• January 2027

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching is delivered through lectures, directed tutorials, seminars, and practical sessions, some of which are by industry professionals / researchers.

The course is assessed by 100% coursework.

Standard entry conditions

Entry Requirements

Applicants must:

• have gained a second class honours degree or better, in the subject areas of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or closely related discipline, 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 has been recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or
• an equivalent standard (normally 50%) in a Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification excluding Conversion courses; and the qualification must be in the subject areas of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or closely related discipline.

and

• provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent). For applicants whose first language is not English the minimum English language requirement is an Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, Trinity ISE: Pass at level III or equivalent English language tests comparable to IELTS equivalent score.

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.

Exemptions and transferability

The entry requirements facilitate accreditation of prior learning.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

The UK will need a larger workforce with deep AI expertise, and more development of lower level skills to work within the domain. On successful completion of the programme, students can continue on to our full MSc in Artificial Intelligence.

Fees and funding

2026/27 Fees

Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2025/26 entry.

Additional mandatory costs

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.