Artificial Intelligence PGCert

Course overview

Advance Your Career with the Online PGCert in Artificial Intelligence – Gain Future-Ready Skills Fast

The Online Artificial Intelligence Postgraduate Certificate is both a recognised postgraduate qualification and a stepping stone to the full MSc in AI. Designed and delivered by computer scientists, it is ideal for professionals who want to harness the power of AI in their sector — without committing to a full Master’s right away.

This Level 7 qualification, provides a solid foundation of AI theory, tools, and techniques, equipping you with skills that employers value. You’ll study two compulsory modules and two optional modules from the MSc programme, giving you the flexibility to focus on areas most relevant to your career.

Your learning will help you apply AI to real-world problems, inform organisational strategy and evaluate the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies — making you a valuable asset in any forward-thinking organisation.

Who’s this course for?

If you want to quickly develop specialist AI for the future of your industry but can’t commit to a full Masters degree, the online Artificial Intelligence Postgraduate Certificate offers a focused, career-enhancing route to gain in-demand expertise.

This course is for professionals across diverse sectors who want to stay ahead in a rapidly changing tech landscape.

It is ideal if you want to:

• Reskill to transition into AI development or integration roles
• Upskill to design, manage and plan AI solutions within your current organisation
• Lay the foundation for higher-level study, progressing towards an MSc in Artificial Intelligence.

Through targeted modules, you’ll gain practical knowledge of AI tools and techniques, enabling you to apply your learning immediately and prepare for future opportunities

Course highlights

Academic and research excellence

• Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and top 13 in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2026).
• At the School of Computer Science, 99% of the submitted computing research was rated "world-leading" or "internationally excellent" (REF 2021).

Exclusive Partnerships

• Alan Turing Institute – We are one of a select group of UK institutions partnering with the national institute for data science and AI, tackling real-world scientific and societal challenges at the forefront of innovation.
• Leeds Institute for Data Analytics (LIDA) – A hub connecting world-class research with business, government, and third-sector partners to address health, social, and environmental challenges using data-driven insights.
• Robotics at Leeds – Home to one of the UK’s most advanced robotics research facilities, supported by the EPSRC, driving cutting-edge innovation in robot design, construction, and application.

Study options

We also offer a full-time Advanced Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) MSc, covering statistical and symbolic machine learning algorithms, qualitative reasoning, image processing, language understanding and bio-computation as well as essential principles and practices in the design, implementation and usability of intelligent systems. View the course page for more details.

Course details and modules

Our Artificial Intelligence Postgraduate Certificate will begin with a two-week online induction designed to prepare you for online learning at the University of Leeds. It will introduce the study skills you will need to successfully complete your degree.

The four modules provide enough AI coverage to speak directly to the skills that employers are seeking within the AI development sector.

The first two modules are compulsory: Programming for Data Science plus a choice of Data Science or Algorithms. Programming for Data Science will provide a firm foundation in programming for data analysis and AI systems to enable you to build systems that integrate with the internet and with databases. The data investigated will be drawn from a sector relevant to your background. After completing the two compulsory modules, you’ll be able to select two more modules from the optional list that most interest you.

Please note: The minimum programme duration is 8 months. Depending on when you start the programme it may not be possible to complete the programme in 8 months. You might have to take a study break to complete the course depending on when the selected module is next running.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Artificial Intelligence PGCert in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

Join our powerful learning network

Your learning will be delivered online via our virtual learning environment, Minerva. Each week you will study through live face-to-face sessions with our world-class academics in a mixture of structured and open-ended learning techniques.

We recognise that professionals have busy lives, so with a 100% online delivery mode, students can manage their learning around their busy personal and full-time employment, without the need to disrupt their life. You will also be given access to premium-quality study videos, library resources and the industry’s top electronic journals for independent study.

Our online learning course is designed to ensure professionals living and working across the world together can share experiences and knowledge with each other. Collaborate and learn from like-minded professionals during regular interactive activities, including live seminars, virtual discussions, and group projects. This allows you to develop a range of transferable skills and grow confidence and strength in character studying within a growing community of virtual learners.

Introducing Minerva

Social learning is at the heart of your learning experience, with interactive and collaborative activities embedded into every module of this course. It’s what brings your online learning experience to life through:

• synchronous and asynchronous video lessons
• interactive surveys, tests, polls and exercises
• weekly live tutorials with classmates and academics
• group projects and discussion boards
• individual access to reading and study resources
• flexible study sessions to allow you to join at any time that suits you.

Minerva can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection and is mobile friendly, so you can study on the go around your existing work and life commitments. You can also benefit from downloadable PDFs on course content for offline reading when required.

We recommend a high-speed broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps. You will need regular access to a desktop computer, tablet or laptop, with a webcam. You will also need the ability to view PDF documents and work in Microsoft Office (software provided).

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods will emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. They will typically include:

• mini project reports
• group discussions and assignments
• live and/or pre-recorded presentations
• practical exercises based on real-world scenarios
• essays
• literature reviews
• multiple choice exams for formative learning feedback (no more than 5% of assessment).

Applying

Entry requirements

A First or 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree in any mathematical or highly numerate discipline where relevant subject areas have been studied.

If you hold a 2.2 (hons) bachelor degree in any mathematical discipline, we’ll consider your application if you have at least three years of relevant work experience in a professional environment.

If you hold a First or 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree in a non-mathematical discipline, we’ll consider your application if you have at least three years of relevant work experience in a related professional environment.

Exceptionally, we will also consider applications from professionally qualified and experienced candidates who do not meet the formal requirements.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information please contact our Enrolment Advisors at studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk

Proof of your English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English language is essential to study at the University of Leeds. You will need either:

• Alternative English Language Qualification
• A degree taught in English from a recognised institution, lasting at least two years at the undergraduate level or one year at the Masters level, which can be evidenced by transcripts and/or certificates.

For more details, contact our Enrolment Advisors at onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

In exceptional circumstances, applicants can provide alternative proof of English language proficiency rather than a standard English test. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. You should discuss the criteria with your Enrolment Advisor to see if this can be considered.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

How to apply

The ‘Apply’ button at the top of this page takes you to the University's online application system, where you can start your application for this course. Alternatively, you can request further information by ‘registering your interest’.

Identification

The Digital Education Service requires all applicants to provide proof of their identity at the point of application. Accepted forms of ID are:

• Passport photo page, or
• Driving licence, or
• National identity card.

Deadlines

The deadline for applications to join each intake are outlined below:

• January 26 start: application deadline is 9 December 2025
• March 26 start: application deadline is 17 February 2026
• May 26 start: application deadline is 21 April 2026
• July 26 start: application deadline is 16 June 2026

All suitably qualified candidates will be interviewed by telephone or online as part of the selection process.

Applicants for Digital Education Service programmes should contact their Enrolment Advisor to find out more about the course, how to start the online application process and if applicants wish to change their start date after submitting an application.

Email studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Contact us

Enrolment Advisor team

Email: studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)113 868 6129

Fees

UK: £5,800 (Total)

International: £5,800 (Total)

The fee is composed of:

• four taught modules (15 credits each): £1,450 per module

You will have the option to pay your fees on a module-by-module basis*. In this case your fee will be broken down into:

• four equal payments of £1,450

*If your fees are being paid directly to the University by your employer or sponsor you will not be able to pay on a module-by-module basis.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

We believe financial circumstances shouldn’t be a barrier to education. If you have the talent and drive, there may be funding options available including loans and non-repayable grants from both the University and from the UK government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.

• University of Leeds alumni (or graduates of affiliated institutions) are entitled to a 10% bursary towards tuition fees. Find out more about eligibility for the alumni bursary and how to apply.
• UK students may be eligible for a UK government-backed loan, with specific terms and conditions for online courses. Applications are made through the Student Loans Company. Visit the UK Government website to find out more.

Career opportunities

The University of Leeds engages in industry collaboration with domestic and worldwide partners. Our industry links help us to build a curriculum designed specifically to meet growing market demands.

An additional resource for you is the virtual learning environment (Minerva) which provides access to a range of resources including study skills support, interactive and collaborative communication tools, and reflective personal and professional development opportunities.

Careers support

The University of Leeds Careers Service offers extensive online resources to help you maximise your studies and achieve your career goals:

• One-to-one support from a careers advisor via phone or virtual meetings
• Online career workshops, webinars and career resources
• A job database and online employer events
• LinkedIn Learning platform access
• CV writing guidance and job application support
• Interview coaching and practice sessions.

The Careers Service also connects students seeking to work in a specific region, and offers professional development through alumni network, online support and employer partnerships.

Discover what we think are the top 5 jobs in artificial intelligence.