Certificate in AI and Emerging Technologies (Certificate, L7, 10 ECTS) (Middle East)

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

History and evolution of AI

Myths, capabilities, and limitations of AI

Commodisation of AI and mainstream tool adoption

Key terminology: AI, machine learning, generative AI, LLMs, automation

Foundations of AI and Generative AI

How modern AI systems work (conceptual overview)

Generative AI: what it is, what it can do, and common use cases

Natural Language Processing (NLP) and conversational AI

Evaluating AI outputs: accuracy, reliability, and “hallucinations”

AI Tools and Practical Application

Survey of widely used AI tools and professional applications

Using AI for writing, planning, summarising, ideation, and productivity

Strengths/limitations of tools and selecting the right tool for the task

Responsible use in professional contexts (safe inputs, data awareness)

Prompting and Human-AI Interaction

Prompting fundamentals and structured prompting techniques

Iteration, role prompts, constraints, tone/style control

Building and using prompt libraries

Evaluating outputs for relevance, bias, and quality

AI-Enabled Automation

What automation is and how AI supports it

Examples of AI-assisted automation in everyday tools

Benefits and risks of automation (accuracy, over-reliance, human oversight)

Understanding where automation works well and where it does not

Ethics and Social Impact of AI

Understanding AI biases and fairness in algorithms.

Ethical dilemmas in AI and automation (e.g., job displacement, surveillance).

Privacy concerns in the digital age.

AI Safety & Data Protection

Understanding legal implications of Artificial Intelligence

Data protection implications (GDPR)

Regulatory Frameworks both at Irish and EU level

Introduction to Machine Learning

Basic machine learning concepts: supervised vs. unsupervised learning.

Everyday examples of machine learning in digital tools

Strengths and limitations of machine-learning systems

Risks, bias, and responsible use considerations

Practical examples of machine learning in real-world applications.

AI in Everyday Life

The impact of AI on industries like healthcare, finance, retail, and education. AI in entertainment: content recommendation, personalised experiences.

AI in smart homes and IoT (Internet of Things).

Digital transformation, AI adoption and the Future of Work

Introduction to digital transformation

AI adoption: opportunities, limitations, common challenges

Impact on roles, skills, and professional practice

Future workforce: AI literacy, data literacy, digital communication, critical thinking

Minimum Entry Requirements

Irish Leaving Certificate

Grade 06 (ordinary Level) in 5 subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

OR

Any QQI Level 5 qualification is acceptable.

OR

Candidates should possess a Level 6 qualification in a relevant area. Applicants who do not meet these requirements but who are aged 23 are also deemed eligible as mature student entrants.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses (NFQ Levels 6,7 and 8), a minimum score of 5.5 in an IELTS exam is required. For postgraduate courses (NFQ Levels 9 & 10), a minimum of 6.0 is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements.

All classes are delivered via Zoom live (synchronously each week). It is the responsibility of all learners to have access to reliable broadband, a pc, laptop or telephone where Zoom classes can be accessed, including a camera and keyboard in order that learners may interact with each other and the lecturer while in class, specifically in breakout rooms.

All lectures are recorded and made available on the Faculty Learning Management System, typically 24 hours following a lecture – should you miss a lecture. Note: Lecturers do appreciate that learners have their cameras on during class time so please ensure you have a quiet space to access your classes.

All programmes require that students attend an Online Induction on Friday 27th February at 7pm (Gulf Standard Time). The objective of this Induction session is to inform students of the TUS and in particular Faculty of Continuing Professional Online and Distance Learning operating system (Learning Management System). Following attendance, it is anticipated that all learners will enter their classes seamlessly on their first class night

Modules are delivered over 10 weeks in an online learning format.

· The module will be delivered in an online approach; over a period of 10 weeks as follows;

· Online classes 2.5 hours one evening per week from 7pm-9.30 pm (Gulf Standard Time)

Consideration is also being given to holding a session on one Saturday during the 10 week period. This is where the lecturer may meet students in Dubai and deliver an in-person session over 4 – 6 hours. The Date and venue for this Saturday session is yet to be confirmed

Each 10 credits will normally equate to approximately 200 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures, tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college, including applying your learning in your work environment and reflecting on what was discussed in your lecture. The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assignments are due

100% Continuous Assessment, consisting of component parts throughout the semester. Assessment is practice focussed.

€1,000 ( €300 euro funding available to Middle East GAA Members)

€1000 payable in Euro (AED equivalent = 4336.20 approx.)

€300 funding available to Middle East GAA Members (AED equivalent = 1300.86 approx.)

All Fees payable in advance of course commencement

All Fees payable in Euros

Applications will close on 28th August 2026.

Places are allocated on a first come first served basis

Programmes commencement is subject to viable numbers