AI for Business Short Course (Online)
Integrating AI in Business: Using Algorithms for Success
Overview
Learn how to speak the language of AI and harness its power in your organisation with our non-technical, online short course.
Designed and taught by experts from Worcester College at Oxford University, this four-week programme will demystify AI, demonstrate how to use algorithms to improve business performance, and give you the in-demand skills needed to lead in this rapidly evolving field.
Duration: Four weeks
Intakes: February, May, August and October
Next start date: 31 January 2026
Fees: £1,125 (inclusive of VAT)
25% discount for Oxford University alumni and those who have completed an online short course delivered by the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment or the Blavatnik School of Government, in partnership with Boundless Learning.
Type: Online AI short course
Award: Certificate of completion
Who is the course for?
The course is for mid to senior-level managers in non-technology fields, particularly in the areas of finance, law and healthcare, which are all explored in the programme.
It’s right for you if:
- you have business performance targets and want to understand how AI can improve efficiencies and impact
- you want to speak accurately about AI applications to make compelling business recommendations on the implementation of AI in your organisation
- you manage teams that use AI (or will soon) and want to enhance your knowledge to lead more effectively
- you want to stay on top of the latest advancements in technology to future-proof your career and boost your eligibility for senior roles with premium salaries.
What will I learn?
By the end of our AI for business course, you’ll be able to:
- use the appropriate language when talking about AI and algorithms
- recognise the key skills required to work with AI and algorithms
- identify if AI is working for your organisation
- collaborate confidently with vendors, clients and internal teams to develop and modify AI algorithms.
What will I get on completion?
If you achieve a passing grade of 75% or higher, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from Worcester College at the University of Oxford.
Please note, your score won’t feature on the certificate.
You will also receive a digital badge, awarded by Worcester College. Digital badges are certifications that can be easily shared online — for example, on LinkedIn, in your email signature, or on a personal website. The badge is a visual representation of your skills and achievements, making it easier for employers and clients to verify your competencies.
Modules
In this module, you will be introduced to the fascinating world of algorithms, the building blocks of artificial intelligence (AI).
You'll delve into statistical modelling, machine learning and deep learning, all of which play a crucial role in creating intelligent algorithms. And you'll explore real-life examples of AI-powered algorithms in various fields like healthcare, finance and law.
The module focuses on problem-solving with these algorithms, covering common use cases and teaching you how to define business problems and create analytical solutions.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:
- describe different kinds of algorithms, how they work and the opportunities and risks introduced by algorithms
- explain how algorithms can be used in business and society
- define business problems and algorithm-based solutions.
In this module, you'll delve into the lifeblood of AI: data. We'll explore the fundamental aspects of data that influence the success of AI algorithms, including collection, preparation and exploration.
Here, you'll gain insights into how data quality significantly impacts the performance of AI models. The module equips you with knowledge on selecting the right algorithms for AI development, covering various model development methodologies and the criteria for choosing the most suitable solutions for your AI endeavours.
We'll conclude by exploring strategies for deploying these AI models in real-world scenarios, introducing machine learning operations (MLOps) frameworks to ensure smooth operation. Finally, you'll understand the importance of ongoing model maintenance to keep your AI systems functioning optimally.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:
- explain how to gather, assess and engineer appropriate datasets for algorithmic solutions
- describe the model development, assessment and selection process
- identify the elements and common challenges involved in deploying algorithms to production.
This module dives deep into safeguarding the integrity and sustainability of your AI-powered machine learning models.
You'll delve into crucial topics like mitigating bias within AI algorithms, managing various forms of data drift to ensure your models remain relevant over time and implementing robust monitoring frameworks to guarantee consistent performance from your AI systems.
Mastering these skills will equip you to navigate the complexities of AI development and champion responsible AI practices in your work.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:
- describe algorithmic bias and ways to deal with it
- explain the concept of drift and ways to deal with it
- outline best practice approaches to model monitoring.
Your learning culminates with an examination of the far-reaching business impact of AI and algorithms. We'll delve into the challenges, ethical considerations and risk management strategies specific to this domain.
The module equips you to understand the implications of AI ethics frameworks and how they refine risk mitigation strategies. Through real-world examples, you'll gain practical insights into navigating the complexities of the AI landscape effectively.
By the end, you'll be well-equipped to handle these intricate algorithmic environments with both understanding and effectiveness.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:
- describe the potential business implications and mitigation strategies for working with algorithms
- articulate the ethical challenges and mitigation strategies springing from the use of algorithms
- recognise the general risks introduced by algorithms and related mitigation strategies.
Capstone project
As part of this short course, you’ll complete a capstone project where you’ll apply the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the programme in a real-world scenario.
For the first three modules, you’ll complete distinct but interconnected capstone milestone activities that each contribute to a holistic understanding of AI’s role in a particular sector.
Please note, you’ll need to choose one sector (finance, healthcare or legal) for which you will complete all capstone milestone activities.
All the capstone milestone activities culminate in the final module where you’ll bring your accumulated knowledge and skills to your workplace.
Your learning experience
Course delivery
Our AI short course is delivered by Worcester College at the University of Oxford, in partnership with Boundless Learning.
The course comprises of four modules, one per week, and each requires a time commitment of five to seven hours.
It’s delivered 100% online via our easy-to-use learning platform. There are no live lectures to attend, and you can access each week’s module resources 24/7, making it easy to study around your current commitments.
We’ve worked with course developers and design specialists to create a truly engaging online experience. Expect video lectures from industry experts, interactive learning materials, quizzes and discussion boards where you can connect with your peers.
Your course director
Your course director is Nir Vulkan, Professor of Business Economics at the Saïd Business School at Oxford University. He’s also a member of the Oxford Man Institute for Quantitative Finance and has been a Fellow of Worcester College for over 20 years.
Vulkan’s research focuses on algorithmic trading, FinTech, and AI in finance and market design.
In 2020, he was the Chair of the Banking and Finance Committee on Ethical AI, advising the EU on when and how to regulate AI applications in finance.
He has a BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science from Tel Aviv University and a PhD in Mathematical Economics from University College London.
Supporting your learning
Your course facilitator
In addition to Professor Vulkan’s expert teaching in the field of AI and algorithms, you’ll also benefit from a course facilitator who will provide academic guidance throughout your learning journey.
They will:
- be present during weekly discussions on specific topics
- provide guidance on project tasks and assessments
- give comments and feedback on assessed activities.
Oxford Short Course Support Team
For non-academic queries, there’s also a dedicated support team who will be on hand throughout your course to:
- respond to and help resolve any queries you have relating to the course
- support you in your learning journey by keeping you updated about the course, its modules and assignments
- direct you to the correct team for any in-platform technical support issues.
Fees
The total cost of this AI for business course is £1,125 (inclusive of VAT).
25% discount for Oxford University alumni and those who have completed an online short course delivered by the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment or the Blavatnik School of Government, in partnership with Boundless Learning.
How to Enrol
There are no entry requirements for this course.
Simply click the ‘Enrol now’ button, and you’ll be taken to our Shopify page to pay and secure your place.
If you’d like to speak to an enrolment advisor before deciding, please email or book a call with us. We’re here to help.
Why should I choose Worcester College?
Our AI short course is delivered by Worcester College – one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford.
Ranked as the best university in the world for the eighth consecutive year in a row (THE World University Rankings 2024), Oxford is renowned for the quality of its teaching, industry links and impactful research.
As a student on this course, you’ll get the chance to learn from our world-renowned academics and industry pioneers working at the forefront of the AI revolution.
Frequently asked questions
We have four intakes per year in February, May, August and October.
Log-in details and instructions for accessing the online learning platform will be sent to you, and the course will go live on the start date.
On successful completion of the course, you’ll receive both a certificate from Worcester College and a digital badge, both of which demonstrate your proven skills and insights on AI for business.
The digital badge can be easily shared online, for example, on your LinkedIn profile, in your email signature or on any personal websites. The badges provide details of the skills you’ve gained on the course and allows employers and/or clients to easily verify your new competencies.
