This Certificate in AI for Business is a 10 ECTS standalone, stackable micro-credential programme designed in response to industry feedback for the provision of accredited professional development opportunities for those working with AI in business. The course is funded by the Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026 programme and fees are subsidised at 80% for all eligible learner categories.
The AI for Business micro-credential is intended to assist learners in developing both the strategic and practical skills necessary to apply AI in actual business contexts. A relational approach is applied to show the constructive use of AI to achieve the business objectives optimally.
The course is aligned with the demands of the current labour market. The learners acquire the capacity to evaluate how businesses can use a specific AI tool, recognise major obstacles quickly, and suggest thoughtful and strategic optimal solutions. These are extremely important abilities in today’s workplace, as companies are increasingly searching for people with strong transversal skills like leadership, communication, and critical thinking in addition to AI skills and business insight.
On successful completion of this module, the learner should be able to:
In order for learners to evaluate the usage of AI applications responsibly, this course includes an ethical, legal and regulatory understanding of AI tools including bias, integrity and risk. The benefit of this offering is highlighted by the rapidly increasing demand for AI in business, and digital literacy skills required for the employment market. Learners gain essential skills in understanding ethical, legal, and regulatory obligations associated with integrating AI tools into business processes, with a focus on enhancing business value.
Learners on this programme will be afforded the opportunity to assimilate knowledge within an industry focused learning environment. Industry-initiated real-world problems will be provided by our industry supporters and used as the context for planning and designing assessment solutions, as well as being an aid for problem solving sessions.
The design and development of this Certificate has been informed by industry consultation from CCT’s Industry Engagement Forum. It should appeal to a range of adult learners who may be currently in employment and wish to up-skill, returners and other groups who may wish to re-skill. According to national reports and targets, hybrid technical and business analytics skills are required across all sectors of the economy, and this course will address the requirement to upskill and reskill professionals for the workplace now, and into the future.
This Certificate in AI for Business course is scheduled to commence week of October 12th 2026*. This is an 11 week, part-time programme with contact hours delivered over evening and weekend schedule slots. This programme will lead to a QQI award at Level 7 of the NQF.
*Subject to validation by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
For October 2026 the course will be offered on an evening/weekend blended learning basis. Typically learners will attend two evenings per week (online) plus 1-2 Saturdays (on campus).
All students will be introduced to the CCT online learning environment as part of the induction to the programme and will have access to further support as required.
Online activities can include live or pre-recorded lectures, independent learning and assessment activities such as research tasks, discussion forums, simulations, quizzes and e-portfolio work along with online group activities such as live classes, group project work, virtual labs and tutorials. Completing the online elements of the programme each week is essential to successfully complete the programme. On campus activities can include small group tutorials, labs, project supervision, problem solving case studies, library research and seminars.
Assessment is a continuous project (60%) and end of course exam based assessment (40%). Industry initiated real-world problems are used as the context for planning and designing assessment solutions, as well as being an aid for problem solving sessions. Summative assessment is a blend of integrated assessment and module specific assessment utilising both group and individual work, while formative assessment is pipelined into module delivery and feedback, so as not to add to the assessment burden of students.
Some Indicative content will include (not exhaustive):
Admission to this Certificate in AI for Business is through one of the following:
Evidence of prior learning, including experiential learning,
or
Possession of an NFQ level 5 award, including leaving certificate, FET award, or equivalent.
In addition, all applicants must evidence competence in mathematics equivalent to O6 standard in leaving certificate and competence in the use of IT. Basic computer literacy is not sufficient for this programme.
International applicants whose first language isn’t English must demonstrate a minimum competency in the English
Language of CEFR B2+.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for entry based on prior learning (RPL) or prior experiential learning (RPEL) in line with the College policy. The College will thoroughly assess applications received through RPL and RPEL to ensure that candidates are able to evidence learning to an appropriate standard – normally the framework level equivalent to the direct entry qualification requirement and demonstrate potential to succeed and benefit from the programme.
Those who are in employment/working :
For eligible applicants who are currently in employment/working 80% of the tuition fees will be covered by the HEA through the Micro-Credential Learner Fee Subsidy (LFS) and the remaining 20% is payable by the student or their employer.
The Course Tuition Fee is €1050 so €210 euro is payable by the student or their employer
Those who are unemployed, formerly self-employed and ‘Returners’:
Th is Micro-credential course is also 80% funded for eligible applicants who are unemployed, formerly self-employed or who are classified by the HEA as ‘Returners’ or ‘Homemakers’.
Application for this Micro-Credential Certificate in AI for Business should be made via the Springboard Courses Website,
