The Certificate in Ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)* is an 11-week, part-time micro-credential designed to address the increasing demand for responsible and ethical use of AI at the workplace. The course is funded by the Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026 programme and fees are subsidised at 80% for all eligible learner categories.
Since the acceptance and adoption of AI accelerates across industries in Ireland, with over 63% of jobs exposed to AI technologies published in EGFSN, 2025. The course focuses on the ethical, professional, and critical use of GenAI tools that enables the learners to identify the presence of bias, integrity, evaluate risk and apply AI responsibly to real-world problem scenarios. It aligns with Ireland’s National Digital and AI Strategy 2030, which emphasises the need for digital and AI literacy to support a human-centred and trustworthy AI ecosystem.
This programme is in line with the European Union’s guidelines published in EGFSN, 2024 report to strengthen the strategies to enhance the union of abilities, which can be achieved by developing the skills through flexible micro-credential. It has been reported in SOLAS, 2025 which indicates ongoing shortages in ICT, AI, and data-related roles, alongside demand for hybrid skill sets coupling technical and transversal competencies.
Recent labour market trends indicate that employers are increasingly seeking candidates who are equipped with the skills for the ethical use of Generative AI, including an understanding of bias, integrity, and risk. In addition, there is strong demand for transversal competencies such as problem-solving, effective communication, and critical thinking. These skills are in line with national policy targets that emphasise responsible AI deployment and workforce preparation.
This course has been developed in collaboration with CCT College industry partners, ensuring alignment with current enterprise needs for Ireland. This engagement shows a clear enterprise demand for graduates who can apply GenAI tools responsibly at workplace while maintaining ethical and professional standards.
Learners can get a path of flexible learning that supports upskilling and career progression in digital and AI-related areas. The labour market patterns show increasing workforce participation across various age groups, including older workers, who now represent over 30% of employment in Ireland. This course equips learners with foundational knowledge of large language models, which form the core architecture of Generative AI tools.
The design and development of this Certificate has been informed by industry consultation from CCT’s Industry Engagement Forum (IEF). These programmes 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. This is a widely accessible programme. It promotes both individual career advancement and larger national aims regarding workforce development. This is possible by training the workforce through adoption of GenAI in a responsible manner.
This Certificate in Ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) 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 through continuous assessment. 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.
Admission to this Certificate in Ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) s 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 Ethical use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be made via the Springboard Courses Website.
