NCI Course Details

As a student on this programme, you will cover areas such as what AI is and what it is not, the latest developments, and the capabilities and limitations of AI. You will evaluate the principles of AI to recognise, model and solve problems. The course will consider how AI can shift the competitive dynamics. It will also look and help you to consider leadership in the age of AI and the move from directive to data empowered leadership. You will also consider issues like sustainability, policy and regulation and gain the capability to build an AI transformation roadmap.

Throughout all the modules you will benefit from the integration of governance, strategy, and foundational AI knowledge.

Apply for a Funded Place

To apply for a funded place on this microcredential, please see:

• Certificate in AI Strategy, Governance and Leadership

If you are interested in learning more about this course, including eligibility criteria, please get in touch.

Apply for a Non-Funded Place

If you are interested in applying for this programme via the fee-paying route, please click here.

The course is aimed at executives, senior managers, and professionals involved in strategy, governance, risk, compliance, and digital transformation. It is particularly suited to non-technical and semi-technical learners who require a strategic understanding of AI, supported by foundational knowledge and governance awareness.

If you are involved in leading responsible and effective AI adoption within your organisation, or would like to be, then this programme is for you.

This programme brings significant career benefits. The IBEC Skills Survey (2026) reports 82% of Irish businesses experiencing significant gaps in digital and AI-related capabilities. The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs 2025, highlights demand for professionals who can support AI adoption and implementation.

There is a need for professionals with strategic and governance-focused AI capabilities rather than purely technical expertise, so this programme will give you an important career advantage.

Applicants required to hold a minimum of a Level 8 honours degree (2.2 or higher) or equivalent. Applicants from a broad range of backgrounds, including both computing and non-computing fields, will be considered.

Applicants with prior learning in business, information systems, engineering, data analytics are particularly suited. However, the programme is designed to be accessible to learners without extensive technical expertise, provided they can demonstrate an aptitude for analytical thinking and problem-solving. Candidates who do not meet the formal academic requirements may be considered through Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL), based on relevant work experience.

Applicants whose first language is not English must attach a certified qualification of proficiency in English.

Please note in some cases exams and assessments may take place in the daytime, evening or weekends.

A suitable minimum specification is 16GB RAM (32GB recommended), a modern Intel i7 /AMD Ryzen 7/ Apple Silicon equivalent processor, at least 256GB SSD storage (512GB recommended), reliable Wi-Fi, and a recent version of Ubuntu, macOS, or Windows. Students must have full administrator rights on their device to install and configure required software and development tools. Access to a webcam, microphone, and power supply for extended lab sessions is also expected. For online examinations, students will require access to both a webcam and a smartphone for online proctoring.

The course is divided into three modules:

1. Principles of Artificial Intelligence, which provides foundational understanding of AI technologies and their applications.
2. Strategic AI for Business and Leadership, which focuses on aligning AI initiatives with organisational strategy and leadership decisionmaking.
3. Data Governance, Ethics and Sustainability which addresses responsible AI, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations.

Delivered fully online with live lectures and online supporting learner materials available.

1 Semester from September to December 2026

Tuesday & Thursday 18.00 to 22.00

The Certificate in AI Strategy, Governance and Leadership is a NFQ Level 9 Minor award (20 ECTS), accredited by QQI.

Funded by the Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy 2026. Programme fees are subsidised at 80% for all eligible learners.

A student contribution fee of €600 is applicable for this course. This must be paid no later than 13th November 2026. If a student withdraws before commencement the full amount is refundable. No refund will be processed once the student commences the course the week beginning 21st September. See NCI New Students for details. This scheme does not cover any allowance for books and materials.

This is NOT a Springboard+ funded course.