AI Demystified: Getting Started with AI and Machine Learning Development



Overview

This course is the third in the three-part AI Demystified series and is designed for professionals who want to explore how AI and machine learning systems are applied in practice, without requiring a prior technical background. 

Building on the conceptual foundations of the first course and the managerial focus of the second, this course introduces the practical realities of developing and deploying AI. You will explore what is involved in creating bespoke AI and machine learning applications, demystifying what developers actually do, and how technical decisions shape outcomes. The emphasis is on developing informed judgement rather than coding skills, enabling you to engage more effectively with technical teams, suppliers and partners. 

The course demystifies what happens “inside” AI development, helping you understand the choices, constraints and trade-offs involved in building AI systems. You will examine how data, models and use cases come together, where common risks and limitations arise, and how early design decisions affect performance, reliability and ethical use. You will also begin to experiment with simple AI and machine learning applications, developing a grounded sense of what is feasible and what requires caution. 

Delivered as part of a three-course series running on consecutive days at Oxford University, the programme offers flexibility to attend a single course or complete the full pathway. This third course is particularly suited to professionals who want a practical perspective on AI creation in order to engage more effectively with developers, suppliers and technical teams, and to make better decisions about AI use within their organisations. 

This is the third of three linked courses in the well-established ‘AI Demystified’ series. The three courses are: 

  1. Understanding AI: what is AI / machine learning (ML) and what can it do? 
  2. AI for Managers: the impact on your organisation and how to respond 
  3. Getting Started with AI and Machine Learning Development: starting hands-on creation of AI and machine learning 

Programme details

This course is designed for professionals at the start of their AI and machine learning development journey, focusing on how AI is created in practice, what developers actually do, and how organisations can experiment with AI responsibly and effectively. 

  • The end-to-end workflow for developing AI and machine learning systems 
  • Introduction to Colab and the use of AI-assisted development tools 
  • Hands-on experimentation with machine learning concepts 
  • Working with AI and data to generate insights and explore how it can support decision-making 
  • AI tools that support the development of AI systems 
  • Testing AI models and assessing the quality of outputs and decisions 
  • Understanding model decay and the challenges of maintaining AI over time 
  • Learning pathways for further study in AI, machine learning and data 
  • Preparing for more advanced development beyond entry-level tools 
  • Running AI locally and exploring alternatives to large platform providers 

Attending Your Course 

Further details will be emailed to you two weeks ahead of your course, which will include registration information. 

If you have not received your joining instructions five working days before the course start date, please get in touch. 

In the meantime, you may wish to plan your travel: Travel information

Certification

In order to be eligible for a certificate of attendance, you will need to attend the whole course. Participants who meet this criterion will be emailed after the end of the course with a link, and instructions on how to access their University of Oxford digital certificate. 

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate, as well as share it on social media if you choose to do so. 

Fees

Description Costs
1. Standard course fee £685.00
2. Discount fee package: 1 - 3 June 2026 £1835.00

Payment

This course can be taken separately or as a discount fee package including AI Demystified: Understanding AI (1 June) and AI Demystified: AI for Managers (2 June), saving £220.

Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunch. The price does not include accommodation.

All courses are VAT exempt.

Register immediately online 

Click the 'Book now' button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.

Request an invoice

If you require an invoice for your company or organisation, please email us to request an online application form. Payment is then accepted online, by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer.

Tutor

Dr Rob Collins

Visiting Fellow

Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford

Dr Rob Collins is a visiting fellow of Kellogg College, Oxford and regularly teaches courses at the University. Dr Collins has taught on the MSc in Software Engineering through Oxford University’s Computing Laboratory for over 20 years. He currently teaches modules on Classical Machine Learning, Software Testing and Safety Critical Systems.

Dr Collins also teaches courses in Artificial Intelligence, Systems Thinking, Agile, Machine Learning, Design Thinking and Business Process Improvement. He regularly provides consultancy to industry in the area of Business Process Excellence, Artificial Intelligence and Systems Engineering. He gained his Black Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma from Lockheed Martin, the world's largest Systems Engineering company and a world-leader in advanced technology.

As well as his undergraduate degree in Physics and Computing, Dr Collins holds a PhD focussed on training, psychology and processes for introducing complex technology into learning environments. He completed an MBA in 2012 at Henley Business School, and so has a strategic business view as well as deep understanding and practical experience of hands-on process improvement in technology and service.

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click 'Ask a Question' at the top of this page. 

Level and demands

This course is aimed at a general, non-technical audience. No specific knowledge of software, IT, computer technology or mathematics is required. 

However, during the course you will be using your laptop computer to write real software code using Python. Step-by-step guidance will be given, and no previous programming experience is necessary. For those who may have experience of programming in other languages (such as Excel VBA), there are some optional, more challenging activities. 

It will be helpful, but not essential, to have attended Day 1 of this three-day programme, Understanding AI.

Accommodation

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website. 

Enrolled students are entitled to discounted accommodation rates for the purpose of study, at Rewley House, and can contact the administration team for the promotional code to use for making online accommodation bookings via the website.

IT requirements

You will need to bring your own laptop computer for this course. 

You will not be required to instal any software onto your own computer. However, you will need to be able to access the websites we use to support the course. If you are using a work laptop or one that is significantly ‘locked’ from accessing public websites, we can provide detailed requirements on request.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support