AI Demystified: Understanding AI



Overview

This course is the first in a three-part AI Demystified series, designed for professionals who want a practical understanding of artificial intelligence without needing a technical background.

Delivered as three linked short courses running on consecutive days at Oxford University, the programme gives you the flexibility to attend one course or follow the full pathway. Taken together, the courses offer a structured introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning, progressing from foundational concepts to organisational impact and application, depending on the depth you wish to explore.

The series is designed as a fast-track route into a practical understanding of AI. It focuses on what AI and machine learning can realistically do, where their limitations lie, and how organisations can respond to the opportunities and risks they present. Rather than approaching AI as a purely technical subject, the courses emphasise interpretation, judgement and informed decision making, enabling you to engage more confidently in strategic and operational discussions.

Across the three courses, you will explore how AI is being developed and deployed today, how it affects jobs and operational processes, and how to build your organisation’s AI capability in effective ways. You will also gain insight into how AI tools are used in business settings and how early-stage AI applications are created.

By the end of the programme, you will be better placed to:

  • Understand key AI and machine learning concepts and terminology
  • Evaluate organisational opportunities, risks and strategic choices
  • Respond to the impact of AI on roles, skills and processes
  • Engage confidently in informed discussions about AI
  • Take initial steps towards building or commissioning AI solutions

This is the first 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 covers the following topics:

  • A brief history of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and how we arrived at current methods
  • What AI and machine learning can do in practice, and where their limitations lie
  • Core approaches including classical machine learning, neural networks and deep learning
  • Contemporary applications such as image generation, language models and chatbots
  • Large Language Models, transformers and retrieval-augmented generation, and how AI works with organisational data
  • Reinforcement learning in real-world systems, from games to autonomous decision-making
  • Agentic workflows and the use of AI as an automated assistant or co-worker
  • Techniques for improving AI outputs, including prompt engineering

By the end of the course, you will have a shared language and conceptual framework for understanding AI, providing a strong foundation for the subsequent courses in the AI Demystified programme and for informed discussion within your organisation.

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: AI for Managers (2 June) and AI Demystified: Getting Started with AI and Machine Learning Development (3 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.

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

This course has no IT requirements. 

You are welcome to bring laptop computers if you want to practise ‘prompt engineering’ towards the end of the class. However, attendees will be asked not to use laptops during the most of the delivery.

Please note that there are IT requirements for the third course in this programme, Getting Started with AI and Machine Learning Development.
 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support