Artificial intelligence for beginners

AI is everywhere – but what does it actually do, and how can you use it with confidence?

This beginner-friendly course cuts through the hype to give you a clear, practical introduction to artificial intelligence, with no technical background required.

Designed as an accessible starting point, you'll explore how AI really works, where it's used in everyday tools and organisations, and what it can (and can't) do in the real world.

Whether you're curious about AI or preparing to build future-ready skills, this course gives small business owners and entrepreneurs the knowledge to understand and engage with it confidently.

You'll discover:

• How machine learning works in simple, practical terms.
• Real-world uses of AI in business, education, and customer service.
• The fundamentals of computer vision and natural language processing.
• How generative AI tools create text, images, and more.
• The importance of responsible and ethical AI use.

Aligned with key Microsoft AI-901 topics, this course helps you build a solid foundation in AI concepts while preparing you for certification (not included) and further learning.

By the end, you won't just recognise AI buzzwords – you will understand them, question them, and use them with confidence.

Eligibility requirements

You will need to be eligible to study in the UK. Upon enrolment, you will be asked to upload residency and income documents for college funding purposes. This course is for 19+ adult GLA residents only.