11 Online Courses To Brush Up Your AI Skills And Knowledge

AI is creeping into almost every part of our lives, especially in the business world. The best way to prepare for AI, is to get as educated and informed as possible. With the news last week surrounding the government cutting a huge part of the AI budget, now more than ever, startups need to start educating themselves. On the matter last week, Besnik Vrellaku, the CEO and founder behind Salesflow.io. commented on how the budget fund impacts startups specifically, saying, ““If startups are seeking funding for AI projects, there’s plenty of venture capital available, and money is flowing in the VC world.

“On the bright side, fewer bureaucratic barriers could enable startups to develop AI systems faster, fostering innovation and growth. Streamlining processes without complex red tape could positively impact startups.”

So, although there was a worry on how startups would operate, its worth remembering that currently, AI startups are the most funded in the UK, and so as Vrellaku puts it, the scene is still fine from an investments perspective. What’s left is for startup founders to expand their skillset and knowledge, and for that, there are 11 courses and institutions that help with exactly this:

1. Artificial Intelligence in Marketing – University of Virginia

The Artificial Intelligence in Marketing from University of Virginia gives an interesting look at how AI can be used with marketing strategies. Instructor Rajkumar Venkatesan guides learners through using AI for customer engagement, and to develop network-based business models. The curriculum here focuses on how data from digital platforms can build sustainable solutions, as well as create personalised experiences for customers. This is great if you have a full time job due to its flexible schedule, and can be taken up by even beginners. Here, you can gain digital marketing skills while using the newest best thing in tech.

2. Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme – University of Oxford

The University of Oxford created this course for managers and business leaders who want to start putting AI in their operational strategies, This is a 6 week course where you look at AI’s core aspects, and brings a great foundational understanding of the tech, so that they as leaders can make the most informed decisions that serve the business, the employees, and the law overall.

3. Mastering Artificial Intelligence – Selfcode Academy

Selfcode Academy’s “Mastering Artificial Intelligence” course serves as a guide to the fundamentals and advanced concepts of AI. This course covers different topics, from the history of AI to deep learning and neural network applications. Students engage with on-demand videos, downloadable resources, and interactive projects to understand AI’s impact across the industries as well as ethical factors, such as bias and privacy. Suitable for beginners to advanced learners, this course promises to equip its attendees with critical machine learning skills and practical knowledge to face real-world AI cases and applications.

4. Machine Learning Specialisation – Stanford University

This Machine Learning Specialisation course at Stanford University, taught by AI expert Andrew Ng, is great for you to grasp the core principles of machine learning. It’s especially beneficial if you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding in the field. You’ll learn how to construct basic regression models and advance to more intricate neural networks and decision-making systems. This programme is perfect for applying these techniques to real-world problems.

5. MSc People-Centred Artificial Intelligence – University of Surrey

The University of Surrey’s MSc in People-Centred Artificial Intelligence focuses on the human aspects of AI. This online course can be done in 24 months, gives technical knowledge together with the social and ethical side of things, AI wise. Students study machine learning, computer vision, and the societal impacts of AI. The programme is a great way to prep students for careers in different fields, like healthcare and sustainability. The course has 11 modules, with topics from deep neural networks to AI’s role in society. It is designed to equip students with both practical and theoretical knowledge.

6. Artificial Intelligence for Finance, Accounting & Auditing – Udemy

This Udemy course is for professionals and startup founders in finance, accounting, and auditing. It gives them AI tools that make their jobs easier, without needing to learn how to code. The curriculum introduces practical AI uses like chatbots, smart analytics, and robotic process automation. The course is great with hands-on exercises that use software tools relevant to each AI technique. At the end of the course, you’d have a good understanding of how AI can make operations better, while supporting decision-making processes in their lines of work, so that you’re better prepped for financial digital transformation.

7. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) – IBM via Coursera

This one can be found on Coursera, and is perfect for those who don’t really know AI, but now want to start learning. Perhaps your job just started incorporating AI, and you want to be ahead of your game. This course covers the basic AI concepts like machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. The course has 8 hours of flexible, self-paced learning, with quizzes and hands-on labs to apply knowledge. Perfect for professionals and enthusiasts, this course really has a solid foundation in AI, with a shareable certificate upon completion.

8. Fundamentals of Google AI for Web Based Machine Learning – Google

Google’s Professional Certificate in AI for web-based machine learning brings a way for those who are starting out with AI in web platforms by helping with how its applied. Led by Jason Mayes and Laurence Morony, it covers the AI and machine learning basics, their interconnections, and specific applications in web technologies using TensorFlow.js. Over three months, learners will discover how to integrate pre-existing models and craft custom models for tasks like object detection and natural language processing directly in the browser. This is great if you’re looking to make web apps more interactive and with the times.

9. AI For Business Specialisation – University of Pennsylvania

Found on Coursera, this specialisation by the University of Pennsylvania teaches the fundamentals of AI and machine learning with a focus on how it can be applied in businesses. Instructors Peter Cappelli, Matthew Bidwell, and Michael R Roberts guide learners through using AI within business strategies for better operations and customer relationships. The four-course series covers topics like data analytics, ethical AI usage and fraud prevention, to prepare learners for leadership roles that need a deep understanding of AI applications in business contexts. This one is also great for startup founders.

10. Professional Certificate in Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence – Harvard University

Harvard University’s Professional Certificate in Computer Science for Artificial Intelligence is for startup owners who want to find ways to grow how they understand AI. This programme has 2 courses: Introduction to Computer Science and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python. Learners study graph search algorithms, reinforcement learning, and designing intelligent systems. The course also covers AI’s practical applications and ethical considerations. With instruction from Harvard faculty, this programme, completed at your own pace over 5 months, provides a thorough grounding in AI principles and practices.

11. ALT AI Academy

The ALT AI Academy offers a range of AI training, led by global marketing studio, The Alternative, intended to unleash participants’ marketing potential through the academy’s bold training, transforming creativity and efficiency through cutting-edge AI tools.

The academy offers various types of training such as: Rebel CMO Masterclass, bespoke 1-2-1 training designed for senior marketers and CMOs looking to master hands-on AI skills and boost efficiency and creativity; AI Powerhouse Team Training, comprehensive group training covering research, planning, and digital marketing through AI; and their Virtual Innovator Workshops, meant for any marketer, anywhere in the world.

Their Virtual Innovator Workshops are designed to revolutionise marketing strategies with interactive, hands-on AI training. These online sessions cover all facets of digital marketing, ensuring that participants are kept ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

These sessions are created for marketing professionals who are seeking to innovate and enhance their digital strategy with AI, and are led by industry and AI experts Angel Gaskell and Jaki Jelley, who bring unparalleled insights and practical knowledge.