Certificate in
Building AI Solutions for the Digital Economy
Department of Organisation and Professional Development
Building AI Solutions for the Digital Economy
Programme Details
In Brief
Department & School
Department of Organisation and Professional Development
Location
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Mode of Study
Part-time
Method of Delivery
Online
Duration
One year
Commencement Date
September 2026
Course Fee
€2,000
Credits
20 ECTS
Enquiries
- Patricia Doyle
- patricia.doyle@mtu.ie
- 021 432 6774
Overview
The Certificate in Building AI Solutions for the Digital Economy is a 20 ECTS, NFQ Level 8 programme designed to equip learners with the practical skills required to develop and implement artificial intelligence solutions within contemporary business environments. As organisations increasingly adopt AI technologies to enhance decision-making, automate processes, and improve customer engagement, there is a growing demand for professionals who can translate business requirements into effective AI-enabled solutions.
Delivered fully online, the programme adopts an applied, practice-oriented approach that enables learners to design, build, and evaluate AI solutions using accessible technologies and industry-relevant tools. The curriculum focuses on four key areas: decision intelligence, low-code/no-code application development, conversational AI, and AI agent design and development.
Learners will develop the ability to analyse business problems, identify appropriate opportunities for the application of AI, and develop prototype solutions that align with existing organisational systems and workflows. Throughout the programme, emphasis is placed on responsible innovation, ensuring that ethical, legal, governance, and societal considerations are embedded within the design and deployment of AI technologies.
The programme is suitable for graduates and professionals seeking to enhance their digital capabilities, transition into AI-enabled roles, or develop practical expertise in applied artificial intelligence without requiring extensive programming experience.
What will I study?
The Certificate in Building AI Solutions for the Digital Economy comprises four interconnected modules that progressively develop learners’ ability to design, develop, and evaluate AI-enabled solutions within business contexts. The modules combine practical application with critical understanding, enabling learners to build expertise in;
Decision Intelligence
This module introduces learners to the principles and practice of decision intelligence within contemporary business environments. Learners will explore how data, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics can support informed decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and generate actionable organisational insights. Through the analysis of business datasets and the use of AI tools, learners will develop the ability to select, apply, and critically evaluate appropriate analytical approaches to address business challenges while considering ethical, governance, and communication requirements.
Low-Code/No-Code Development
This module enables learners to design and develop digital solutions using low-code/no-code platforms. Focusing on workflow automation, process improvement, and rapid application development, learners will translate business requirements into functional solutions without the need for advanced programming expertise. The module emphasises the evaluation of business value, usability, and governance considerations associated with AI-enhanced applications.
Applied Chatbot Development
This module focuses on the design and development of conversational AI systems for business applications. Learners will identify appropriate use cases for chatbots, design effective conversational experiences, and develop functional solutions using AI-powered tools. The module explores principles of conversational user experience, prompt engineering, performance evaluation, and the ethical considerations associated with deploying chatbot technologies.
AI Agent Design and Development
This module examines the principles and application of AI agents within organisational contexts. Learners will explore how autonomous and goal-directed systems can support automation, decision-making, and business processes. Through the design of agent-based solutions, learners will develop the ability to integrate AI agents with data sources, tools, and workflows while critically evaluating their effectiveness, limitations, and governance implications. Please note that some platforms and tools used within the programme may require individual subscriptions, the cost of which is not included in the course fees.
Career options
Graduates of the Certificate in Building AI Solutions for the Digital Economy will be well positioned for a broad range of emerging roles that combine business knowledge with practical AI capability.
Potential career opportunities include:
- AI solutions developer
- AI-enabled business analyst
- digital transformation associate
- low-code/no-code developer
- intelligent automation analyst
- business process automation specialist
- AI project coordinator
The programme also supports professionals currently working in areas such as operations, customer service, marketing, human resources, finance, project management, and business administration who wish to enhance their existing roles through the effective application of AI technologies.
Graduates will possess the practical skills required to contribute to AI initiatives, support digital transformation projects, and identify opportunities for innovation and process improvement within a wide range of organisational contexts.
Applications
Applicants should hold a Level 7 qualification (or equivalent) in a cognate or related discipline, including business, computing, information systems, or engineering.
Applicants with a Level 6 qualification and relevant professional experience will also be considered. In line with institutional policy, applicants may be admitted through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) where they can demonstrate appropriate academic or experiential learning.
Applicants are expected to possess a basic level of digital competence; however, prior programming experience is not required. Those for whom English is not their first language are required to have an IELTS of 6.5 or above.
What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.
Full Fee: €2000
Applicants will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €300 online if a place on a course is offered. This fee is deductible from the overall course fee. You will not be charged for applying for the programme by clicking the ‘apply now’ button; you are only asked to pay an acceptance fee if a place is offered to you and you wish to accept it.
Please note: Course fees may be subject to an annual increase.
Patricia Doyle
patricia.doyle@mtu.ie