Generative AI in Practice - AI Tools to AI Systems

Whether you work in technology, business, healthcare, the public sector, or any other field where AI tools are beginning to play a role, this micro-credential will equip you to use LLMs more effectively and confidently than the vast majority of professionals currently working with them.

Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are rapidly becoming standard tools across a wide range of professional contexts; however, getting the most out of these systems, reliably, safely, and at scale, requires more than simply knowing they exist. It requires understanding how to interact with them effectively and how to integrate them into meaningful, repeatable workflows.

This micro-credential introduces students to the principles and practice of prompt engineering and LLM-based workflow design. You'll develop a practical understanding of how large language models work, how to communicate with them precisely and effectively, and how to build and evaluate AI-assisted processes that can be applied across a variety of professional and organisational contexts.

The micro-credential takes a hands-on, applied approach, focusing on real-world use cases and practical outcomes rather than deep technical theory. Students will explore how LLMs can be used to automate, augment, and improve a range of tasks, and will develop the critical awareness needed to identify where these systems perform well, where they fall short, and how to mitigate their limitations.

Career Options

Skills in prompt engineering and LLM workflow design are among the fastest-growing in demand across the technology sector and beyond. Completing this micro-credential supports progression into roles such as:

AI Tools Specialist / Prompt Engineer
Digital Workflow Analyst
AI Integration Consultant
Business Analyst (AI/Automation focus)
Product Manager (AI-enabled products)
Knowledge Management or Operations roles with AI responsibility

Transferable Skills Gained

Effective communication with AI systems
Workflow analysis and design
Critical evaluation of AI outputs
Practical problem-solving
Applied digital literacy
Relevant across virtually every sector of the modern economy

Delivery: Fully Online

The micro-credential is delivered through a combination of online lectures, labs and tutorials with an emphasis on applied, experiential learning. Students will engage directly with current LLM tools and platforms, building practical skills through guided exercises and independent exploration.

Online labs/tutorials will be delivered on Thursday's from 6pm to 9pm. To support flexible learning, pre-recorded lectures will be available one week before each lesson and can be accessed at a time that is convenient for each participant.

Assessment: 100% Coursework

Participants who successfully complete this micro-credential will be awarded 20 credit points from Ulster University and receive a Certificate of Achievement.

Participants may choose to enrol in additional post-graduate micro-credentials through Ulster University to accumulate further credit (credit values may vary by course). Upon successful completion of a total of 60 Ulster University credit points, learners will be eligible to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development.

Start Date: Thursday 8 October

Duration: 10 teaching weeks

Delivery: Online labs/tutorials will be delivered on Thursday's from 6pm to 9pm.

To support flexible learning, pre-recorded lectures will be available one week before each lesson and can be accessed at a time that is convenient for each participant.

Entry Requirements

Ulster University general Postgraduate study entry requirements.

Applicants must hold an Honours or non-Honours degree or an equivalent standard in a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma or an approved alternative qualification in any discipline or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. An interview may form part of the admission process. Applicants must also provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).

Have a valid Irish PPS Number or UK National Insurance Number.

Live full‑time in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

Have the required immigration permission needed to study in UK.

Funding Eligibility

Places are limited and only open to the following applicants:

Priority 1 - People who live in the North West cross-border region covering counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Derry~Londonderry, Tyrone, Fermanagh and / or people employed by companies based in these counties.
Priority 2 - People who live in Northern Ireland and the border areas of Ireland including Cavan, Louth and Monaghan and / or people employed by companies based in these areas.

North West DEPTH Terms and Conditions

There are a limited number of places on this course. Places are allocated subject to applicants meeting the relevant funding eligibility, prioritisation and entry requirements.
Within each priority group and at the point of application processing, a further level of prioritisation will be applied:
- Eligible New Learners - Applicants who have not previously participated in a NW DEPTH funded programme at Ulster University or any of the Partner institutions.
- Eligible Returning Learners – applicants who have participated in previous NW DEPTH funded programmes at Ulster University or any of the Partner institutions.
- Date and time a complete application was received - where multiple applicants have the same priority and learner status, they will be considered in the order in which a complete application was received
Learners can undertake NW DEPTH funded courses at Ulster University up to a maximum of 60 credits of study per learner across the lifetime of the programme (ends June 2029). This may be achieved through studying of, for example:
- A number of standalone micro-credentials, or
- A Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), or
- A combination of micro-credentials and other eligible provision.
Participation in NW DEPTH programmes at Ulster University is capped at 60 credits per academic year, with no more than 45 credits permitted to be studied in any one semester.
For the purposes of this limit, enrolment on a course will count towards a learner’s total participation, regardless of whether the course is completed, except where a learner withdraws within any agreed early withdrawal period defined by the delivery institution.
Participants who successfully complete a micro-credential will be awarded credit points from Ulster University and receive a Certificate of Achievement. Participants may choose to enrol in additional post-graduate micro-credentials through Ulster University to accumulate further credit (credit values may vary by course). Upon successful completion of a total of 60 Ulster University credit points, learners will be eligible to graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Development.
Learners may undertake additional study at Ulster University which is funded through other sources or is self-funded. Ulster University typically permits part-time learners to undertake up to 45 credits per semester, which may be funded through a combination of sources.
Due to the specialist nature of this programme, a minimum cohort size is required to ensure a high-quality learning experience. The University reserves the right not to commence the programme where this minimum number is not achieved. Should this occur, applicants will be contacted and alternative options discussed.
Leave of absences - TBC