Digital, Creative & Business
Advanced Artificial Intelligence for Development Professionals
Applied AI for programme design, analysis, reporting and service delivery.
View prospectus
Programme rationale
Applied AI for programme design, analysis, reporting and service delivery. The programme is structured for learners who need practical, assessable capability they can connect to real responsibilities while continuing work or other commitments.
Programme at a glance
Around 24 weeks of guided study, typically two sessions a week plus independent work, so you can keep working while you study.
| Unit | Study block | Module |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weeks 1–5 | AI foundations and prompt practice |
| 2 | Weeks 6–10 | AI for data analysis and reporting |
| 3 | Weeks 11–15 | Automation of routine programme tasks |
| 4 | Weeks 16–20 | Ethics, bias, privacy and safeguarding in AI |
| 5 | Weeks 21–24 | Designing an AI-supported workflow |
Target audience & entry requirements
Target audience
- • Learners, freelancers, entrepreneurs and small-business owners developing practical digital or creative skills.
- • Staff who need stronger digital production, communication or office skills for their current role.
- • School leavers and graduates building an evidence-based portfolio for further study or entry-level opportunities.
Entry requirements
- • Basic literacy and secondary-level education, or relevant practical work experience.
- • Access to a phone, tablet or computer for online and blended study.
- • Commitment to attend sessions and submit assignments on time.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the programme, learners should be able to:
- Build reliable AI workflows for your role
- Assess risks and bias in AI outputs
- Deliver an AI-supported reporting process
Detailed modules
Each module below follows this programme’s published syllabus and contributes to the final practical work.
- 1
AI foundations and prompt practice
Weeks 1–5Build hands-on competence in AI foundations and prompt practice through guided demonstrations, practice files and portfolio work.
What you cover
- Core tools and workflow for AI foundations and prompt practice
- Production standards, file management and responsible use
- Creating, reviewing and presenting a finished output
Assessed work: Complete a portfolio-ready output demonstrating AI foundations and prompt practice.
- 2
AI for data analysis and reporting
Weeks 6–10Examine AI for data analysis and reporting as an evidence-to-decision process, from selecting suitable methods to interpreting and presenting findings.
What you cover
- Purpose, scope and ethical considerations for AI for data analysis and reporting
- Appropriate data sources, methods and quality checks
- Interpretation, documentation and decision-ready reporting
Assessed work: Produce and review a working analysis or evidence tool for AI for data analysis and reporting.
- 3
Automation of routine programme tasks
Weeks 11–15Study automation of routine programme tasks in the context of digital, Creative & Business, connecting essential concepts with practical decisions and professional documentation.
What you cover
- Essential concepts and terminology within automation of routine programme tasks
- Methods, tools and professional standards used in practice
- Application through a relevant case, task or workplace scenario
Assessed work: Complete a guided case task applying automation of routine programme tasks to a realistic setting.
- 4
Ethics, bias, privacy and safeguarding in AI
Weeks 16–20Apply ethics, bias, privacy and safeguarding in AI through systematic risk identification, proportionate controls, safe documentation and escalation.
What you cover
- Hazards, exposure and professional responsibilities within ethics, bias, privacy and safeguarding in AI
- Prevention, control and response measures
- Inspection, recording, referral and improvement actions
Assessed work: Complete a scenario-based risk, control or referral exercise for ethics, bias, privacy and safeguarding in AI.
- 5
Designing an AI-supported workflow
Weeks 21–24Build hands-on competence in designing an AI-supported workflow through guided demonstrations, practice files and portfolio work.
What you cover
- Core tools and workflow for designing an AI-supported workflow
- Production standards, file management and responsible use
- Creating, reviewing and presenting a finished output
Assessed work: Complete a portfolio-ready output demonstrating designing an AI-supported workflow.
Practical project / portfolio
Deploy an AI-supported workflow in your own workplace and evaluate it.
Teaching & learning approach
- Tutor-led explanation and demonstration focused on the published module topics.
- Guided practice using cases, scenarios, templates or production tasks relevant to the programme.
- Individual and group feedback that helps learners improve work before final submission.
- Flexible online, face-to-face or blended participation, with evening and weekend scheduling where available.
Assessment & completion
- • Short applied tasks linked to the published modules.
- • Practical component: Deploy an AI-supported workflow in your own workplace and evaluate it.
- • A final assessment or portfolio review covering the full syllabus.
- • Participation in guided sessions, discussions and group exercises.
Learner support
- • Session handouts, checklists and templates you keep after the course.
- • Practice files and design or campaign briefs for each tool covered.
- • Tutor guidance by WhatsApp between sessions.
How this programme is delivered
Online
Guided sessions and assignments you can follow from anywhere with a connection.
Face-to-face
Classroom sessions at our Mile 91 learning centre, including weekend and evening options.
Blended
A mix of online study with periodic in-person workshops, field exercises and simulations.
Career & professional pathways
This programme supports professional development; it does not guarantee employment, promotion or entry to a regulated occupation.
- Use the completed portfolio to demonstrate practical capability for freelance, small-business or junior digital work.
- Apply the skills within communications, administration, marketing or programme-support responsibilities.
- Progress to a longer SLIHSD digital, creative or business programme where available.
Fees & enrolment
- • Indicative programme fee: SLE 3,500.
- • One-off indicative registration fee: SLE 100.
- • Final fees, start date, delivery arrangement and any instalment option are confirmed in writing before commitment.
- • Submitting an application does not require payment and does not guarantee admission.
Regulatory & recognition notice
SLIHSD is a developing professional learning institution. Accreditation and formal recognition are subject to applicable regulatory approvals. Completion records an SLIHSD professional short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Learners who complete all assessments receive an SLIHSD professional certificate of completion. This records completion of an SLIHSD short course and is not presented as an accredited academic award.
Ready to start Advanced Artificial Intelligence for Development Professionals?
Applications for the Founding Student Intake 2026 are open. Register your interest and we will guide you to the right programme.