What will you gain?

On completion of this module, you will:

  • Have developed a high-level understanding of what ‘artificial intelligence’ actually is and an awareness of its challenges in practice.

  • Understand the role of public law in ensuring optimal use of algorithmic decision making (ADM) systems.

  • Have gained critical insights into the central positions and trends in digital ethics.

  • Be able to identify the challenges and opportunities of algorithmic decision making and gain the ability to assist clients through knowledge and insight.

  • Have had the opportunity and gained the confidence to engage with other professionals working in the field of AI.

  • Have exclusive access to the OLTEP alumni network.

  • Have earned a personal certificate from the module that highlights your understanding of the topic.

How will you progress?

Over the course of 6 weeks, you will complete these stages:

Module Orientation

Get to know the lecturers, the aims of the module, and how to complete it successfully.

Unit 1: The Lawyer's AI Primer

An accessible introduction to the computer science background of modern AI tailored specifically for lawyers or those with interest in legal issues relating to AI.

Unit 2: Public Law and Algorithmic Decision Making

Examines how public law might respond, how we might need to develop existing grounds of judicial review and how we might make use of legislation to enable law to perform this crucial task.

Unit 3: Digital Ethics

Introduces digital ethics as an academically rigorous yet profoundly practical discipline. You will understand the 'methods of ethics' and familiarise yourself with major trends.

Capstone Assignment

Apply your newly gained knowledge and skills in a capstone assignment. Supervised by the lecturers, you will synthesise what you've learned during the previous weeks.

Certificate of Completion

Gain a personal certificate and join our alumni network, with exclusive offers for further modules.

Download our brochure to learn more.

Is this module for you?

The AI University Foundations module is designed to enable legal professionals and non-legal professionals working in law and law-adjacent fields to get a firm grasp on the technical, legal, and ethical foundations of artificial intelligence.

It is also suited for policymakers or those who will engage with legal issues relating to AI in their profession.

The module is suited for professionals at all levels of experience or seniority who want to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of AI. No prior technical or legal knowledge of artificial intelligence is required.

Testimonials

Maartje Nugteren (International Policy Lead, Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation)

"I would highly recommend the course! I learned quite a few new things and the module made me think about AI in a different way than I do on a day-to-day basis in my work."

participant feedback, Slaughter and May

"I liked the pace and the balance between using academic sources, theoretical puzzles (well I found them puzzling and interestingly challenging) and practical examples".

participant feedback, Slaughter and May

I highly appreciated "[t]he myth busting and no nonsense approach".

participant feedback, Government Legal Department

It was great to have the instructors "[b]reaking things into categories clearly, so we have the blocks of understanding".

Module Instructors

In this module, you will be taught by OLTEP Co-Founders

Tom Melham 

Rebecca Williams

Vaclav Janecek

Professor of Computer Science at the University of Oxford and Fellow of Balliol College.

Professor of Public Law and Criminal Law at the University of Oxford and Fellow of Pembroke College.

Lecturer in Law at the University of Bristol and Researcher at the University of Oxford and St Edmund Hall.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the duration of the module?

    The module will be delivered over the course of 6 weeks.

  • What is the mode of delivery?

    The programme is primarily online, with elements of synchronous and asynchronous learning.

  • How much time should I commit?

    The expected time commitment is 1.5 hours on weekly basis.

  • Do I need to be available at certain times during the week?

    No, the whole module can be completed at your own pace. Even if you won't be able to join our live sessions, you can still submit questions in advance and view the recordings later.

  • How much will it cost?

    To make our content accessible, yet retain the highest educational standard, we set individual prices for each cohort. To learn more, join the list of applicants for the next cohort via the "Join the next cohort" button at the top of this page. If you wish to enquire about a run of the module for your group or company, please contact [email protected].

  • Will I have some networking opportunities?

    Absolutely! The module is always run for selected cohorts of participants. You will have opportunities to learn together as well as from each other. In addition, there is a dedicated online social space for you and, as an OLTEP alumni, you will get access to other professionals working in the area.

  • How do I sign up for this module?

    Click the "Join the next cohort" button at the top of this page. We will get in touch with more details soon.

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