On completion of this module, you will:
have developed a foundational understanding of how artificial intelligence works and an awareness of strengths, limitations, and challenges,
understand the role of public law in ensuring optimal use of algorithmic decision making (ADM) systems,
have gained applicable insights into the central positions and trends in digital ethics,
be able to identify the challenges and opportunities of AI 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 Oxford LawTech Education Programme (OLTEP) alumni network,
have earned a personal certificate from the module that highlights their understanding of the topic.
The AI University Public Sector is designed for public sector legal professionals. It is also suited for policymakers and those who will engage with legal issues relating to artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision making in their profession.
The module is suited for professionals at all levels of experience and 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.
If you are working not sure the public sector focus of this module is for you, then you may want to participate in the AI University Foundations module.
OLTEP is a non-degree programme of professional education operated by Oxford University Innovation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxford University, and directed by experienced Oxford academics. If you are looking for a formal qualification from Oxford University, please see the University’s website.
Over the course of 10 weeks (13 Jan to 23 Mar 2026), you will complete these stages:
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Module Orientation Get to know the lecturers, the aims of the module, and how to complete it successfully. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Unit 3: Digital Ethics Introduces digital ethics as an academically rigorous yet profoundly practical discipline that gives you confidence to spot and solve ethical puzzles concerning simple as well as complex AI cases or scenarios. |
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Final Session Consolidate your newly gained knowledge and skills in a final live session. Supervised by the lecturers, you will synthesise what you've learned during the previous weeks. |
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Certificate of Completion |
Download our brochure to learn more.
In this module, you will be taught by OLTEP Co-Founders
In addition to 5.5 hours of asynchronous lecture materials, these expert lecturers will personally conduct 4.5 hours of live sessions.
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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. |
Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol Law School and Associate Member of the Oxford Computer Science Department. |
The minimum expected time commitment is around 15 hours spread over the duration of the whole module or, on average, 1.5 hours weekly. This includes 5.5 hours of video lectures and 4.5 hours of live sessions.
That said, many participants choose to dedicate up to 20 hours in total to their learning (or around 2 hours weekly).
Our module handbook guides you through the module and provides advice on scheduling your studies, to make your learning as successful as possible. You will receive regular email signposts on the recommended progression journey.
While all parts of the module can be completed asynchronously, you will have the opportunity to participate in a number of live online sessions.
Here is a schedule for the Cohort of 13 January 2026:
| Welcome live event | 30 min | Tuesday, Week 1 | 13 Jan 2026 from 9.00am and 3.00pm |
| Unit 1 live Q&A with Prof Melham |
60 min | Tuesday, Week 4 | 03 Feb 2026 from 9.30am and 3.00pm |
| Unit 2 live Q&A with Prof Williams |
60 min | Tuesday, Week 6 | 17 Feb 2026 from 9.30am and 3.00pm |
| Unit 3 live Q&A with Dr Janecek |
60 min | Tuesday, Week 8 | 03 Mar 2026 from 9.30am and 3.00pm |
| Final live panel Q&A with all three experts |
60 min | Tuesday, Week 10 | 17 Mar 2026 from 9.30am and 3.00pm |
These live sessions are held in the am and pm Oxford time slots, in order to allow participants to connect from any part of the globe. You would be expected to attend only one of these sessions on each date.
Those who buy the Capstone Exercise will also spend around 1.5 hours to complete it during the last three weeks of the module. More details about the Capstone Exercise can be found in the brochure.
The fastest way to secure your place on this module is by a card payment (online) via either of the two "Buy now" buttons above.
If you prefer payment by invoice, email us at [email protected].
We offer a 10% discount for group bookings of at least 10 places. We also offer a 15% discount for participants working in public-sector or non-commercial organizations, a 10% discount for OLTEP alumni, and a 5% discount for the University of Oxford alumni. Only one of these discounts can apply for any booking. Write to use at [email protected], demonstrating how you qualify for one of these discounts and we will send you a discount code.
If you wish to enquire about a run of the module for your group or company, please contact us at [email protected].
All orders are subject to our Terms & Conditions.
Registrations close on 08 Jan 2026 or when places are sold out.
13 January 2026 |
Summer 2026 (TBC) |
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