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 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 OLTEP alumni network.

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

Is this module for you?

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.

How will you progress?

Over the course of 8 weeks (30 June to 24 August 2025), 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.

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.

Certificate of Completion

Gain a personal certificate by completing a short Capstone Exercise anytime during the last three weeks of the module. Applies only to those who buy also the Capstone Exercise.

Download our brochure to learn more.

Module instructors

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

In addition to over 4 hours of asynchronous lecture materials, these expert lecturers will personally conduct 4.5 hours of live sessions.

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.

Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol Law School and Associate Member of the Oxford Computer Science Department.

What is the expected time commitment?

The minimum expected time commitment is around 12 hours spread over the duration of the whole module or, on average, 1.5 hours weekly. This includes over 4 hours of video lectures and 4.5 hours of live sessions. 

That said, many participants choose to dedicate up to 16 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 30 June 2025:

Welcome live event 30 min Monday, Week 1 30 Jun 2025 from 10.00am and 6.00pm
Unit 1 live Q&A with Prof Melham
60 min Tuesday, Week 3 15 Jul 2025 from 9.30am and 5.30pm
Unit 2 live Q&A with Prof Williams
60 min Tuesday, Week 4
22 Jul 2025 from 9.30am and 5.30pm
Unit 3 live Q&A with Dr Janecek
60 min Tuesday, Week 5
29 Jul 2025 from 9.30am and 5.30pm
Final live panel Q&A with all three experts
60 min Tuesday, Week 7 12 Aug 2025 from 9.30am and 5.30pm

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.

Secure your place at our promotional rates

Buy the Module to start learning soon. Buy also the Capstone Exercise so that you can gain a Certificate of Completion. All prices include 20% VAT.

  • £690.00

    Module + Capstone Exercise

    Buy now

Payment options and discounts

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, and a 10% discount for OLTEP 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.

When do I need to decide?

Registrations close on 26 June 2025 or when places are sold out.

  • 00 Days
  • 00 Hours
  • 00 Minutes
  • 00 Seconds

Testimonials

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

"I would highly recommend the course! ... [T]he 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".

When is the next cohort?

Cohort start dates in 2025

Autumn 2025 (TBC)
30 June 2025

Join our mailing list below to get a notification when the next cohort registration opens.

Register your interest

Add your email to the mailing list to get the latest updates.

Thank You