Build a solid framework of understanding for AI in the public interest.
This micro-credential is designed for current and future European civil servants and public sector professionals, it provides a comprehensive, non-technical foundation in AI concepts and principles.
Delivered by top professors from VUB and ULB in collaboration with the FARI AI for the Common Good Institute, this micro-credential helps you demystify AI by correcting common misconceptions and establishing a shared vocabulary across technical and non-technical stakeholders. You will learn to clearly explain what AI is and is not, understand its core principles at a conceptual level, and accurately identify its capabilities and limitations in real-world contexts.
Ultimately, this course empowers you to critically assess AI-related claims, evaluate risks and opportunities, and reflect on the implications of AI within your professional environment—serving as the ideal gateway for further learning and responsible application in public governance.
Programme
This module focuses on demystifying AI and equipping you with a clear framework of understanding for future decision-making.
Key Topics Covered
- Core Concepts & Principles: What AI actually is, how it works conceptually, and why it represents a pivotal technological shift.
- Capabilities & Limitations: Identifying what AI systems can realistically achieve, and where their technical, practical, and legal limits lie.
- Historical Context & Evolution: Tracing how AI developed and its growing impact on governance and public administration.
- Human-Centric & Ethical Foundations: Introduction to responsible AI, transparency, and aligning AI implementation with European public values.
- AI Opportunity Assessment: How to evaluate potential AI use cases and determine organisational readiness in public institutions.
Practical Methodology
Topics are illustrated through real-world public sector examples. Through guided discussions and workshops, participants build a common ground and actionable insights that can be directly applied in their professional roles.
Is this for you?
This micro-credential has been developed for professionals that are directly or indirectly involved, or wish to be involved in innovation with AI. This means the training is particularly useful for you in the following roles:
– Innovation, project and product managers
– Functional analyst, solution & enterprise architects
– Project officers at funding agencies
– Business developers
– HR managers and recruiters
– Legals
The FARI AI Academy
FARI is an independent non-profit initiative in the field of artificial intelligence under the guidance of two Brussels universities: the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB).
The FARI AI Academy offers various courses and trainings on AI aimed at helping citizens and organizations. We serve as the educational arm of FARI with the mission to inspire the development and implementation of ethical, responsible, and transparent AI solutions.
Course
Introduction to AI (4 ECTS, 1st semester)
The classes are part of the postgraduate programme: AI For the Common Good.
Details
4 ECTS
One ECTS-credit is equivalent to roughly 25 to 30 hours of study, from lessons to completing a project or studying independently.
This course is organised during the first semester of the academic year.
Evaluation
Evaluation is based on an individual oral exam, assessing participants’ conceptual understanding, use of AI-related terminology, and critical reflection skills.
Day courses
8 half-day in-person sessions on Thursday.
- Classes are scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on: 8/10, 15/10, 22/10, 12/11, 19/11, 26/11, 03/12, 10/12
Physical attendance is required to facilitate interaction, discussions, and hands-on exercises that cannot be fully replicated online.
The exam is scheduled for 07/01/2027 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: FARI
Courses are organised in BeCentral: at FARI – Cantersteen 16, 1000 Brussels.
Language of instruction
The programme is open to both national and international students, and the language of instruction is English.
Admission requirements
Pre-requisities: Hold a bachelor degree
Maximum number of participants
There is no limit on the number of participants allowed to enroll.
Working students
Compatible with professional commitments and eligible for educational leave (working or living in Brussels).
Want to join the full Postgraduate program?
Discover more at AI For The Common Good
Is this micro-credential for you?
Interested in the full Postgraduate program?
See the full programme here: AI For the Common Good.
What is a Micro-credential?
Micro-credentials are small, academic programmes that focus on specific subjects and competences. They consist of one or more courses or course parts taught in a Bachelor or Master programme at the university. Usually, they are taught for a few hours spread over one semester or one academic year. They are literally micro-courses.
If you pass the micro-credential, you receive a certificate proving that you have acquired the competences. These are official credits. This is where micro-credentials differ from other programmes, such as study days or trainings. The credits and competences you obtain are recognised throughout your career and can lead to exemptions from future programmes, for example, even at other institutions.
Micro-credentials are important for lifelong learning. After all, in our rapidly changing society, it is essential that everyone keeps working to renew their own competences. Micro-credentials are blocks that you can stack and combine throughout your life and career to further direct your own pathway. There are several advantages to taking micro-credentials. Since they are short, specific courses, you only learn what you need to upskill or specialise.
In addition, the certificate guarantees your acquired competences and the credits are often recognised abroad. They are a great asset on your CV.
Costs
The tuition fee consist of a fixed amount and a variable amount
The fixed amount is an administrative fee paid once per academic year. The variable amount is a specific fee per credit or ECTS that you enrol for.
Enrolment
Start your online application here
Look under 'continuing education' to select your micro-credential.
Check the application deadlines here
Need help?
Teaching methods
The VUB is committed to blended learning, a combination of online and on-campus lessons. Therefore, students need not necessarily be on campus if they do not have to be, but we still believe in the added value of physical teaching moments.
Classes are usually taught for a few hours spread over one semester or one academic year. You can always check the class timetable, where you can see if a course is online, on campus or taught through recorded lessons. It is best to view the timetables for each individual course.
Any questions?
microcredentials@vub.be
The new training offer of micro-credentials was developed and announced with the support of the European Union.