The technical and data aspects of AI
This micro-credential examines the technical and data aspects of AI: how does it work? What are the different subdomains? What data should I collect? How to organise a proper data governance? What is the relation between software and hardware in AI? What is the impact on my technology stack? Who are the (cloud) service providers and what is the role of open-Source software?
The course offers a deeper exploration of AI subdomains, data readiness, and tech stack integration for public sector excellence.
Delivered by top professors from VUB and ULB in collaboration with the FARI AI for the Common Good Institute, the module equips public sector professionals with the technical vocabulary and strategic insights needed to navigate AI technology and data ecosystems effectively.
Programme
This module focuses on demystifying the underlying technical architecture and data foundations of AI, translating complex technological concepts into actionable strategies for the public sector.
Key Topics Covered
- AI Architecture & Subdomains: Navigating how AI works in practice, exploring key subdomains (e.g., Machine Learning, NLP), and understanding the interplay between software and hardware in AI deployment.
- Data Strategy & Collection: Defining what data to collect, assessing data quality, and structuring proper datasets to effectively feed public sector AI applications.
- Robust Data Governance: Designing organizational data governance frameworks to ensure data integrity, legal compliance, transparency, and effective data management.
- Tech Stack & Infrastructure: Evaluating the impact of AI on your existing IT infrastructure, understanding the role of cloud service providers, and assessing open-source vs. proprietary software solutions.
- Technical Readiness & Integration: Assessing organizational technical readiness and selecting appropriate technical standards and tools to integrate AI solutions seamlessly into public institutions.
Practical Methodology Topics are explored through real-world technical case studies, practical architectural blueprints, and interactive discussions. Through guided hands-on exercises led by academic experts and technology practitioners, participants build a solid technical vocabulary and actionable insights that can be directly applied within their institutions.
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
Technology & data (3 ECTS, 2nd semester)
The classes are part of the postgraduate programme: AI For the Common Good.
Details
3 ECTS
One ECTS-credit equates to roughly 25 to 30 hours of study, from lessons to completing a project or studying independently.
This course is organised during the second semester of the academic year.
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on an individual task: development of a prototype
Day courses
6 half-day in-person sessions on Thursday.
- Classes are scheduled from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on: 11/03, 17/03, 25/03, 15/04, 22/04, 13/05
Physical attendance is required to facilitate interaction, discussions, and hands-on exercises that cannot be fully replicated online.
The exam will take place during the week of 10/06 or 17/06
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
Prerequisites: Hold a Bachelor’s degree.
Registrations: Open from May 1, 2026. Deadlines vary based on your previous degree.
Places per micro-credential are limited.
Working Students: Compatible with professional commitments and eligible for educational leave (for those working or living in Brussels).
Want to join the full Postgraduate programme?
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.