Proudly part of Cardiff Metropolitan University
A free 5-week online short course for women and girls. No prior experience needed.
About the course
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we live, work, and access services, but too often it is built without the people it affects most. This course equips you with foundational knowledge in Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence (HCAI) and digital literacy: the skills to understand AI, question it, and help shape it. You will explore how AI works, its impact on society, and its ethical challenges, and learn what it takes to create AI systems that are user-friendly, fair, transparent, and inclusive.
The course is part of HerHCAI, an international partnership between Cardiff Metropolitan University and the Federal University of Technology Akure, funded by the British Council’s Gender Equality Partnerships grant. Alongside the course, participants can access mentorship from senior women working in AI and join an international community working towards more inclusive technology.
What you will learn
• Build foundational skills to create Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions that prioritise user-friendly design, ethics, and fairness.
• Understand the basics of developing inclusive, transparent, and easy-to-use AI systems.
• Apply principles of designing intuitive interfaces and effectively addressing user needs.
• Identify and address key challenges in AI, such as bias, discrimination, and fairness, using practical strategies.
• Demonstrate introductory knowledge of algorithm transparency and ethical decision-making in AI.
• Prepare to contribute to the future of AI design with a strong focus on user experience and ethical practices.
Topics covered
• Introduction to AI and user-centred design
• Ethics and fairness in AI
• Inclusive AI systems
• Designing intuitive interfaces for AI
• Addressing bias and discrimination in AI
• Algorithm transparency and explainability
• Ethical decision-making in AI
• Future trends in AI design
• Practical applications and project work
Course details
Length: 5 weeks – (10 hours)
Delivery Fully online: weekly live online studio sessions plus recorded videos you can watch at your own pace
Time commitment: Around 100 learning hours in total (10 hours live, 10 hours recorded content, 80 hours guided independent study)
Level and credits: University Level 4, 10 credits (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
Assessment: A portfolio of your work (2,000-word equivalent). No exams
Entry requirements: None. No prior AI, computing, or technology experience needed
Cost: Free, funded by the British Council
Who it’s for: Women and girls in the UK and Nigeria, especially those who are unemployed or new to technology
Course leader: Dr Bola Omisade, Cardiff School of Technologies, Cardiff Metropolitan University
What you gain
A university-accredited qualification to strengthen your CV or application for further study, practical skills for the fast-growing AI sector, the confidence to engage with technology critically, and access to mentors and role models: women already working in AI who can guide your next steps.
How to apply
Places are limited. Click here to register your interest or ask a question, contact Dr Bola Omisade at herhcaiproject@cardiffmet.ac.uk
HerHCAI is funded by the British Council Gender Equality Partnerships grant and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals on quality education, gender equality, decent work, and reduced inequalities.