DataCamp
AI Fundamentals (skill track) is a free-to-learn beginner course from DataCamp, online. Some parts are paid. It takes about 9 hours and ends with a professional certificate.
Suits professionals and managers who want a broad, theory-first grounding: machine learning, deep learning, NLP, LLMs, prompting, ethics and business uses across six courses in about 9 hours. The optional certification gives it more weight than a completion statement. Caveats: full access needs a DataCamp subscription with no price shown on the page, and the certification cost isn't stated. For a free, practical start, try Work smarter with AI from Microsoft Learn.
Six-course, theory-first DataCamp track covering machine learning, deep learning, NLP, generative AI and LLMs, prompting, AI ethics and business uses, with an optional certification.
More courses on generative AI and on prompt engineering.
Everyone (no background needed), Business professionals, Managers and leaders.
Level: beginner (as stated by the provider). Delivery: online, self-paced.
None
Free to learn. Some parts paid. Free to start; full access needs DataCamp subscription.
Certificate: professional certificate. DataCamp AI Fundamentals Certification.
DataCamp is based in the US. We checked this course on the provider's own page on 3 Oct 2026.
If you want a free, government-backed start instead, AI Skills Boost gives every adult in the UK free AI courses, and finishing selected ones earns an AI foundations badge.
None of the UK funding schemes we track pays for this course. See free and funded training by nation for what is funded where you live.
Other UK courses on AI literacy and fundamentals: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Online (Forth Valley College), Living with AI (Scottish AI Alliance), An Introduction to AI (North East Scotland College).
See also: free and funded training by nation, AI courses for managers and leaders.
Free to learn. Some parts paid.
About 9 hours, self-paced.
Yes: professional certificate. The provider calls it "DataCamp AI Fundamentals Certification".
It's a beginner course. Prerequisites: None.
Start any time.
Yes, every one we list is free or free to learn, including AI Fundamentals (skill track) and Understanding Artificial Intelligence.
Cardiff and Vale College
Next intake not announced
Cardiff and Vale College
Next: 8 Mar 2027
Cardiff and Vale College
Next: 18 Jan 2027
| Course | Delivery | Cost | Level | Hours | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI Capabilities and LimitationsAnthropic Academy | Online, self-paced | Free | Beginner | Not stated | Free certificate |
| AI Fluency: Framework & FoundationsAnthropic Academy | Online, self-paced | Free | Beginner | Not stated | Free certificate |
| AI FoundationsOpenAI Academy | Online, self-paced | Free | Beginner | 1.5 | Free badge |
| AI in primary computingNational Centre for Computing Education | Online, self-paced | Free | Beginner | 1.5 | Certificate not stated |
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