University of Edinburgh
Responsible AI Innovation for SMEs is a free-to-learn beginner course from University of Edinburgh, online. It ends with a paid certificate. University of Edinburgh doesn't say how long it takes.
Suits owners and staff of small firms and start-ups weighing up AI for the first time. What stands out is the UK SME case material and a focus on deciding whether to use AI at all. The main caveat is that it runs on Coursera and edX, where full access or a certificate may need payment. A free alternative aimed at small firms is AI Fluency for Small Businesses from Anthropic Academy.
Self-paced online course from the University of Edinburgh's Edinburgh Futures Institute for small businesses deciding whether and how to use AI. Five modules cover responsible AI principles, business risks and limits of AI tools, lessons from UK SME leaders and a roadmap for responsible adoption. Hosted on Coursera and edX.
More courses on responsible AI and ethics.
Small business owners, Business professionals.
Level: beginner (as stated by the provider). Delivery: online, self-paced.
Introductory: no previous knowledge required
Free to learn. Certificate paid. Listed as Free; Coursera previews the first module free, edX allows free access with a paid certificate option.
Certificate: paid certificate. EdX paid certificate.
University of Edinburgh is a UK provider. We checked this course on its own page on 12 Oct 2026.
The price is shown in pounds, as the provider states it.
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 responsible AI and ethics: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Online (Forth Valley College), Living with AI (Scottish AI Alliance), Introduction to artificial intelligence (City Lit).
See also: free and funded training by nation.
Free to learn. Certificate paid.
Yes: paid certificate. The provider calls it "edX paid certificate".
It's a beginner course. Prerequisites: Introductory: no previous knowledge required.
Start any time.
Some are. Responsible AI Innovation for SMEs is free or free to learn; the rest are paid.
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 and Ethics in GCSE computer scienceNational Centre for Computing Education | Online, self-paced | Free | Beginner | 1.5 | Certificate not stated |
| Ethics of AIElements of AI (University of Helsinki / MinnaLearn) | Online, self-paced | Free | Beginner | Not stated | Free certificate |
| Responsible use of ChatGPT at workOpenAI Academy | Online, self-paced | Free | Beginner | Not stated | No certificate |
| Artificial Intelligence in National SecurityKing's College London | Online, self-paced | Free for nowCertificate paid | Beginner | 5 | Paid certificate |
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