Executive AI Strategy

This course explores how organisations can develop an effective AI strategy through a practical, evidence-based approach. Learners will evaluate AI use cases, assess risks and workforce implications before applying a practical, three-tiered framework to develop an AI strategy aligned with organisational goals.

Each module builds on the last, combining practical tools, real-world examples and collaborative activities. By the end of the course, learners will have produced an AI strategy brief for their own organisational context.

• Module 1: From vision to use-case
• Module 2: When AI strategy goes wrong
• Module 3: Empowering people inside and out of your organisation
• Module 4: Building a strong AI strategy

This course is made up of eight live online workshops across the four weeks. As most of the learning in this course takes place in these live online workshops, you must attend at least 70% (6 of 8) of the workshops in order to pass the course. The workshop schedule will be confirmed 4-6 weeks before the course begins.

Please speak with an enrolment advisor if you have any further questions about the course format or requirements. You can schedule a call with an enrolment advisor by selecting ‘Speak to an advisor’ above.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify the real value of AI systems in your organisation versus what is driven by AI hype.
• Identify and assess the contextual risks associated with AI adoption.
• Examine the impact of AI on workforce roles and skills to inform organisational AI strategy decisions.
• Critically analyse the business case of AI in your organisation.
• Apply a structured, three-tiered framework to prioritise AI initiatives for executive-level decision-making.
• Develop an AI strategy for your organisation aligned with your business goals.

On successful completion of the course, you’ll receive a certificate from the University of Cambridge and a digital badge to display on your LinkedIn profile. These University of Cambridge credentials not only showcase your knowledge and expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to professional development – helping future-proof your career.

This course is designed for leaders who are responsible for shaping how AI is adopted within their organisation. Whether you are defining strategy, evaluating AI opportunities or guiding organisational change, the course provides practical frameworks to help you make informed decisions and develop an AI strategy aligned with your organisational context.

• Senior leadership and executive roles. For leaders responsible for setting organisational direction, evaluating AI opportunities and aligning AI initiatives with strategic goals.
• Founders and entrepreneurs. For business leaders looking to identify where AI can unlock value, support growth and inform long-term business strategy.
• Technology and IT leadership roles. For technical leaders seeking to connect AI capabilities with organisational priorities, manage risk and support responsible AI adoption.
• Public sector and charitable organisations. For leaders who need to evaluate AI within complex organisational contexts while balancing public value, accountability and resource constraints.

Our flexible, online courses – delivered via a world-leading learning platform – reflect the University of Cambridge experience and values, with low learner-to-tutor ratios and academically rigorous standards.

Designed for leaders, our learning model helps you advance your skills and lead in emerging areas. With a focused commitment of around 4 to 5 hours per week, you’ll build your network through an engaging and impactful learning journey that encourages collaboration with academics, industry experts and fellow leaders.

Courses are delivered in weekly modules, allowing you to plan your time effectively around existing commitments. Live, interactive workshops with Cambridge academics and industry experts sit at the heart of the experience, bringing you the latest research in the field coupled with real-world insight.

Throughout your online learning experience with Cambridge Advance Online, you’ll have digital access to a dedicated course tutor, an expert in the field, who will help steer your learning and provide you with support and guidance every step of the way.

Level of knowledge

• A level of spoken and written English sufficient to allow you to participate and succeed in the course (we recommend that you have an English Language level equivalent to an IELTS score of 7, as outlined in section 5 of our Terms of Purchase).
• In addition, you must be a senior executive or leader to qualify for the programme.
• Participants should also have:
  • A baseline understanding of AI concepts and their potential organisational applications.
  • Experience in a leadership, managerial or strategic role.
  • An interest in developing an AI strategy within an organisational context.

Materials and equipment

• No specialist software or IT equipment required.
• Sufficient internet speed (2 Mbps up/down) for video streaming.
• See recommended browsers (opens in a new tab).

Access to Virtual Learning Environment
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You can ask for support from your employer to fund this learning as part of your professional development.

Our Employer Funding guide has practical tips and templates to help you feel more confident asking for funding.

If your employer is funding your course or programme, we have several payment options available, including bank transfer (BACs), credit or debit card, and PayPal.

You can request a quote or an invoice for your organisation via our online course booking form, which will include a payment date and next steps for completing your payment.