Every time you’ve chatted with a bot on a website, you’ve seen the basis of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in action. Your experiences with augmented reality, any prompts you’ve ever delivered to ChatGPT, and a host of other technologies that businesses are already leveraging show us how crucial these two fields are, both today and in the future.

AI and ML are taking over the world. And with the right AI & ML courses, you put yourself in the ideal position to forge a career in an industry that’s set for a continuous annual growth rate of 36.2% between 2023 and 2030.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an AI and ML Course

AI ML courses come in all shapes and sizes, with some delivering the basics you need to build a foundation in the subjects and others moving on from those foundational concepts and into specializations. These five things are your biggest considerations when choosing a course.

1 – Course Content and Curriculum

What does the course teach? That’s not just an important question in terms of figuring out if the course helps you develop the skills you need, but it’s a crucial one for your future career prospects. The curriculum informs every step you take on your learning journey. If the content isn’t up to scratch (or takes you in a different direction than the one you intend to go in) it’s not the course for you.

2 – Course Duration and Flexibility

Combine work and family with your personal life and existing educational commitments and you have the recipe for a quagmire of time-consuming tasks that may not fit with a long-term course. The best AI and ML courses online offer flexibility, allowing you to fit your studies around other commitments and opening the door to self-paced learning.

3 – Your Instructors

Imagine you walk into a classroom and your instructor introduces themself. They tell you they have a couple of qualifications in the fields of AI and ML, but they haven’t worked in either industry and can’t expose you to professionals who have. Is that any use to you in your career? A good instructor combines technical expertise (which they’ll need a lot of) with industry experience they can draw on to lead you down the right career path.

4 – Course Reviews and Ratings

As any online marketer will tell you, user-generated content in the form of reviews, social media posts, and simple ratings tells you a ton about what a product delivers. That’s as true for AI and machine learning courses as it is for anything else. Check out what other people have to say about the course, paying special attention to former students and what’s happened to them in the wake of earning their certification.

5 – Pricing and Affordability

Money is always a challenge when it comes to education. Some universities charge tens of thousands of euros for their courses, which is fine if you can commit time and money to a full-time educational experience. It’s not so fine if you’re working on a budget. Your course’s cost plays a huge role in determining whether you take it. Just remember one thing – people tend to get what they pay for (for better or worse).

Top AI and ML Online Courses

Machine learning and artificial intelligence courses run the gamut from fast, industry-led courses designed to get you into a job to deeper degrees designed to equip you with everything you need to advance in your career. The following four are some of the best AI and ML courses online.

Course 1 – Master in Applied Data Science & AI (OPIT)

Designed for those at the postgraduate level, this Master’s degree requires you to have a background in computer science (or a relevant alternative). It’s a 100% online course that delivers an accredited degree under the European Qualification Framework (EQF), with the course also counting toward the college credits you may need to apply for future courses. Tutors are available for direct learning 24/7 and you learn via both recorded and live content delivered over the web.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Offers tons of exposure to how machine learning and artificial intelligence apply in real-world scenarios
  • You get a Master’s degree from a fully-accredited institution
  • Favors progressive assessments over high-stress exams
  • Control your own learning by arranging the course’s modules around your schedule

Enrollment Details

OPIT’s Master in Applied Data Science & AI comes in two flavors – the regular 18-month variety and a fast-tracked 12-month course. Enrollment is annual, with intake occurring every October, and the price varies depending on when you apply. Early birds get an extensive discount, paying €4,950 compared to the regular price of €6,500. You’ll need a relevant Bachelor’s degree in a subject like computer science to apply.

Course 2 – Machine Learning Introduction for Everyone (IBM via Coursera)

If OPIT’s Master’s degree is for people who are already halfway through the metaphorical marathon of machine learning and AI, IBM’s beginner’s course is for those at the starting line. It’s a seven-hour course that teaches the basics of AI and ML, in addition to helping you get to grips with the development cycle for a machine learning model. As a primer for the concepts, it’s one of the best AI ML online courses available.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Provided by a Fortune 50 company that’s one of the leaders in the AI field
  • Created by a Senior Data Scientist who currently works for IBM
  • You receive a sharable certificate that looks great on your LinkedIn profile
  • No completion of other AI machine learning courses is required to apply

Enrollment Details

“Free” is always a nice price tag to see on anything, and that’s what you get with this course, at least when trialing the course. Enrolment is semi-regular, with batches of students accepted every few months, and you get to reset deadlines based on when you can complete its modules. IBM says the course contains seven hours of content. Your experience may vary depending on how quickly (or otherwise) you adapt to the content.

Course 3 – Post Graduate Program in AI and Machine Learning (Purdue University)

Career Karma ranks this as one of the best AI ML courses online, and it’s hard to argue given that this is a near-year-long course offered with backing from industry professionals at IBM. It’s more bootcamp than formal course, though, so expect to be put through your paces with intensive hackathons and sprints that cover a huge number of AI tools. Combine that with real-world projects (using datasets from companies like Twitter and Uber) and you have a fast-paced and valuable course.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Any extremely modern curriculum that takes in real-world examples from tech industry giants
  • Backed by IBM to further the real-world experience delivered
  • You receive a postgraduate certificate from an established university
  • The online bootcamp experience is great for people who prefer fast-paced and intensive learning

Enrollment Details

Enrollment is set for May of each year, with the course lasting for 11 months thereafter. You’ll need to hit some criteria to apply. The course asks for a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree where you’ve obtained at least 50% on your modules, as well as a couple of years of work experience. That work experience requirement may be an issue for people who haven’t started their careers. Still, it’s a cost-effective program, with the course costing £2,990 (approx. €3,400).

Course 4 – Machine Learning Crash Course (Google AI)

If time is of the essence and you just want a crash course in what machine learning is and how it applies to your business, Google provides the answer with this option. At just 15 hours, it’s a course you can complete over an intensive weekend of study. It’ll introduce you to some real-world case studies, with lectures coming directly from industry heads at Google.

Key Features and Benefits

  • Contains 25 lessons (with 30 exercises) to expand and test your knowledge
  • Get industry insight from Google experts who work in the AI and ML fields
  • You don’t have to pay a euro to take part in this course
  • Includes interactive visualizations of real-world models that are great for tinkerers

Enrollment Details

Google presumes no prior knowledge of machine learning in this course, though it recommends that you’re comfortable with programming in Python and understand complex statistical concepts. Knowledge of the NumPy library is especially helpful. Assuming you build up a knowledge base (Google offers other courses to cover these foundations), you can enroll at any time and get a free course that you can fit around your schedule.

Additional Resources for AI and ML Learning

Great AI ML courses can teach you the fundamentals and offer direct experience, ideally coming from professionals in the industry. But it’s what you do outside of your formal and certified studies that can make the biggest difference to your career prospects. These additional resources both supplement what you learn from the above courses and allow you to continue developing your skills once you have your shiny new certificate:

  • Online forums and communities
  • Podcasts and YouTube channels dedicated to machine learning and AI
  • Books and eBooks
  • Conferences, workshops, and career-centric bootcamps

Use AI & ML Courses Today to Benefit Tomorrow

Consider these facts if you need any more convincing that AI and machine learning courses are right for you. The average machine learning engineer earns between €66,585 and €118,169 per year, with jobs in AI easily climbing into the six-figure range as well. Your career prospects get a boost when you study AI and ML. But remember – a certification alone is not enough.

These are fast-evolving fields, and only those who dedicate themselves to continued learning (and the adaptation that comes with market changes) excel. Start your journey with one of the four courses in this article and then continue down the educational path.

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Computer Science and Cloud Computing: What Skills Are Needed for the Future
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Oct 20, 2025 6 min read

More and more students are turning to careers in computer science, and it’s easy to see why. The world is becoming increasingly reliant on and powered by modern technology with every passing day.

Emerging innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are set to change the face of countless industries. This means qualifications in computer science unlock the doors to countless job opportunities.

However, this is also a dynamic and rapidly changing field – a field that demands a distinct set of core skills to not only achieve success, but also future-proof your career for years to come.

The Importance and Value of Computer Science and Cloud Computing Qualifications

Official statistics show that the European cloud computing market is set to experience an astonishing compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 23% in the coming years, moving from a value of €110 billion in 2024 to a lower-end estimate €250 billion by 2028, and it won’t stop there.

The same sort of growth is being seen across the full spectrum of computer science fields and industries, with emerging technologies like AI, automation, and edge computing all spearheading the surging value and importance of these sectors.

The increasing shift away from conventional computing towards cloud computing shows just how quickly the technological world changes and evolves. It also demonstrates the need for professionals with a wide and varied range of skills, plus the ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations.

Those who can bring these skills to the table, supported by a comprehensive education and effective computer science qualifications, can enjoy:

  • Entry into job markets that have exceptionally high levels of demand.
  • Diverse career opportunities in fields that range from AI and machine learning to computer engineering and software development.
  • Competitive salaries, with consistently high rates offered all around the world.
  • Job security and stability, given the ever-increasing significance of technology in the modern world.

Core Skills to Master for Long Careers in Computer Science

Next, let’s look into the actual specific skills that computer science students and aspiring leaders will need to master to secure their futures.

Programming Languages

Being able to work with code is the bedrock of almost any career in computer science. Aspiring scientists will need to master one or several programming languages, including Java for building business and web apps, Python for web development, and C++ for system programming.

Networks and Architectures

Computer scientists also need a strong core knowledge of the fundamentals of the computing world, like how networks function, the various protocols and architectures that control the flow of data from device to device, etc.

Algorithms and Data

Algorithms play a fundamental role in fields like AI and machine learning, so computer scientists must understand how different algorithms and data structures drive computing processes, problem-solving, and development.

Software Development

Computer scientists may spend much of their time working on development projects post-graduation, which may include apps for the web, business, mobile, and more. A strong understanding of the stages of the software development lifecycle and processes involved is, therefore, essential.

Cloud Computing

With cloud computing growing in importance, unlocking whole new fields, like software as a service (SaaS) and desktop as a service (DaaS), the computer scientists of tomorrow will also need to have intricate knowledge of how cloud computing works and the potential it holds.

Soft Skills

Along with the many technical skills listed above, computer scientists will also benefit from vital soft skills that will help them when collaborating with others, presenting their ideas, driving innovation in their chosen fields, leading teams, and managing projects. These skills include:

  • Being able to communicate effectively, both with fellow computer scientists and non-technical audiences as well
  • Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that help scientists understand and respond to challenges
  • Adaptability, so that scientists can keep on learning, evolving their skill sets, and embracing new tech and ideas as they emerge
  • The ability to work as part of a team, often fundamental for large-scale computing projects
  • Attention to detail that allows you to spot that single line of code that needs fixing, or for tasks like debugging and data interpretation

Get the Best Start With a BSc in Computer Science at OPIT

We’ve seen the skills you need to succeed in computer science and cloud computing for years to come, but one question remains: where is the best place to gain these skills and acquire the necessary knowledge for genuine long-term success?

The answer: the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT).

An exclusively online learning platform specializing in computer science and digital business, OPIT offers a curated collection of online degrees for tomorrow’s technology leaders, including a Foundation Program for beginners, bachelor’s programs, and master’s degrees for the most experienced students.

Why Study at OPIT?

Advantages of studying with OPIT include:

  • Accessible and flexible online learning to suit your needs and pace
  • A focus on real-world applications of the skills and knowledge imparted
  • A leading team of top tutors and professors from diverse fields and nations
  • An international community of students with which to collaborate
  • Progressive assessment of skills and knowledge, as opposed to exam-heavy schedules

Those planning pathways into computer science and cloud computing are best served by OPIT’s BSc in Computer Science program.

Lasting six terms and worth 180 ECTS credits, this fully remote, online, and accredited undergraduate degree was developed with insights from industry leaders, academics, and employers within the IT industry.

It equips graduates with both the fundamental theoretical knowledge they need to succeed in technology, as well as the practical skills required to enter the world of work and immediately innovate in fields like programming, cybersecurity, data science, AI, and cloud computing.

Like other courses and programs available at OPIT, this BSc in Computer Science provides students with a flexible learning program involving a mixture of recorded and engaging live content, progressive assessment, fast-track options for those who study at a faster pace, and round-the-clock accessibility to tutors and fellow learners.

If you feel that computer science or cloud computing is the right path for you, and you want to secure the foundational skills you need to succeed, consider the OPIT BSc in Computer Science to help you achieve your dreams.

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My Journey Into Responsible AI at OPIT: Inauguration Day & Why I Chose This Path
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Oct 20, 2025 6 min read

On September 8, 2025, the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) officially inaugurated its 2025/26 academic year, welcoming a whole host of new students into the institute, ready to gain the skills and knowledge they need to be the tech industry leaders of tomorrow.

Faculty members, guest speakers from around the world, and hundreds of students from over 100 nations were all in attendance at the online inauguration event. Among them was one new student on the MSc in Responsible AI program: Rem Lampa, also known by his online alias, Kuya Dev.

A Filipino podcaster, speaker, and developer, Kuya Dev documented the inauguration experience in a YouTube video, sharing his thoughts on the event. Here’s a detailed look at his experience, showing the welcoming and effective way in which new OPIT students are brought into the institute from the first day.

An Overview of the Inauguration Event

The latest OPIT inauguration event was one to remember, with the institute celebrating several notable milestones. These included the first graduation of the MSc in Applied Data Science and AI program, and the unveiling of new industry connections and corporate partners offering opportunities for graduates.

Various guest speakers were in attendance, including the former Italian Minister of Education and current OPIT Rector, Professor Francesco Profumo, plus the CEO of Malta’s accreditation authority MFHEA, Dr. Rose Anne Cuschieri.

OPIT founder, Riccardo Ocleppo, also took to the stage to highlight the transformative role of education and the unique possibilities offered by the online-only OPIT degrees, stating:

“When we launched OPIT in 2022, we wanted to prove that an online degree could be rigorous, international, deeply connected to the world of work, and engaging. Three years later, we can already see results. This year alone, 300 new students are joining us, representing 98 nationalities.”

Those hundreds of new students were also, naturally, in attendance for their big inauguration day, welcomed into the institute’s various BSc and MSc programs in specialties like Computer Science, Digital Business, Digital Business and Innovation, and Cybersecurity.

Introducing Rem ‘Kuya Dev’ Lampa

As mentioned, one of the new students joining was vlogger and podcaster, Kuya Dev.

Already boasting extensive experience and technical expertise in the computing world, Kuya Dev has founded several tech communities, including Tech Career Shifter Philippines and Server-Side JavaScript.

He describes himself as an advocate for responsible AI and tech practices, and once gave a powerful TEDx talk about the negative potential impacts of artificial intelligence (AI), including its large carbon footprint and involving exploitation of workers in emerging nations. So, it was only fitting that he signed up for OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI.

The MSc in Responsible AI Program

A postgraduate program lasting three or four terms (between 12 and 24 months, total), OPIT’s MSc in Responsible AI is an accredited program that combines technical skills with a core focus on the ethical implications of AI technology.

It explores real-world use cases of AI and ways in which this exciting and powerful technology can be used responsibly and sustainably, emphasizing its potential for both positive and negative change in areas such as the environment and society as a whole.

Students of this program enjoy all the usual benefits that come with studying at OPIT, like flexible-paced learning, tutors available on a daily basis, a dynamic and engaging online learning environment, and fair, progressive assessments over time.

Those who graduate can move into careers in AI Application Development, AI Research, and AI Business Consulting.

Highlights and Impressions of Kuya Dev’s Inauguration Experience

Inauguration is always a special moment in any student’s academic journey as they take their first tentative yet exciting steps towards new knowledge and skills that can unlock their potential and accelerate their development.

It can even be a “make-or-break” moment in which students can either feel welcomed, empowered, and eager to begin their studies, or, conversely, experience feelings of worry, doubt, or regret if the inauguration lacks the spark they were hoping to feel.

Fortunately, Kuya Dev and his many fellow new OPIT students had a very positive experience at the inauguration event, with the vlogger calling it both “very fruitful” and “very insightful.” Some of the specific highlights he mentioned included:

An International Community

Early in the inauguration event, Kuya Dev heard from Professor Francesco Profumo about how OPIT was welcoming students from over 90 countries.

This, for Kuya Dev and for so many other students, is one of the big perks of studying with OPIT. It allows students to meet, engage, and exchange with people from dozens of different backgrounds, cultures, and communities, learning new ways of thinking and collaborating.

Real World Applications

The OPIT inauguration also focused on another of the university’s key features: a focus not merely on imparting knowledge to students or making them memorize facts, figures, and theorems, but actually teaching them how to apply that knowledge and ideas to real-world uses.

Kuya Dev commented on how other universities that he had considered attending appeared more conventional and limited in their approach, and also shared his excitement and enthusiasm at OPIT’s unique approach, focusing more on genuine industry collaboration and real-life scenarios.

Inspiring Speakers

The vlogger and podcaster also commented on the various key speakers who hosted the event. He was pleased to see that they were not only academically oriented but also all had real-world experience and a diverse range of working backgrounds in fields like politics.

This, too, is part of what makes OPIT different. It features a winning team of international tutors, professors, and experts from diverse fields, including the aforementioned former Italian Education Minister, education executives, research chairs, digital content creation specialists, and more.

Graduate Experiences

Finally, Kuya Dev noted how several OPIT graduates spoke to those about to follow the same path they did, including students from nations as diverse as the U.S., Italy, and Nigeria.

They all shared their experiences and detailed what they enjoyed most about studying with OPIT, including key factors such as professors who took the time to get to know their students, as well as the depth of the topics and knowledge covered in each course.

A Successful First Step Into OPIT Education

All in all, the recent inauguration event was a major success for all involved, giving students like Kuya Dev the ideal introduction to life and study with OPIT. He, like so many of his new fellow students, left the event eager and excited to expand their knowledge and broaden their horizons in unique ways that only OPIT can provide.

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