Practera

LSE Generative AI Practitioners Certificate

Develop real world, in-demand skills & gain industry experience as a Generative AI Practitioner

The LSE Generative AI Practitioner Certificate is an innovative virtual employability programme designed to equip you with the necessary skills and confidence to develop effective generative AI solutions.

Through a series of self-paced modules, simulated team projects, industry panels, and a real-industry micro internship, this programme will build your understanding and application of generative AI solutions.

From February- December 2025 LSE, with tech partner Practera, are offering 25 Department of Statistics 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students the exclusive opportunity to gain a Generative AI Practitioner Certification. 

Why join?

  • Develop & apply professional skills
  • Coach & supportive learning content
  • An authentic professional project
  • Fully virtual & fits around your studies
  • Make professional connections
  • Build CV-worthy experience to support future applications

What are the components? 

Virtual Skill Modules (3-5 hrs / module)

Self-paced skill modules are interspersed across the project, designed to build your understanding of AI literacy, utilising AI tools for research and analysis, and deep diving into AI models such as GPT-4 initially. Then moving to develop your knowledge of using AI in work environments and best practices for AI integration.

Simulated Team Projects

Working in consulting teams of 5, you’ll collaborate with other LSE learners on simulated team projects. Tackling topics such as AI Innovation trends and ethics, deconstructing real world problems and creating AI solutions, as well as training and customising AI behaviour to support industry needs. These projects will be facilitated by Practera and support your professional skill growth ahead of your live industry project.

Industry Engagement: Live Virtual Industry Project & Career Panels

Build your professional network with a range of AI-engaged academics, mentors & employers during the two career panels. The Live Virtual Industry project will put your professional skills to the test. Your team will be connected with a real industry partner for an AI for Data Science: Customer & Market Insights Micro Internship.

How is the programme different?

Skill Modules

Build your understanding of essential 21st century skills and applying them in app-based simulations with AI feedback.

Team-based Projects

Work as part of a diverse and multidisciplinary team.

Real world learning

Work for a real client on a real challenge, and gain exposure to working as a virtual project team.

Real outcomes

Your research and insights will be highly valuable to your client in growing their business. They might ask you to provide marketing, sustainability, or business growth solutions.

Not an assignment

You will be learning by doing and be rewarded with an LSE AI practitioner certificate.

What's required?

Confirm your commitment for the duration of the programme as this is an exlusive opportunity for only 25 undergraduate students (Department of Statistics only), so you need to be committed. Our tech partner, Practera, will reach out to successful applicants to onboard you on to the Practera platform and invite you to the key workshops. Work remotely on your modules and simulated projects Join us on campus for x2 career panels with industry experts. Collaborate with a real industry partner during the Micro Internship in November.

FAQs

Do I have to complete all elements of the programme to gain the certificate?

Yes. Your progress and engagement will be tracked by the Practera platform. Students will need to reach 100% completion in order to receive the LSE Generative AI Practitioner Certification.

What’s required of me during the Skill Modules?

We recommend spending 3-5 hours per module. You can complete modules independently and at your own pace within the allotted module month. Modules will contain online supportive content and activities to apply skills to simulated workplace & professional project scenarios, you will also be provided with AI feedback for some activities.

Do I have to be in the country?

No. This programme (skill modules and nano project) is suitable for remote working conditions, so you aren’t required to be physically in the country to participate in any of the phases if you have plans to leave during the summer vacation you can complete your summer module from anywhere.

What if I have a part-time Job?

It is fine to take part in the certification if you have a part-time job. The modules are self-paced and light. for the simulated and live projects, you will need to make sure you can commit 25 hours over the 2 weeks. Coordinate with your team to ensure that you’re able to attend meetings and contribute equally to all deliverables.

What kind of industry partner will we collaborate with?

A wide range of business sectors and sizes are looking for AI solutions. Previous LSE virtual industry projects have attracted SMEs, Startups, NGOs, Think Tanks and Corporate from a range of industries.

Do I get to choose my team?

No, all teams will be assigned to allow for diversity. Much like the real world, you will not choose your team, giving you an opportunity to grow your collaboration and leadership skills.

What type of skills will I be gaining and reflecting on?

This program will provide students with knowledge and skills in the 5 dimensions of AI literacy:

(i) Ethical use of AI;
(ii) Understanding AI Capabilities;
(iii) Working effectively with AI;
(iv) Critical evaluation of AI Outputs; and
(v) AI use and Integration into work practices.

Will I be paid to work on this project?

No, you will not be paid to work on this project. This is first and foremost a learning experience where you will gain a valuable certification.

For the Industry Project, can I skip the orientation and briefing sessions?

The orientation and briefing sessions are compulsory. Students who do not attend will be removed from the programme, unless you have emailed Practera ahead to inform them of a valid reason.

How and when do I access Practera?

Successful applicants will be onboarded on to the Practera platform from the beginning of February 2025.

Key dates

  • Application: 6 December to 29 December 2024
  • Shortlist: 30 December to 5 January 2025
  • Selection (including interview if necessary): 6-10 January 2025
  • Results: w/c 13 January 2025
  • Onboarding: w/c 27 January 2025
  • Programme start: 10 February 2025

How do I apply?

You can apply here. Good luck! 

Who should I contact if I have questions? 

You can contact Programme Director Dr Marcos Barreto.