QNF1 Foundation • 400 Hours • QnCert

Understand AI. Use AI.
No Coding Required.

The foundation-level AI qualification designed for complete beginners.
10 modules. 400 hours. Portfolio-based. Career-ready.

Zero programming needed
Complete beginners welcome
Portfolio-based assessment
10 modules
400 learning hours
0 coding required
16+ age requirement
learn.qualifynation.com/ai-fundamentals/
No CodeHands-OnPortfolio
AI

Great progress! Ready to try ChatGPT prompting?

No Coding!
QNF1
No degree required
Real cloud labs
Proctored certification
Career support included
AI tutor 24/7
UK framework aligned
Portfolio projects
12-month access
No degree required
Real cloud labs
Proctored certification
Career support included
AI tutor 24/7
UK framework aligned
Portfolio projects
12-month access

AI Fundamentals Certificate

RQF/FHEQ Level 3 qualification (A-Level Equivalent)

Level 3 RQF/FHEQ Level A-Level Equivalent
40 Credits 20 ECTS Equivalent
400 Learning Hours Structured Content
10 Modules 5 Progressive Units
0 Coding Required Completely No-Code
24/7 AI Tutor Support Always Available

Full-Time

3-4 months

10-12 hours/week
or

Part-Time

6-9 months

5-6 hours/week

Entry Requirements

No formal prerequisites
No coding experience needed
Basic computer literacy helpful
Suitable for complete beginners aged 16+

10 Modules. 5 Units.
Complete AI Education.

A structured learning journey from AI basics to building your own portfolio. No coding required at any stage.

Module 1

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

  • What AI is and isn't – separating hype from reality
  • History of AI: from Turing to today
  • Types of AI: narrow vs general AI
  • AI in everyday life – examples you already use
  • Common myths and misconceptions
  • Career opportunities in AI
Module 2

Understanding Data

  • Data as the fuel that powers AI
  • Types of data: structured vs unstructured
  • Why data quality matters ('garbage in, garbage out')
  • Bias in data and its consequences
  • Privacy and data protection basics
  • Hands-on: exploring real datasets
Module 3

How Machines Learn

  • The key insight: learning from examples
  • Supervised vs unsupervised learning
  • The training process: how models improve
  • When ML works well (and when it doesn't)
  • Interactive demos with visual ML tools
Module 4

Neural Networks Explained

  • Inspiration from the brain
  • Structure: layers and connections
  • How information flows through networks
  • Deep learning explained simply
  • Interactive: TensorFlow Playground experiments
Module 5

AI That Understands Language

  • How computers process human language
  • Text classification and sentiment analysis
  • Machine translation
  • Large Language Models: ChatGPT and beyond
  • Limitations and 'hallucinations'
Module 6

AI That Sees Images

  • How computers 'see': pixels to understanding
  • Image classification and object detection
  • Face recognition: capabilities and controversies
  • Generative AI: DALL-E, Midjourney
  • Deepfakes and synthetic media
Module 7

Chatbots & AI Assistants

  • How modern AI assistants work
  • Prompt engineering: getting better results
  • Understanding AI limitations
  • Fact-checking AI outputs
  • Build a simple chatbot (no-code)
Module 8

AI Tools for Work

  • AI writing assistants
  • AI for research and analysis
  • Spreadsheet AI (no coding)
  • Presentation and design AI
  • Building AI-enhanced workflows
Module 9

AI Ethics & Society

  • Bias and fairness in AI
  • Privacy in the age of AI
  • AI and the future of work
  • Misinformation and AI content
  • Responsible AI principles
Module 10

Your AI Portfolio

  • Consolidate learning across the programme
  • Create demonstration pieces
  • Present to different audiences
  • Career planning and next steps
  • Pathways to further education

Ready to start your AI journey?

Begin with the Learn platform and build your AI skills from day one.

Start Learning

Build Real AI Skills

Master practical AI competencies that matter in today's workplace – all without writing a single line of code.

Understand AI Concepts

Core principles and terminology

Work with Data

Data types, quality, and bias

Machine Learning Fundamentals

Training, testing, validation

Prompt Engineering

Getting better AI outputs

Computer Vision Basics

Image recognition and generation

Natural Language Processing

Text analysis and generation

AI Tools Proficiency

Practical hands-on experience

Ethical AI Thinking

Responsible AI use

AI Project Planning

Real-world implementation

Portfolio Development

Demonstrable skills

All skills are taught through hands-on projects using real AI tools – no programming knowledge required.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for anyone who wants to understand and work with AI – regardless of technical background.

Career Changers

Looking to transition into AI-related roles without starting from scratch with computer science.

Professionals Upskilling

Want to add AI competencies to your existing skill set and stay competitive in your field.

Students Seeking Qualifications

Need a recognised credential that demonstrates AI knowledge to employers.

Small Business Owners

Want to understand how AI can benefit your business without hiring expensive consultants.

Teachers & Educators

Need to understand AI to teach or integrate it into your educational environment.

AI-Curious Beginners

Fascinated by AI but intimidated by technical jargon and programming requirements.

This course may NOT be for you if:

  • You're looking for advanced programming or ML engineering training
  • You already have deep expertise in AI and machine learning
  • You want to build AI systems from scratch using code

How We Compare

See how our certificate stacks up against other learning options.

Feature
Best Value AI Fundamentals From £499
YouTube Free
University £9,000+/year
Structured Curriculum
No Prerequisites
Recognised Qualification
Self-Paced Learning
Hands-On Projects Varies Varies
AI Tutor Support
Portfolio Outcome Varies

Start with Learn at £499, or get all 4 platforms for £1,596

Get Started

Breaking Into AI Shouldn't
Require a Time Machine

The traditional path to an AI career is broken. Outdated education systems, expensive degrees, and confusing certifications leave aspiring professionals stuck.

Degree Gatekeeping

Traditional CS degrees take 3-4 years and cost £27,000+ while AI job requirements keep changing.

Bootcamp Burnout

12-week bootcamps cram too much, leave gaps in fundamentals, and offer no recognized credentials.

Certification Confusion

Random online certificates don't align with UK qualification frameworks or employer expectations.

Experience Catch-22

Entry-level jobs require experience, but how do you get experience without a job?

There has to be a better way to become job-ready in AI

Your Path to an AI Career

Four integrated platforms that take you from curious beginner to certified professional—all within your 12-month access period.

01

Learn

Master the Fundamentals

Bite-sized video lessons, interactive quizzes, and AI-powered tutoring. Learn at your own pace with 24/7 support.

  • 140+ video lessons
  • Interactive quizzes
  • AI tutor support
  • Mobile-friendly
02

Labs

Practice in Real Environments

Get hands-on with actual cloud infrastructure. Build projects using the same tools professional AI engineers use daily.

  • 24+ hands-on labs
  • Real cloud instances
  • Portfolio projects
  • Code reviews
03

Exam

Earn Your Credential

UK-recognized proctored exam. Demonstrate your competence and earn a qualification that employers trust.

  • Proctored assessment
  • Ofqual-aligned
  • Digital certificate
  • Verification portal
04

Grow

Launch Your Career

Career coaching, CV reviews, interview prep, and dedicated support to help you land your first AI role within ~12 weeks.

  • Career coaching
  • CV optimization
  • Interview prep
  • Job placement support

10 Modules Across 5 Units

01 Introduction to AI
02 Understanding Data
03 How Machines Learn
04 Neural Networks
05 AI & Language
06 AI & Images
07 Chatbots & Assistants
08 AI Tools for Work
09 AI Ethics & Society
10 Your AI Portfolio

140+ video lessons across all modules

A Framework Built
For Your Career

The Qualify Nation Framework takes you from foundation knowledge to expert mastery. Clear progression. Rigorous assessment. Skills employers value.

Industry-Aligned Curriculum built for how work actually works
Proctored Assessment Your credential reflects genuine competence
Employer Verified Digital verification portal for recruiters
Qualify Nation Framework Professional Development Pathway
QNF5
Expert QnDip · 1200 hours
QNF4
Specialist QnDip · 1000 hours
QNF3
Professional QnCert · 600 hours
QNF2
Practitioner QnCert · 500 hours
QNF1
Foundation QnCert · 400 hours
You Are Here

The AI Job Market Is
Exploding

UK businesses are scrambling to hire AI talent. The demand far outpaces supply, creating unprecedented opportunities for certified professionals.

Read the full job market report
72%
UK AI employment growth (2022-2024)
56%
AI wage premium over non-AI roles
3.2:1
Global demand-to-supply ratio
£400bn
UK economic value from AI by 2030
170M
New AI jobs projected by 2030

UK AI Market Growth

UK AI Employment Growth

Full-time equivalent roles in AI sector (2022-2024)

72% total growth from 2022 to 2024

Source: UK DSIT AI Sector Study 2024

UK AI Sector Revenue Growth

Annual revenue in billions (GBP)

125% growth from 2022 to 2024

Source: UK DSIT AI Sector Study 2024

Global Salary & Compensation

AI Job Posting Share by Country

Percentage of all job postings that are AI-related (2025)

UK leads globally in AI job market share

Source: PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer 2025

AI Wage Premium Growth

Salary premium for AI roles vs non-AI roles

+124% increase— AI skills premium DOUBLED in one year

Source: PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer 2025

AI Salary Ranges by Role (UK, 2025)

Salary ranges in £000s by experience level

Source: Indeed Hiring Lab UK, LinkedIn Jobs 2025

The Skills Gap Crisis

AI Talent Supply vs Demand Gap

Global demand-to-supply ratio: 3.2 : 1

For every 100 qualified AI professionals,
there are 320 open positions — a 68.75% talent gap

Source: Gartner CIO Survey 2025, WEF Future of Jobs 2025

UK Skills Gap Crisis

Percentage of UK tech leaders reporting challenges

160% increase in skills gap concern (2024-2025)

Source: Gartner CIO Survey 2025

Future Projections

Future AI Jobs Projection (2025-2030)

Global job market impact in millions

+78 million net new jobs projected by 2030

Source: WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025

AI Hiring Growth by Sector

Year-over-year AI job growth rate by industry

51% of AI job postings are now OUTSIDE IT departments

Source: LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2025

Fastest-Growing AI Roles (2025)

Year-over-year growth in job postings

Source: LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2025

Data Sources

UK DSIT AI Sector Study 2024PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer 2025WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025Indeed Hiring Lab UK 2025LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2025Gartner CIO Survey 2025

Careers You Can Pursue

AI/ML Engineer

+143%
£ 55-85k

Prompt Engineer

+136%
£ 50-80k

Data Scientist

+38%
£ 50-75k

AI Product Manager

+52%
£ 60-90k

NLP Specialist

+67%
£ 55-80k

AI Content Creator

+135%
£ 40-65k
I was stuck in a retail management job, feeling like the tech industry was completely out of reach. No CS degree, no connections, no idea where to start. Qualify Nation changed everything. Within a year, I had a real qualification, a portfolio of projects, and the confidence to apply for AI roles. The Grow platform helped me land a junior ML engineer position at a fintech startup. My salary jumped from £28k to £52k. This programme genuinely transformed my career.
SM
Sarah Mitchell ML Engineer @ FinTech Startup
Verified Graduate
The Transformation
Before
Retail Manager
£28,000/year
No tech background
Felt stuck
12 months
After
ML Engineer
£52,000/year
QNF1 certified
Career momentum
Salary Increase +86%

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about the programme. Can't find an answer? Get in touch.

Absolutely none. This course was specifically designed for people with zero programming background. You'll learn AI concepts and use AI tools through visual interfaces, no-code platforms, and guided demonstrations. The focus is on understanding how AI works and how to use it effectively—not on writing code.

You'll receive an AI Fundamentals Certificate at RQF/FHEQ Level 3, which is equivalent to A-Level standard in the UK qualifications framework. Our curriculum follows Ofqual quality assurance standards (Ofqual-aligned), and employers can verify your credential through our online verification portal.

You have 12 months of access from the date of enrolment. This gives you plenty of time to complete the 400 learning hours at your own pace, whether you choose the intensive full-time track (3-4 months) or the part-time schedule (6-9 months).

Yes, as with all courses leading to a recognised qualification, there is a final exam. The exam takes place in a quality-assured, proctored environment to ensure the integrity of your credential. Throughout the course, you'll also build a portfolio of practical projects that demonstrate your skills. One free exam resit is included if needed.

You'll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard AI tools including ChatGPT, Claude, DALL-E, Midjourney, Google's AI tools, Microsoft Copilot, and various no-code AI platforms. These are the same tools being used by professionals across industries today.

Yes, the course is designed with working professionals in mind. The part-time track requires just 5-6 hours per week over 6-9 months. All content is self-paced and available 24/7, so you can study early mornings, evenings, or weekends—whatever fits your schedule.

You have 24/7 access to our AI tutor for immediate help with concepts and questions. For more complex issues, our human support team responds within 24 hours. You'll also have access to our learner community where you can connect with fellow students.

You can start with the Learn platform at £499, which gives you full access to all 10 modules and the AI tutor. As you progress, you can unlock additional platforms (Labs, Exam, Grow) at £499 each. Alternatively, the Complete Bundle at £1,596 gives you access to all four platforms upfront—saving £400 compared to purchasing separately. Each platform includes 12-month access from the date of purchase.

Yes. We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee if you haven't started the course. If you purchase but don't log in within 14 days, simply email us and we'll refund you in full—no questions asked. Once you begin the course or after 14 days from purchase, refunds are not available.

Still have questions?

Contact Support

Choose Your Path

Start with Learn and upgrade as you progress, or get everything upfront with the Complete Bundle.

Pay Monthly

12 monthly payments, full access

£ 80.00 per month

£960.00 total over 12 months

Everything included:

  • Learn: Full curriculum & AI tutor
  • Labs: Hands-on practical exercises
  • Exam: Portfolio assessment & certification
  • Grow: Career coaching & job support
  • 12-month access to all platforms
  • One free assessment resit included
  • 14-day refund if not started
Enrol Now
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee Not started? Full refund, no questions asked.

Flexible payment options available

Credit/Debit Card Stripe Bank Transfer
12-Month Access From date of signup for each platform
One Course at a Time Complete your current course before starting another
Limited spots available

Ready to Start Your
AI Career?

Join 847+ learners who've already transformed their careers. Your future in AI starts with a single step.

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Ofqual-Aligned
94% Pass Rate
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14-Day Guarantee