UNESCO

Global MOOC on the Ethics of AI

UNESCO

Global MOOC on the Ethics of AI

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Explain the core principles and frameworks of AI ethics and responsible AI.

  • Assess ethical risks and societal impacts associated with AI systems.

  • Apply governance and human rights-based approaches to the development and use of AI.

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Recently updated!

July 2026

Assessments

2 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer
Taught in English

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There are 10 modules in this course

This module explores the foundations of AI ethics, examining how ethical thinking applies throughout the AI lifecycle—from design and development to deployment and use. Learners will explore key ethical concepts, frameworks, and reasoning traditions while developing practical skills to identify, analyse, and address ethical challenges in AI systems.

What's included

3 videos2 readings

This module explores practical approaches to ethical AI design, using the Stanford AI Ethics Toolkit to connect ethical principles with real-world decision-making. Learners will examine how design choices influence human autonomy, dignity, and relationships, while applying practical frameworks to evaluate AI systems in diverse contexts.

What's included

3 videos2 readings

This module examines how AI systems are tested, evaluated, and governed to ensure safe and responsible deployment. Learners will explore risk-based approaches to testing, understand the relationship between evaluation and regulation, and analyse how technical, human, and organisational factors influence AI performance in high-stakes contexts.

What's included

4 videos2 readings

This module explores how fairness can be operationalised across the AI lifecycle, from defining affected groups and identifying risks to applying technical and governance tools. Learners will examine fairness trade-offs, safeguards, and corrective actions for AI-supported decisions.

What's included

4 videos2 readings

This module explores the principles of privacy, data protection, and data governance in AI, examining how responsible AI systems balance innovation with user rights, accountability, and trust. Learners will explore key governance concepts, practical tools, and real-world case studies to understand how privacy, transparency, human oversight, and responsible data practices support trustworthy AI throughout its lifecycle.

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 assignment

This module explores the principles of Transparency, Explainability, and Accountability (TEA) in AI systems. Learners will examine how TEA supports trust, human oversight, and responsible AI governance while developing practical skills to assess, communicate, and improve transparency and accountability throughout the AI lifecycle.

What's included

4 videos2 readings

This module explores the environmental sustainability of AI systems, examining their impacts across the entire AI lifecycle. Learners will develop practical skills to identify environmental hotspots, evaluate sustainability trade-offs, and apply frameworks that support responsible decision-making and organisational sustainability practices.

What's included

4 videos2 readings

This module explores proportionality and risk-based governance in AI, focusing on how to assess, manage, and mitigate risks while protecting fundamental rights and enabling innovation. Learners will apply practical assessment frameworks and governance tools to support responsible AI decision-making.

What's included

4 videos2 readings

This module explores the impact of AI on human autonomy, meaningful work, and workplace wellbeing. Learners will learn how to design AI systems that support human agency, implement effective oversight, and promote ethical and responsible AI adoption in the workplace.

What's included

4 videos2 readings

This module explores the complexities of AI governance across different countries, organisations, and regulatory contexts. Learners will delve into governance frameworks, cross-border challenges, and practical approaches to balancing innovation, accountability, and trust in AI systems.

What's included

3 videos2 readings1 assignment

Instructor

UNESCO - LG AI Research
UNESCO
1 Course8 learners

Offered by

UNESCO

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¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.