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HND in Digital Technologies (Artificial Intelligence)
Would you like to build a career in the fast-growing world of Artificial Intelligence?
The Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Digital Technologies (Artificial Intelligence) at GBS Dubai gives you the knowledge, skills and practical experience to thrive in one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields today.
This internationally recognised qualification consists of 240 credits, combining both Level 4 (Higher National Certificate) and Level 5 (Higher National Diploma) units. You will learn how AI solutions are designed, developed and applied across industries while preparing you for high-demand roles or further study in AI and digital technologies.
Intake
January, March, June and September
Duration
Two years
Awarding Institution
Pearson
Delivery
On-campus (weekdays/weekends/evenings)
Campus
Dubai Knowledge Park
Language
English
Course Overview
The HND in Digital Technologies (Artificial Intelligence) at GBS Dubai is designed for those who want to become innovators in the AI field. Over two years, you will explore fundamental computing concepts, programming, data analytics and machine learning, APIs, App Development, Risk Analysis and System Testing, AI solution development while building the expertise to design and implement AI-driven solutions.
Through hands-on projects, case studies and simulations, you will gain experience with AI tools and techniques used across industries such as finance, healthcare, logistics and marketing. The programme focuses on real-world problem-solving, preparing you for a competitive and technology-driven job market.
Whether you aim to launch your career in AI or progress to university-level study, this HND offers the professional edge you need to succeed.
Study Plan
Curriculum
Year 1 – Level 4 (Higher National Certificate) – 120 credits
- Unit 1: Professional Practice in the Digital Economy
- Unit 2: Innovation and Digital Transformation
- Unit 3: Cyber Security
- Unit 4: Programming
- Unit 5: Big Data & Visualization
- Unit 6: Cloud Fundamentals
- Unit 7: Software Development Lifecycles
- Unit 8: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems
Year 2 – Level 5 (Higher National Diploma) – 120 credits )
- Unit 9: Business Intelligence
- Unit 10: Internet of Things
- Unit 11: Emerging Technologies
- Unit 12: Risk Analysis and Systems Testing
- Unit 14: Application Program Interfaces
- Unit 15: Digital Sustainability
- Unit 16: Pitching and Negotiating Skills
Course highlights
- Master the fundamentals and applications of AI in diverse industrial sectors.
- Develop specialist skills through hands-on projects and AI-based problem-solving.
- Learn to work with cutting-edge tools in machine learning, data analytics and intelligent systems.
- Gain industry-relevant, transferable skills that improve employability.
- Progress directly to a final year bachelor's degree in AI, computer science or related fields.
Assessment
There are no formal examinations for this course. Assessments are undertaken in various ways:
- Case study
- Training Delivery Demonstration
- Business case
- Python Programming Solution Development
- PowerBI dashboard development
- Cloud deployment simulation
- Report
- IoT Prototype development
- AI Solution Development
- Software Development Life Cycle Practices linked with Industry context
- Emerging technology solution development
- Application development
- API Development
- Digital Sustainability projects
- Pitching & negotiation presentation
- Risk Analysis and Software testing simulation
- Presentation
- Completing a portfolio of evidence
You will be required to work a certain timeframe within the semester (scheduled deadlines will be communicated for each unit) complete research, homework tasks or group work. Self-study is vital to your success on this course and lecturers will give you guidance on how best to approach this throughout the study period.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Academic entry requirements vary from country to country. For academic requirements by country, contact us.
- General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A Level) or other Advanced Level qualifications
- High school diploma / senior secondary school certificate (Year 12 or equivalent)
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
- Recognised national technical or vocational qualifications
All qualifications must be issued by a recognised examination board or authority in your home country. Academic entry requirements vary by country — please contact us for country-specific requirements.
English requirements
To study at GBS, you must demonstrate that your English level meets the required standard. We accept a variety of English language qualifications and tests for entry to our courses. For full details, see: English Requirements | GBS Dubai.
If you would like to improve your English before joining your course, please contact our colleagues at English Path Dubai. They offer a variety of English courses to meet students’ needs and abilities.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
At GBS Dubai, we believe that quality education should be accessible and affordable. Our aim is to support ambitious students like you in achieving your academic and career goals without financial barriers.
Annual Tuition Fee
AED 40,000 per year
We offer flexible payment plans to help you manage your tuition in a way that fits your financial situation. Whether you are funding your studies independently or with family support, our finance team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Scholarships and Financial Support
GBS Dubai is proud to offer a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships to help reduce the financial burden for eligible students. Our scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership potential, and personal commitment to growth.
You may be eligible for:
- Merit scholarships based on your academic performance
- Early application discounts
- Referral rewards for recommending friends
- Flexible instalment plans to spread the cost across manageable payments
We encourage all applicants to discuss scholarship options during their admission process.
Course Overview
The HND in Digital Technologies (Artificial Intelligence) at GBS Dubai is designed for those who want to become innovators in the AI field. Over two years, you will explore fundamental computing concepts, programming, data analytics and machine learning, APIs, App Development, Risk Analysis and System Testing, AI solution development while building the expertise to design and implement AI-driven solutions.
Through hands-on projects, case studies and simulations, you will gain experience with AI tools and techniques used across industries such as finance, healthcare, logistics and marketing. The programme focuses on real-world problem-solving, preparing you for a competitive and technology-driven job market.
Whether you aim to launch your career in AI or progress to university-level study, this HND offers the professional edge you need to succeed.
Study Plan
Curriculum
Year 1 – Level 4 (Higher National Certificate) – 120 credits
- Unit 1: Professional Practice in the Digital Economy
- Unit 2: Innovation and Digital Transformation
- Unit 3: Cyber Security
- Unit 4: Programming
- Unit 5: Big Data & Visualization
- Unit 6: Cloud Fundamentals
- Unit 7: Software Development Lifecycles
- Unit 8: Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems
Year 2 – Level 5 (Higher National Diploma) – 120 credits )
- Unit 9: Business Intelligence
- Unit 10: Internet of Things
- Unit 11: Emerging Technologies
- Unit 12: Risk Analysis and Systems Testing
- Unit 14: Application Program Interfaces
- Unit 15: Digital Sustainability
- Unit 16: Pitching and Negotiating Skills
Course highlights
- Master the fundamentals and applications of AI in diverse industrial sectors.
- Develop specialist skills through hands-on projects and AI-based problem-solving.
- Learn to work with cutting-edge tools in machine learning, data analytics and intelligent systems.
- Gain industry-relevant, transferable skills that improve employability.
- Progress directly to a final year bachelor's degree in AI, computer science or related fields.
Assessment
There are no formal examinations for this course. Assessments are undertaken in various ways:
- Case study
- Training Delivery Demonstration
- Business case
- Python Programming Solution Development
- PowerBI dashboard development
- Cloud deployment simulation
- Report
- IoT Prototype development
- AI Solution Development
- Software Development Life Cycle Practices linked with Industry context
- Emerging technology solution development
- Application development
- API Development
- Digital Sustainability projects
- Pitching & negotiation presentation
- Risk Analysis and Software testing simulation
- Presentation
- Completing a portfolio of evidence
You will be required to work a certain timeframe within the semester (scheduled deadlines will be communicated for each unit) complete research, homework tasks or group work. Self-study is vital to your success on this course and lecturers will give you guidance on how best to approach this throughout the study period.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
Academic entry requirements vary from country to country. For academic requirements by country, contact us.
English requirements
To study at GBS, you must demonstrate that your English level meets the required standard. We accept a variety of English language qualifications and tests for entry to our courses. For full details, see: English Requirements | GBS Dubai.
If you would like to improve your English before joining your course, please contact our colleagues at English Path Dubai. They offer a variety of English courses to meet students’ needs and abilities.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
At GBS Dubai, we believe that quality education should be accessible and affordable. Our aim is to support ambitious students like you in achieving your academic and career goals without financial barriers.
Annual Tuition Fee
AED 40,000 per year
We offer flexible payment plans to help you manage your tuition in a way that fits your financial situation. Whether you are funding your studies independently or with family support, our finance team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Scholarships and Financial Support
GBS Dubai is proud to offer a range of merit-based and need-based scholarships to help reduce the financial burden for eligible students. Our scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership potential, and personal commitment to growth.
You may be eligible for:
- Merit scholarships based on your academic performance
- Early application discounts
- Referral rewards for recommending friends
- Flexible instalment plans to spread the cost across manageable payments
We encourage all applicants to discuss scholarship options during their admission process.
This HND gives you practical expertise in AI, data analytics, machine learning and intelligent systems, preparing you for the future of tech.
Progression Pathway Highlights
- Complete the HND in Digital Technologies (Artificial Intelligence) at GBS Dubai.
- Progress to Level 6 at a GEDU partner university to finish your UK bachelor's degree in computer science, Data Science or AI-related fields.
- Graduate with international recognition and industry-relevant skills.
Graduates of this HND can pursue careers in:
- Artificial Intelligence Development
- Machine Learning Engineering
- Data Science and Analytics
- Natural Language Processing
- Computer Vision Engineering
- AI Consultancy
- Robotics and Automation
- Digital Transformation Roles
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Our Partners
Our collaborations with world-renowned awarding bodies and professional organisations ensure that our qualifications are internationally recognised, industry-relevant and future-ready.
What our students say
GBS Dubai offers a wide range of industry-focused education courses, designed to fit around your busy schedule.
Egor Yantsov
BA (Hons) Business and Management (GBS Malta)When I arrived here, I had a lot of support from the academic office and staff. I think the best advice I could give would be to enjoy your time because studying here is such an amazing experience.
Another Student
MBA (Global Business)This university gave me the opportunity to learn and grow, both academically and personally. I truly recommend it for anyone seeking quality education abroad.
Another Student
MBA (Global Business)This university gave me the opportunity to learn and grow, both academically and personally. I truly recommend it for anyone seeking quality education abroad.
FAQs
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree. While the duration of HND courses can vary occasionally, they typically take two years to complete. HNDs are available in a range of specialisms, including artificial intelligence, computing, engineering and more.
Yes, you can progress from a Higher National Diploma (HND) to a full undergraduate degree. Many universities offer direct entry into the third and final year of a bachelor’s degree for HND graduates, meaning you could earn your degree with just one additional year of study.
Both an HND and a bachelor’s degree are valuable qualifications, but the best choice depends on your career goals and study preferences. An HND typically takes two years to complete and is highly practical, making it ideal for fast-tracking your entry into the workforce. A bachelor’s degree usually takes three to four years and provides a more in-depth academic approach.
Applicants must have completed secondary education equivalent to UK Level 3 and meet English language requirements. Academic entry requirements vary from country to country. Please contact us for specific entry requirements based on your location.
A Higher National Certificate (HNC) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in digital technologies are vocational qualifications that provide essential knowledge of computing, programming, and technology applications, along with practical skills development. The HNC takes one year to complete, while the HND takes two years.