AI is transforming the way we work - and with Microsoft 365 Copilot, it’s already here. This brand-new course shows you how to use prompt engineering to harness AI across Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. Unlike traditional courses that simply teach software features, you’ll take a practical, problem-solving approach - learning how to craft prompts that eliminate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and boost productivity. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to work more efficiently and effectively, whether drafting documents, analysing data, managing email overload, creating presentations, or running smarter meetings. No technical background is required, just a working knowledge of Microsoft 365.
COURSE LENGTH:
COURSE STRUCTURE:
- Introduction to Generative AI and Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Foundations of Prompt Engineering
- Industry Developments and Microsoft 365 Copilot
- Productivity with Copilot in Outlook
- Productivity with Copilot in PowerPoint
- Productivity with Copilot in Excel
- Productivity with Copilot in Teams
- Productivity with Copilot in Word
- Integration and Cross-Platform Workflows
- Solving Real-Life Problems with Copilot
- Future Trends and Continuous Improvement
STUDY OPTIONS:
Part Time
1 x 3 hour live online evening class per week over 11 weeks
SUMMARY:
This course shows you how to harness the power of Microsoft 365 Copilot to work smarter, faster, and with less friction. Through the practical application of prompt engineering, you’ll learn how to get Copilot to generate high-quality content, automate repetitive tasks, and streamline workflows across Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Unlike traditional courses that focus on software features in isolation, this practical course takes a problem-solving approach. You’ll apply structured frameworks for prompt design, explore real-world business scenarios, and practise using AI tools to tackle common challenges such as managing email overload, analysing data, producing presentations, running effective meetings, and co-authoring documents.
The learning experience is interactive and collaborative, blending discourse with group work, case studies, and guided exercises. Each week, you’ll build both confidence and competence in applying Copilot directly to your professional context. Alongside technical skills, you’ll also gain insight into the wider industry trends shaping AI in the workplace, and Microsoft’s positioning in the AI productivity space.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a set of practical, repeatable strategies to boost productivity, eliminate low-value tasks, and create seamless workflows. You’ll also understand how to evaluate AI tools in a business context and how to continue developing your skills as the technology evolves.
To get the most from this course, you should already be comfortable using Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. No coding or AI expertise is required.
Learners taking part in this course will now have access to the EBSCO Online Library, free of charge, for the full duration of the course. Here you can browse thousands of relevant journal articles and other reliable academic and commercial texts like the Harvard Business Review, Bloomberg Businessweek and Forbes Magazine, to supplement your learning and assignments.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
AI is rapidly becoming a core part of everyday work, and professionals who can use tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot effectively will stand out in any organisation. By completing this practical course, you’ll demonstrate the ability to:
- Automate routine tasks and free up time for higher-value work
- Manage email overload and streamline communication - a valuable skill for management and leadership roles
- Produce professional-quality outputs faster across documents, presentations, and reports
- Analyse and visualise data with AI assistance, strengthening decision-making skills
- Adapt quickly to emerging technologies, showing forward-thinking and innovation
These skills are in demand across industries. Whether you’re a team leader, consultant, project manager, or knowledge worker, the ability to integrate AI into workflows positions you for progression, greater responsibility, and improved efficiency in your role.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Learners should have a working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications (such as Word, Teams, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel). No previous knowledge or experience of Co-Pilot or artificial intelligence is required.
- You must also have a Microsoft 365 Business Subscription with Copilot activated. Learners with a Microsoft 365 Personal subscription and Copilot activated can still join the course, but may be unable to fully participate in parts of two units. This will not affect your ability to complete assessments.
- To take part, you’ll need a computer with a reliable internet connection and video/audio suitable for Zoom classes.
ASSESSMENT AND CERTIFICATION
This Professional Academy Diploma is assessed through an Action Learning Log and a final Business Report. The Action Learning Log records your reflections and applied learning throughout the course, helping you connect classroom knowledge with your own professional context. The Business Report then allows you to showcase how Copilot and prompt engineering strategies can be applied to solve real workplace challenges.
You will have two days after the final class to submit your Action Learning Log, and two weeks following the end of the course to complete and submit your Business Report.
Your UCD Professional Academy Diploma will be issued electronically on a secure platform, with a link that you can share with employers and others wishing to verify your credentials. You’ll also be able to add the certification to your LinkedIn profile to demonstrate your achievement to your network as well as recruiters and potential employers searching for individuals with your skills and experience.
This course is not on the National Framework of Qualifications.
LEARNER PROFILE:
This course is ideal for professionals who spend a significant portion of their working day in Microsoft 365 applications and want to make their work more efficient, productive, and impactful. You may be:
- A busy professional looking to save time and reduce repetitive tasks
- A team leader or consultant who relies heavily on Microsoft 365 tools for communication and collaboration
- A consultant, researcher or marketer aiming to improve efficiency, accuracy, and output quality
- Someone seeking career progression by demonstrating adaptability and expertise with the latest AI productivity tools
To get the most from this course, you should already be comfortable using Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. No coding or AI expertise is required.
