AI and Data Engineering
Advance your career with four expert-led courses covering essential artificial intelligence and data engineering principles
Duration
Approx 8 weeks1-2 hrs per week

Gain practical skills in AI and data engineering through four courses
The AI and Data Engineering ExpertTrack is ideal for professionals seeking to transition from technology consumers to an AI infrastructure specialist. This programme is designed to help you become a lead AI Architect, providing the end-to-end skills required for enterprise AI deployment and the creation of bespoke intelligence systems.
By the conclusion of the programme, you will be able to build and scale robust frameworks grounded in proprietary data, mastering the four pillars of the modern tech stack: high-performance data warehousing, automated AI pipelines, Machine Learning Operations (MLOps), and autonomous agent orchestration.
Mastering Data Pipelines and High Performance Warehousing
The journey to intelligence begins at the source because an AI must be fed before it can think. You will master Google BigQuery to build sophisticated data warehouses while utilising Python-based ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) workflows to turn fragmented data into actionable insight. By learning to automate the repetitive and optimise the complex, you ensure that your data is not just stored, but entirely AI-ready for any downstream application
Developing Knowledge Systems and RAG Frameworks
You will also explore Knowledge Systems and navigate the nervous system of modern AI through Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). By connecting data pipelines to vector databases, you will create context-aware applications such as enterprise copilots and smart search engines. These systems provide accurate, real-time responses based on specific organisational knowledge rather than generic training data, ensuring the output is both relevant and secure.
Scaling LLMOps and Intelligent Agent Architecture
Building a model is only the first step; keeping it running at scale is where the real work begins. You will cover LLMOps (Large Language Model Operations) to move from experimental prompts to secure, scalable enterprise deployment. This involves adapting models for custom domains while managing cost, latency, and drift, alongside implementing guardrails for bias mitigation and green AI practices. Furthermore, the programme covers the design of Intelligent Agent Architecture, moving from simple chatbots to orchestrating digital workforces capable of multi-step reasoning and collaborative problem-solving.
The courses within this ExpertTrack can also be undertaken as standalone study options - you can search within the wider Starweaver portfolio.
Key skills you will learn
- Data Infrastructure
- Knowledge Retrieval
- LLM Operations
- Agentic Orchestration
- AI Governance
Learning outcomes
By the end of the ExpertTrack, you’ll be able to...
- Assess complex data pipeline architectures to effectively integrate vector databases and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for context-aware enterprise applications.
- Evaluate Large Language Model performance, safety guardrails, and ethical implications to justify model selection and fine-tuning strategies for production environments.
- Apply robust LLMOps workflows, including automated deployment, monitoring, and drift detection, to maintain secure and scalable AI systems at an enterprise level.
- Design autonomous multi-agent architectures that utilise multi-step reasoning and tool integration to execute complex business tasks without human intervention.
- Synthesise foundational data engineering principles with advanced generative AI to architect end-to-end intelligent systems that adapt to evolving organisational needs.
Experience required
This ExpertTrack is suitable for learners with a familiarity of Machine Learning or LLM concepts and exposure to cloud environments. Intermediate Python proficiency and foundational SQL will help learners engage effectively with core topics.
Getting started
This programme is ideal for mid-to-senior data engineers, software developers, and technical architects aiming to lead the next wave of autonomous intelligence. It is tailor-made for professionals with strong Python and SQL foundations who want to move beyond prototyping into the rigorous world of LLMOps, RAG pipelines, and multi-agent systems.
ExpertTrack course overview
Course 1
Building Intelligent Agent Architectures
Become a GenAI production engineer—fine-tune models, deploy at scale, and maintain reliable, enterprise-ready AI systems.
5 tests
2 weeks
2 hours per week
Course 2
Productionising Large Language Models
Learn how to deploy and maintain large language models at scale with reliable, secure, and cost-effective practices.
10 tests
2 weeks
2 hours per week
Course 3
Mastering BigQuery: Building Data Warehouses for Improved Business Performance
Take control of your data with Google BigQuery and Python ETL to transform insights into action.
5 tests
2 weeks
1 hour per week
Course 4
AI Data Pipelines and Knowledge Systems
Build intelligent AI data pipelines and knowledge systems that power enterprise tools, like chatbots, copilots, and smart search.
5 tests
2 weeks
2 hours per week
Prove you're job ready
Highlight the new, job-relevant skills you’ve gained and supplement existing qualifications with a hard-earned, industry-specific digital certificate – plus one for every course within your ExpertTrack.
- Learn the latest in your chosen industry or subject.
- Complete each course and pass assessments.
- Receive certificates validated by the educating organisation.
- Impress employers with learning outcomes you can add to your CV.
- Make your career dreams a reality.
Download a PDF
How ExpertTracks work
Join an ExpertTrack to master new skills in your chosen specialist area. Work through a series of topic-focused courses at your own pace, and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate award which proves your expertise.
Decide if the ExpertTrack is right for you with free access to the full suite of courses and assessments for a week.
Pay a monthly subscription fee of $59 for as long as it takes you to complete the ExpertTrack. You can learn at your own pace and cancel at any time.
Receive a certificate for every completed course and pass the final assessment to earn a digital certificate.
Use your specialist training to progress further in your career or build expertise in areas you’re passionate about.
World-class learning with Starweaver
Starweaver is a next generation platform that engages your workforce as no other. Combining business and technical skills, Starweaver provides real-time skill building that is in line with your business objectives and strategies, and in your associates day to day tasks and jobs.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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Start learning today - free 2-day trial
After your free trial you can:
- Pay $59 per month to keep learning online
- Have complete control over your subscription; you can cancel any time
- Work at your own pace and set your own deadlines at every stage
- Only pay while you’re learning; the subscription will cancel automatically when you finish
- Complete online assessments to test your knowledge and prove your skills
- Earn digital course certificates and a final award that you can share online, with potential employers, and your professional network
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FAQ
ExpertTracks are a series of online courses designed to help you master new skills in specialist areas. You pay a monthly subscription fee which includes access to all courses within the ExpertTrack, as well as assessments and the final digital certificate.
Each ExpertTrack comes with a 2-day free trial period. You may cancel your subscription at any time and your subscription will automatically cancel when you finish the courses and assessments in your chosen ExpertTrack.
Yes. All of our ExpertTracks come with a 2-day free trial. You may claim one free trial period per ExpertTrack.
You have two days before you will be charged your first monthly subscription fee. When you join an ExpertTrack you automatically receive a 2-day free trial period. You can cancel at any time during the trial period and no payment will be taken from your account.
Please see our full refund policy here.
No, all of our ExpertTracks consist of fully online courses. This means you can take an ExpertTrack from anywhere in the world.
No. ExpertTracks are designed for you to master new skills in a specialist area. You will earn a digital certificate that proves your learning, but it does not carry accreditation.
If you’re looking for certified or accredited courses, many of our microcredentials offer university credit or professional certification.
Have more questions about ExpertTracks? Read the ExpertTracks FAQs, or contact us.
