Catalyst Nanodegree Programme

Equip the professionals who make AI transformation happen.

Catalyst is a six-month Nanodegree that creates AI Champions — professionals with the deep knowledge, real skills and behaviours to lead AI transformation in their organisations. No prior technical background required.

Masters-levelExpert coachesTask-based assessmentB2B cohortsCustomisable
Launching March 2027Enrolment Jan 2027
Duration
6 months
faster & slower routes
Intensity
6–8 hrs
per week, alongside work
Pricing
£6,500
per learner
Delivery
Online
self-paced + live elements
For
Emerging AI leaders
+85%
AI capability score, start to finish
3 projects
AI initiatives launched per graduate in their first six months
100%
Portfolio pieces assessed as workplace-ready
Demo data — replace with live numbers post-launch (end 2026).

Complete real tasks. Lessons help you learn and do.

Traditional education teaches content, then tests knowledge. Catalyst flips this. Lessons in the programme build towards tasks drawn from real job descriptions: “Assess organisational readiness for AI adoption”, “Build an AI project plan” or “Conduct a process analysis to identify AI-enabled automation opportunities”.

Each lesson is made up of ~6 Units, a mix of knowledge, skills and behaviours, each highly interactive.

Learners are assessed on the completed task, not on a test. The output is a workplace-ready deliverable, added to the learner portfolio.

Step 1
The Task

A real job task, drawn from validated job descriptions for roles in the learner's chosen pathway.

Step 2
The Lessons

8–10 short lessons covering exactly the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to complete the task. Each lesson is made up of shorter units.

Step 3
The Deliverable

A professional output, examined and added to the learner's portfolio, demonstrating proof of capability, not recall.

Content updated every two months.

Catalyst content is updated every two months. World-class faculty from leading universities, paired with working perspectives from the frontier of AI — so learners are never studying last year's landscape.

Programme structure

Three levels. One MSc.

Completing all three leads to an MSc in AI Transformation. To be available in 2027.

Level 1 · Now available
Foundation
£6,500 per learner
~17–20 job tasks. Earns: Foundation Nanodegree Certificate.
Level 2 · 2027
Advanced
£6,500 per learner (est.)
Mid-level responsibilities, deeper expertise.
Level 3 · 2027
Mastery
£6,500 per learner (est.)
Senior strategic and leadership tasks.

A portfolio of real work and major progress towards a Masters-level qualification.

Ambitious managers and leaders, from any function, shaping AI-driven transformation in their organisations.

  • Typically 5–15 years of professional experience
  • No prior technical background required
  • Funded by their organisation (B2B cohorts) or, for some clients, self-funded via per-client enrolment

Do I need a technical background?

No. Catalyst is designed for managers and leaders from any function. Foundation preparation is completed at the start to ensure everyone has the baseline knowledge they need.

How much time will it take?

Six to eight hours per week, alongside full-time work. Most learners complete in six months. Faster and slower routes are available.

How is it assessed?

By the tasks you complete — not by exams. Each task produces a workplace-ready deliverable that's examined and added to your portfolio. Part of the examination will be a discussion with Faculty.

Does it stack into a Masters?

Yes. Catalyst (Foundation) is Level 1 of three. Complete all three levels and you hold an MSc in AI Transformation (TBC). Advanced (Level 2) and Mastery (Level 3) launch in 2027.

Can our organisation customise the programme?

Yes. We offer bespoke pathways, industry context adaptation, company-specific custom learning assets, and full mobilisation support — kick-off meetings, internal marketing, line manager toolkit.

Who delivers it?

Faculty from leading universities and practitioners, plus Learner Success Coaches who provide data-driven support throughout the six months, and live masterclasses at key points.

Ready to talk?

Catalyst Foundation launches March 2027. Enrolment opens January 2027.

davidb@zebrafish.ac →