Digital Innovation and Transformation

Master the Art of Prompt Engineering

This course equips professionals with the skills to design effective prompts for AI models, enhancing their ability to generate desired outputs. Participants will engage in practical exercises to refine their prompt engineering techniques, ensuring they can tackle real-world challenges in AI-driven communication and content generation.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Professionals often struggle to elicit accurate and relevant responses from AI systems due to poorly constructed prompts. Understanding the nuances of prompt engineering is essential for maximising the potential of AI tools across various applications, from marketing campaigns to technical documentation. Effective prompts can significantly influence the quality of AI-generated content, leading to improved productivity, better decision-making, and enhanced user engagement. As organisations increasingly rely on AI for diverse tasks, mastering prompt engineering becomes a crucial skill for professionals aiming to leverage these technologies effectively and efficiently in their workflows, ultimately driving innovation and success.

Participants will learn to craft prompts that yield high-quality outputs, enabling them to make informed decisions about AI usage in their specific contexts. By practising real-world scenarios, they will develop the ability to diagnose issues in prompt design and apply effective strategies to enhance AI interactions. This practical experience will empower them to create tailored prompts that meet specific project requirements, ensuring that AI tools serve their intended purpose. The course will also cover the evaluation of AI responses, enabling participants to refine their prompts continuously and adapt to changing project needs, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of hands-on workshops, case studies, and collaborative exercises to build practical skills in prompt engineering. Participants will engage in simulations where they create and refine prompts based on specific scenarios relevant to their work environments. Each day includes exercises that require critical thinking and iterative design, allowing participants to test their prompts with AI models and receive immediate feedback. The outputs will include a portfolio of effective prompts tailored to various contexts, demonstrating their understanding and application of the techniques learned. This approach ensures that participants leave with applicable skills and a toolkit for future projects.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse the structure of effective prompts for AI models.
Design prompts that elicit specific types of responses from AI.
Evaluate the effectiveness of different prompt strategies in real scenarios.
Construct prompts for diverse applications, including creative writing and technical tasks.
Diagnose common issues in prompt design and suggest improvements.
Justify the choice of prompt structure based on desired outcomes.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Content Creators: Need to generate engaging material efficiently.
Data Analysts: Require precise outputs for data interpretation tasks.
Marketing Professionals: Aim to enhance customer engagement through tailored AI interactions.
Technical Writers: Seek to improve documentation quality using AI.
Educators: Want to leverage AI for personalised learning experiences.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Crafting precise and context-aware prompts.
Evaluating AI responses for quality and relevance.
Adapting prompts for various AI applications.
Diagnosing prompt-related issues effectively.
Implementing iterative design processes for prompt refinement.
Collaborating with peers to enhance prompt strategies.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding AI and Prompt Engineering

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a set of AI-generated responses to various prompts, identifying strengths and weaknesses. They will discuss how different prompt structures influenced the outputs and propose alternative prompts to improve results.

Output: A report detailing analysis findings and recommendations for prompt improvements.

09:00–09:54Introduction to AI models and their capabilities, including NLP and machine learning.
09:54–10:48The importance of prompt engineering in AI interactions and its impact on output quality.
10:48–11:00Key principles of effective prompt design, including clarity and specificity.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Key principles of effective prompt design, including clarity and specificity. (continued)
12:12–13:06Common pitfalls in prompt creation and how to avoid them.
13:06–14:00Evaluating AI responses based on prompt effectiveness and user intent.

Day 2Crafting Effective Prompts

Applied activity: In small groups, participants will create a series of prompts for a specific AI application, testing them in real-time and iterating based on the outputs received. They will document the changes made and the rationale behind them.

Output: A collection of refined prompts ready for deployment in chosen applications, along with a brief justification for each.

09:00–09:54Elements of a well-structured prompt, including context and clarity.
09:54–10:48Techniques for specificity and clarity in prompts to ensure desired outputs.
10:48–11:00Using context to enhance prompt effectiveness and relevance.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Using context to enhance prompt effectiveness and relevance. (continued)
12:12–13:06Iterative design: refining prompts based on feedback from AI responses.
13:06–14:00Testing prompts with AI models for immediate feedback and adjustments.

Day 3Advanced Prompt Strategies

Applied activity: Participants will work on a case study where they must design prompts for a fictional product launch, considering various audience segments and desired outcomes. They will present their strategies and receive peer feedback.

Output: A set of tailored prompts aimed at different target audiences for the product launch, complete with a presentation of the rationale.

09:00–09:54Exploring advanced techniques for crafting complex prompts that drive specific outcomes.
09:54–10:48Utilising conditional and multi-part prompts for nuanced AI interactions.
10:48–11:00Strategies for creative and technical writing prompts that engage AI effectively.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Strategies for creative and technical writing prompts that engage AI effectively. (continued)
12:12–13:06Incorporating user intent in prompt design to align with project goals.
13:06–14:00Case studies of successful prompt engineering in industry, highlighting best practices.

Day 4Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Prompts

Applied activity: Participants will review a series of poorly performing prompts, diagnosing issues and collaboratively redesigning them to improve outputs. They will implement changes and test the revised prompts with AI models.

Output: A revised prompt portfolio with detailed explanations of changes made and expected improvements.

09:00–09:54Identifying common issues in prompt outputs and understanding their causes.
09:54–10:48Techniques for troubleshooting ineffective prompts through analysis and iteration.
10:48–11:00Collaborative problem-solving for prompt design challenges faced in real projects.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Collaborative problem-solving for prompt design challenges faced in real projects. (continued)
12:12–13:06Feedback loops: learning from AI responses to improve prompt quality.
13:06–14:00Best practices for ongoing prompt evaluation and refinement in professional settings.

Day 5Integrated Prompt Engineering Application

Applied activity: In teams, participants will create a comprehensive prompt toolkit for a specific use case, integrating all techniques learned. They will present their toolkit to the class and receive constructive feedback to refine their approach.

Output: A complete prompt toolkit, including rationale and expected outcomes for each prompt, ready for implementation.

09:00–09:54Combining techniques learned throughout the course into a cohesive strategy.
09:54–10:48Developing a comprehensive prompt strategy for a specific project or use case.
10:48–11:00Collaborative workshop to create a prompt toolkit that addresses various scenarios.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Collaborative workshop to create a prompt toolkit that addresses various scenarios. (continued)
12:12–13:06Presenting and critiquing peer-designed prompts to enhance learning.
13:06–14:00Final reflections on prompt engineering best practices and future applications.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

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Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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