Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF)

by DeepLearning.AI × Google Cloud

IntermediateCourseFree~1 hour

Understand the technique that turned raw language models into helpful assistants.

Start LearningReviewed July 3, 2026

Overview

RLHF is how base models are aligned to be helpful and safe. This short course explains the pipeline — collecting human preference data, training a reward model, and fine-tuning the policy with reinforcement learning — and has you run an example on the Google Cloud tooling. It gives you the conceptual map you need before diving into hands-on preference tuning with DPO/PPO elsewhere.

At a Glance

Topic
Fine-Tuning
Level
Intermediate
Format
Course
Cost
Free
Duration
~1 hour
Provider
DeepLearning.AI × Google Cloud
Hands-on
Yes — code/exercises
Certificate
None

What You’ll Learn

  • The RLHF pipeline: preferences, reward model, policy tuning
  • Why alignment differs from ordinary fine-tuning
  • Running an RLHF example end to end
  • How to evaluate aligned models

Highlights

  • Demystifies the technique behind modern assistants
  • Conceptual clarity plus a hands-on lab

Who It’s For

Best For

  • Anyone wanting to understand model alignment

Prerequisites

  • Basic ML and fine-tuning concepts

FAQ

What is Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF)?

A conceptual and hands-on intro to RLHF — the alignment technique behind ChatGPT-style assistants — using open tooling.

Is Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) free?

Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) is free to access.

What level is Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) for?

Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) is aimed at a intermediate audience. Recommended background: Basic ML and fine-tuning concepts.

How long does Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) take?

Expect roughly ~1 hour. Most learners work through it at their own pace.

What will I learn from Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF)?

You'll learn: The RLHF pipeline: preferences, reward model, policy tuning; Why alignment differs from ordinary fine-tuning; Running an RLHF example end to end; How to evaluate aligned models.

Topics

RLHFalignmentreward modelfine-tuning