Global Health Challenges (Online Learning) PgCert (ICL), PgCert, PgProfDev

The University of Edinburgh is currently ranked 15th in the World in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

We have designed the programme to help students have a better understanding of the big global health challenges in the world and to equip students to better respond to these challenges whether in jobs in development, industry, health and social care, the charity sector, journalism or international relations.

The Certificate in Global Health Challenges is one of three certificates (the other two being Development and Environment) which together make up the MSc in Global Challenges.

This Certificate takes a different lens than many other health programmes, aiming to equip those already working at the intersection of global challenges, or those interested in working in a job concerned with how health is changing across the world. The Certificate will give you insight not only into global diseases and their drivers, but into how human health, and the health of the climate, the land, the soil, the air, forests, oceans and rivers are interconnected.

It is an excellent stand-alone Certificate for anyone who is considering a career with global agencies, international or national organisations or charities concerned with what drives ill health and ways to respond to the complex web of health challenges. You will gain an understanding of the ways health is changing globally because of the climate crises, of how conflict destroys health gains and how health challenges can trigger conflicts, of the ways that the global systems we take for granted, the food system, our health systems and its services, the energy system are interlinked.

Students have come from, and gone to work in many different fields including:

• global aid and development
• journalism
• international business in the health and social care fields
• education
• Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability

Though focusing on health challenges, it isn't necessary to start the programme with a background in healthcare.

On completion of this certificate, you will have an understanding of the processes and procedures by which the global health agenda is shaped.

You will also possess the analytical and conceptual skills necessary to critically evaluate the nature of global health issues and to understand the interconnectedness of health with social, environmental, psychological and economic determinants.

Graduates will gain the knowledge and skills required for pursuing a career within:

• global health agencies or national health services concerned with the global health challenges facing communities
• industry and business
• social, economic and political thinking and institutions
• education

Our recent graduates have gone on to work in academia, and national and intergovernmental organisations (for example, EU, UN) in senior advisory and managerial roles.

The programme is delivered using an innovative blend of online learning opportunities supported by online learning environments.

It will involve:

• online discussion
• group project work
• online lectures delivered by world-expert leaders
• occasional synchronous sessions
• independent study and reflection

Courses

The programme comprises two 20-credit core courses and 20 credits of elective courses.

The core courses for 2023-24 are:

• Global Health Challenges: an Introduction
• Evaluation of Global Health and Development Programmes

The elective courses offered in 2023-24 include:

• Maternal and Child Health in a Global Context
• Migration and Health
• Leadership and Management in Public Health
• Global Challenges in Healthy Ageing

MSc Global Challenges

After taking this programme, graduates can also take two further postgraduate certificates in Global Development Challenges and Global Environment Challenges. Completion of all three certificates leads to an MSc in Global Challenges.