Global Health Challenges (Online Learning)
Provided by The University of Edinburgh Medical School
About the course
Who this programme is for
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 in 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 the ways in which health is changing across the world. The Certificate will give you insight not only into global diseases and their drivers, but into the ways in which human health, and the health of the climate, of 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, or 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.
Why Edinburgh
The programme will utilise all that the particular expertise of the University of Edinburgh and its global partners offer in global health including its public, primary and planetary health expertise and its medical, nursing, social science and biomedical excellence.
This programme is affiliated with the University's Global Health Academy.
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
- feedback and mentoring
Courses
The programme comprises two 20-credit core courses and 20 credits of elective courses.
The core courses are:
- Global Health Challenges: an Introduction
- Evaluation of Global Health and Development Programmes
The elective courses offered 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.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Enquire
| Start date | Venue | |
|---|---|---|
| 08 Sep 2025 | Distance learning | Book now |