Public Health (International) PGCert

Course overview

Join a global community of professionals working to improve the provision of healthcare around the world and address modern global health challenges.

Our PGcert is designed to develop your skills to improve and build health services programmes and management systems.

• Learn in an international learning environment, with fellow professionals from a range of countries and areas of expertise.
• Develop the skills and knowledge to further your career in international and national health systems and organisations

This 4-month course provides more flexibility to those who need it due to finances, work or other commitments while still providing the professional development opportunities necessary for global public health practitioners. This timeline of work may suit those who want to concentrate their academic study in a shorter period. The course consists of only two core modules, which is usually completed with an examination in January of the second semester. You can however arrange for the examination to be taken in December at the end of the course.

Previous students of the postgraduate certificate can return and use the credits obtained to complete our Diploma or MPH(I) courses within three years, which allows you more flexibility to study in the way that best suits you.

Make an Impact

Through our PGCert, you’ll learn about effective solutions to combat modern global health challenges. You’ll benefit from the real-world knowledge and experience of our expert staff, as you prepare to join the global professional community to improve healthcare provision around the globe.

The PGCert is delivered by the Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, based in the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences.

You can also study this subject at Master of Public Health International (12 months with dissertation) or Postgraduate Diploma level (9 months).

Learn from the experts

Academic staff on the programme have a wide range of expertise reflecting the multi- disciplinary nature of Public Health. In addition, academics are engaged in both public health systems, service delivery and intervention research which positively impacts on policy and practice at global and national levels.

Academic staff have all worked in the health systems of low- and middle-income countries and have contextual knowledge of the opportunities and challenges faced by the public health services and programmes.

Course details

This course has two streams, meaning you can choose the one that best suits your professional goals:

• Stream A - a focus on public health interventions and services

• Stream B - a focus on health policy and health systems.

The taught compulsory modules listed below lay firm foundations for your learning throughout the course:

• Introduction to Global and Public Health – introduces global health issues, public health strategies and health systems for Universal Health Coverage.

• Principles of Public Health (Stream A) – analyses public health problems from a multidisciplinary perspective, dissects and explores how to strengthen existing and build new health services, programmes and related management systems in order to improve the health of populations and communities.

• Principles of Health Management (Stream B) – planning and policy – analyses types of policies and management systems in the health sector with particular focus on the changing roles of the government.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Public Health (International) PGCert in the course catalogue

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Learning and teaching

At Leeds, you'll build core skills and knowledge in specialist fields of public health, planning and management. You’ll benefit from the international learning environment, where you learn and discuss with fellow-health professionals from a range of countries and professional backgrounds.

You'll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, group work, workshops, tutorials and case studies. You will learn in an international and diverse classroom environment, with students from different countries and academic staff with lived and work experiences outside the UK. You will contribute to an active learning environment, which invites you to reflect on and share your own experiences while learning from others.

The course introduces essential learning skills for postgraduate level study, with particular emphasis on the challenges facing those returning to study to enhance their competence in the use of information technology. A reflective learning approach will form the basis of career-long independent learning and continued professional development.

Facilities

You’ll be able to use University facilities for independent study, such as computing facilities and the Health Sciences library, with its extensive collection of online journals. You will also have access to the newly refurbished Worsley Building with new teaching spaces and a social space specifically for postgraduate students.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by using a range of assessments, including an examination on epidemiology and statistics. Please note that although the course ends in December, the written examination usually takes place in January of the second semester. You can however arrange for the examination to be taken in December at the end of the course.

The range of coursework used develops your academic skills and supports your future career. They are designed to assess your understanding and application of international health and also to develop essential workplace skills, including analysing and synthesising contemporary research-based knowledge and presenting evidenced-based thinking in a coherent manner in a variety of formats.

Collaborative work is also an important part of the course. You will be encouraged to work and interact with academic staff and classmates and develop teamwork skills.

Fees

UK: £4,250 (Total)

International: £9,750 (Total)

Finding funds to study at the Nuffield Centre

If you would like to find out more information about scholarships at the Nuffield Centre, you can discover the relevant postgraduate funding options here .

Read more about paying fees and charges .

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees .

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page .