Global Health PGCert

Course overview

Postgraduate Certificate in Global Health – Fast-track your career in 8 months

Undertake this intensive 8-month PGCert (60 credits) to enhance your CV and accelerate your career progression. You will gain sought-after knowledge by immersing yourself in the global health landscape, exploring key theory and policy development aspects of this discipline to set you on the path to shaping the future of global health.

Who is this course for?

The PGCert in Global Health is ideal for:

• Public health professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and skillset.
• Individuals seeking a shorter, career-focused qualification without the commitment of a full master’s degree.
• Social Sciences graduates, healthcare workers and policy and international relations experts looking to gain a wider knowledge of global health practices.
• Environmental and sustainability professionals, researchers and academics.

Course highlights

• Gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Global Health from a World Top 100 University (QS World Rankings 2025).
• Enhance your network and connect with organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Study a truly interdisciplinary course which joins public health, international healthcare and global policy.
• Benefit from a flexible, 100% online course while studying with a renowned, research-intense Russell Group university.
• We are ranked 22nd globally for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• Learn how AI is being used to analyze and solve complex global health challenges.
• Gain exclusive insights from global health leaders through interviews and podcasts.

Course details

Our fully online PGCert in Global Health is designed for maximum flexibility, enabling you to balance your learning with your existing personal and professional commitments at the same time as fast-tracking your career.

You will begin with a two-week online induction, introducing the study skills needed for successful online learning at the University of Leeds.

The programme consists of four 15-credit taught modules, each typically studied over eight weeks, allowing you to complete your qualification in just eight months. Modules cover key areas such as global health systems and challenges, and global health governance and policy.

This focused, intensive programme is ideal for professionals looking to upskill quickly, providing in-depth knowledge in the wide-reaching global health landscape.

Please see the module table below for a full module breakdown.

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

Year 1 compulsory modules

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

Learning and teaching

You’ll be taught by expert academics from across four University of Leeds schools, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of this PGCert. The programme is delivered 100% online via our award-winning virtual learning environment, Minerva, allowing you to study flexibly alongside your professional and personal commitments.

You will access a wide range of digital learning resources including:

• Pre-recorded lectures, interactive course readings and practical activities to support your learning.
• Live synchronous seminars for real-time discussions with peers and academics.
• Asynchronous activities (e.g. discussion forums) allowing you to engage at your own pace.

This active learning approach ensures that you acquire knowledge and apply it to real-world challenges in global health.

Flexible, Career-Focused Learning

We recognise that people have busy lives, so our fully online Postgraduate Certificate enables you to gain a global health qualification online from a world-leading institution—without the added cost of relocating.

Study planners and progress-tracking tools will support your learning, helping you balance your studies with other commitments.

On this course, you’ll be taught by expert academics—including lecturers, professors, and, in some cases, industry professionals and trained postgraduate researchers—connecting you to leading expertise in the field.

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

Assessments provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have developed in the module. Each 8-week module consists of 6 weeks of teaching, followed by two weeks dedicated to assessments and a short break prior to your next module.

For a 15-credit module, you will typically complete one to two assessments, with formative assessment opportunities integrated throughout the 6-week study period.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods may include:

• Quiz
• Essay plans
• Research ethics
• Online tests
• Programme plans
• Protocols
• Magazines.

Students will be required to carry out a variety of formative and summative assessments designed to develop key skills in communication, academic practices and critical thinking.

Applying

Entry requirements

Standard Entry

• To meet the standard entry requirements, you need a 2:2 or above in any degree with honours

Professional route

To qualify for the Professional entry route, you need to meet ONE of the following criteria:

• A minimum of a third-class degree with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience in health or public policy, including any role within civil service or public administration, or education.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience. In a decision-making role involving some level of data analysis and use of qualitative or quantitative evidence.

English language requirements

Proof of your English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English language is essential to study at the University of Leeds. You will need either:

Alternative English Language Qualification

A degree taught in English from a recognised institution, lasting at least two years at the undergraduate level or one year at the Masters level, which can be evidenced by transcripts and/or certificates.

For more details, contact our Enrolment Advisors at onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.

How to apply

The deadline for applications to join each intake are outlined below:

• September 2025 start: Apply by 5 August 2025.
• March 2026 start: Apply by 3 February 2026.

As part of the selection process, candidates may be invited for a telephone or online interview.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Click the ‘Apply’ button at the top of this page to start your application via the University's online application system. If you want more information first, you can ‘register your interest’.

Before applying, please read our how to apply guidance.

For assistance with your application, contact onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk and our team will be happy to help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Politics and International Studies

Contact us

Online Admissions team

Email: onlineadmissions@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £5,000 (per year)

International: £5,000 (per year)

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.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

• University of Leeds alumni (or graduates of affiliated institutions) are entitled to a 10% bursary towards tuition fees. Find out more about eligibility for the alumni bursary and how to apply.
• UK students may be eligible for a UK government-backed loan, with specific terms and conditions for online courses. Applications are made through the Student Loans Company. Visit the UK Government website to find out more.

Career opportunities

Employers are increasingly seeking complex skills learned in the health sector, especially an in-depth appreciation of the inter-relationship between global health policy, governance structures, health services, stakeholders, and resources as an essential component in the landscape of health systems.

Upon completion, you’ll be better-equipped for roles in global and public health, including but not limited to:

• Public Health Professional
• Global Health Researcher
• Health Journalist
• Health Policy Analyst
• Health Program Manager
• Global Health Consultant
• International Health Coordinator
• Humanitarian Aid Worker.
• Health Advocate (CSO)
• Not-for-profit Global Health Worker
• Global Health Financing Consultant
• Development Consultant / Researcher / Worker.

Careers support

The University of Leeds Careers Service offers extensive online resources to help you maximise your studies and achieve your career goals:

• One-to-one support from a careers advisor via phone or virtual meetings
• Online career workshops, webinars and career resources
• A job database and online employer events
• LinkedIn Learning platform access
• CV writing guidance and job application support
• Interview coaching and practice sessions.
• Interview skills advice and practice sessions.

The Careers Service also connects students seeking to work in a specific region, and offers professional development through alumni network, online support and employer partnerships.