PGCert 2024/25 - Application Process Now Closed
Recruitment for Cohort 2 of the Scotland led master’s level programme: PGCert Leading Digital Transformation in Health and Care for Scotland 2024/25 closed on Sunday 04 August 2024.
Scottish Government funding was available for up to 25 places as part of the Care in the Digital Age: Delivery Plan 2024-25 and Scotland’s Digital Health and Care Strategy Enabling, Connecting and Empowering: Care in the Digital Age.
Target Audience
Delivered by the University of Edinburgh, the programme aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required to become innovative transformation leaders, while providing the opportunity to translate these into practice for the benefit of the organisation and/or wider system. While the content aligns to the Scottish landscape, it will also include insight into digital innovation and transformation happening globally across health and care.
This senior level qualification is targeted at those working in the NHS, health and social care partnerships, local authorities, social care, social work, care providers, housing, charities and the third sector in Scotland who:
- Are currently operating within a role where they aspire to drive and implement digital transformational change within their organisation or system.
- Can meet the academic requirements for the programme, or have 3-5 years relevant work experience.
- Have the support of the Chief Executive or an Executive Director in their organisation.
Programme Structure
This is a flexible online distance learning programme designed to allow you to carry out your role and study at the same time. The qualification comprises of three compulsory 20 credit courses (listed below) that involve focused study in specific areas, providing applied and cooperative knowledge of leading digital transformation in health and social care organisations.
Assessments throughout the programme are based on coursework; there are no examinations. The assessment criteria will be available in the programme handbook. The three courses that make up the programme will be delivered in Academic Year 24/25:
| Course Title | Dates | Assessment deadline |
| Fundamentals of leading digital transformation | 16 Sept 2024 to 29 Nov 2024 | Mon 9 Dec 2024 |
| Service transformation: people, processes and technology | 6 Jan 2025 – 21 March 2025 | Mon 31 March 2025 |
| Evaluating digital transformation | 7 April 2025 – 20 June 2025 | Mon 30 June 2025 |
In addition, an in person welcome and induction event for Cohort 2 will be held on Wednesday 02 October, 10.00 – 16.00.
Course Overview
Fundamentals of Leading Digital Transformation - The course introduces the core elements of digital transformation which include envisioning, strategic development, digital maturity, and service redesign. It will cover critical evaluation of theories, evidence, case studies and practical tools relevant to digital transformation, leadership and change management that will provide students with the knowledge and skills required for successful digital transformation in the health, care, and housing sectors.
Service Transformation: People, Processes and Technology - The course introduces approaches and techniques associated with leading digital transformation in health and care. It will include an introduction to health and care information infrastructures and sociotechnical systems that can help students conceptualise complex digital transformation projects. Students will learn how to navigate tensions and trade-offs associated with various approaches and gain insights into various stakeholder perspectives that need to be considered.
Evaluating Digital Transformation - The course introduces methods for evaluating the impact of digital initiatives on health and care systems. It will include an introduction to various evaluation approaches including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Students will be provided with the knowledge and skills to apply validated evaluation tools and frameworks in practice.
Teaching and Learning Approach
As this is an online distance learning programme there is plenty of flexibility in terms of choosing when and where to study, as well as the pace at which you work. Course material will be released weekly on Learn, the University’s virtual learning environment and will include a mix of video presentations, text, asynchronous discussion boards and additional reading. Courses may also offer weekly live sessions with the course organisers and guest speakers. We encourage you to engage on a regular basis with the discussion opportunities online; these are an excellent way to deepen your learning and to contribute to and benefit from others’ learning too. Online and in person networking events are another feature of the programme and will be offered at least twice a year.
Expectations and Study Commitment
Postgraduate students are expected to be self-directed and motivated. You are responsible for organising your time and making sure you meet assessment deadlines and any other requirements.
What we expect from you
It is your responsibility to access the learning environment, Learn, a minimum of three times a week during term time; most students log in early in the week, or the previous weekend, to access the week’s core materials and then again later on in the week as time allows. There is often activity on the discussion board over the weekend as many people find this a convenient time to reflect on the task they have been asked to consider and work on during the week. You should read each course handbook at the beginning of term. You are expected to read and reflect on the readings provided and to engage in the course activities and discussions with other students, the teaching staff and experts within the specific field of study on the discussion board. The ethos of this programme is that students should contribute fully and freely during the course; this is a participant centred, interactive form of education where learners share their knowledge, problems, and experiences with other group members while discussing specific topics.
How Much Time Should I Spend Studying
A 20 credit course carries a notional time commitment of 200 hours over ten weeks; for a 10 credit course this is 100 hours over five weeks. This includes the time you would spend reflecting on or applying knowledge to, real life situations, and the time working on your final assignments. We normally expect students to spend approximately 10 hours each week participating in each course; this may be in the form of a discussion activity, recommended reading, preparation of assignments, etc. This may also include reviewing resources from the University’s Institute of Academic Development or taking part in sessions to help you develop your academic skills.
Some weeks will obviously catch your interest more than others, so the time you spend is very much driven by your level of interest and engagement with the course content. Students normally devote more hours at the end of the course to work on their final assignment.