Leading Digital Transformation in Health and Care for Scotland [PGCert, PGDip, MSc]

Although the programme is delivered online, you'll kick off your journey with an inspiring in-person welcome event on Thursday 2 October in Edinburgh. This is a unique opportunity to connect face-to-face with your peers, build lasting professional relationships, and meet the expert team delivering the programme. It’s the perfect setting to start building your network, share ambitions, and set the tone for a transformative year ahead.

Please follow the steps below to complete your application:

1. Download the application form (below) and prepare your responses using the Application Guidance and Checklist.

2. Obtain support from your Line Manager and Digital Supporter, including supporting statements.

3. Submit the completed application form by email to nes.dew@nhs.scot no later than Sunday 6 July 2025 @23:59

* Please note: As this is a fully funded opportunity supported by the Scottish Government and COSLA, we ask for personalised applications to help the panel understand how this investment will benefit you and your organisation.

To ensure your application is considered, please note the following:

• All sections of the application form must be fully completed, including the applicant, line manager, and digital supporter sections.
• This guidance document and checklist are provided to support you in completing each section accurately and effectively.
• Due to a short application and selection window, incomplete applications cannot be progressed.
• Please do not submit your application until all required sections are complete.

If your application is successful, you will be required to register with the University of Edinburgh and provide evidence of your academic qualifications and relevant experience.

We cannot consider applications without support from your line manager. It is essential this section is completed before you submit your application form.

We cannot consider applications without support from your Digital Supporter. It is essential this section is completed before you submit your application form. However, if you are having any difficulty identifying someone appropriate, please contact the Programme Team as soon as possible at nes.dew@nhs.scot

A live learning session to explore the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) and help applicants better understand the application process was held on Wednesday 18 June. 

You can watch a recording of the session and access the slides below. Please contact the  Team at nes.dew@nhs.scot if you have any follow up questions.

Due to the competitive nature of the programme, as an applicant, you are expected to adhere to the following principles:

1. Capacity and Commitment - Carefully reflect on your ability to commit both personally and professionally ensuring you have the time, support, and capacity to balance the programme with other responsibilities. 
2. Commit to learning - Take ownership of your development by engaging fully with the programme content and activities including engaging with digital transformation projects and developing leadership skills to influence and inspire. 
3. Apply your learning in practice - Use your new skills and knowledge to drive digital transformation within your organisation and across the wider sector. 
4. Collaborate and share - Contribute to the learning community by sharing insights and supporting peers, fostering learning and leadership development in others within health and social care. 
5. Be open and reflective - Engage in critical reflection on your leadership experiences, challenges, and development priorities to support both personal and professional growth, helping you explore how to improve and evolve as a leader in digital transformation. 
6. Engage with support - Work closely with your Line Manager and Digital Supporter to apply and sustain your learning in the workplace, ensuring ongoing mentorship and leadership development.  
7. Participate in Evaluation - Complete all required programme evaluation activities to measure impact and inform future programme developments. 
    

The Applicant Principles have been developed to help you assess your readiness to take part in the programme and to outline the level of commitment required to succeed. They reflect the programme’s focus on practical, applied learning and its goal of supporting real-world digital transformation in health, social care, social work, and housing.

By applying, you are confirming that you are prepared to actively engage in all aspects of the programme, apply your learning in your organisation, and contribute to wider system-level change. These principles also help ensure fairness, transparency, and maximum impact of the investment in digital leadership development across Scotland.

To support your journey, this fully online programme is designed to offer flexibility, academic excellence, and meaningful connection—no matter where you're based.

Flexible Online Learning, Within a Structured Timetable
The PGCert in Leading Digital Transformation in Health and Care for Scotland is delivered fully online, offering flexibility in how you manage your weekly learning — typically around 10–12 hours per week. You can choose when and where to engage with course materials, contribute to discussions, and complete readings.

However, it’s important to understand that this flexibility exists within a fixed academic framework. Each course runs to a set timetable, and assessment deadlines are set by the University of Edinburgh. These cannot be altered or extended (except in exceptional circumstances). Staying on track with the schedule is essential to completing the programme successfully.

This approach provides a balance: you have the flexibility to study when it suits you during the week, but with the structure and academic rigour expected of a postgraduate qualification.

Benefits of online learning
Online learning is flexible allowing you to study conveniently around your busy schedule. However, it’s important to note that the programme follows a structured timetable with fixed deadlines for assessments.

Flexible study schedule
You choose when and where you study. Read textbooks, watch lectures and contribute to discussions at times and locations that suit you.

Career enhancement
Studying at masters level can lift your career to the next level, whether that be to help you stand out from the crowd or to transition to a new career.

Equal degree to on-campus masters
The University of Edinburgh’s online programmes are academically equivalent to on-campus degrees and involve the same level of work overall. The qualification you get is of equal value, and your degree certificate will not mention that you studied the programme online. You will be taught by lecturers and tutors who are among the leading figures in their field and passionate about their subjects.

Collaborative experience
Studying online is not an isolated experience. You will have regular contact with students across the sector and the university's academic staff  in Edinburgh. The university's online environment is designed to support and encourage collaborative learning.lecturers and tutors who are among the 

Access to support services
You have access to the same university support services as on-campus students, with more than 800,000 e-books and e-journals available in the library, access to careers consultants, as well as IT and academic support services, too
 

What happens if I need to take a break for unforeseen reasons?
If unexpected personal or professional circumstances arise, you may be able to interrupt or extend your period of study, in line with University of Edinburgh’s policies. However, this will depend on whether the programme continues beyond the current cohort.

It is important that you contact the programme team as early as possible to discuss your options and receive appropriate support

 What if I can’t complete the programme?
If you are unable to complete the full programme, any credits you have successfully achieved will be formally recorded by the University of Edinburgh. These credits will remain on your academic record and may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) should you choose to apply to a similar programme at the University or another institution in the future, subject to their individual policies.

We encourage you to speak with the programme team as early as possible to understand your options and ensure the appropriate steps are taken.