FAQs
These are designed to help with general enquiries. If you have a specific question please email the team at nes.dew@nhs.scot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this programme be available in future years?
While future cohorts are not guaranteed, we recommend registering your interest to stay informed about any future updates.
Can I progress to a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Masters (MSC) in this programme?
The current funding covers only the Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert). We cannot confirm if progression to a PGDip or MSc will be available in future years.
How much time should an individual expect to allocate to the programme per week?
Time commitment will vary week to week and between individuals. On average, participants should expect to dedicate around 10 to 12 hours per week, which is consistent with other master’s-level study. This may fluctuate depending on the stage of the module or course.
Keep in mind that learning will take different forms — not all of it will be screen-based. It may include reflection, reading, or work-based activities that can be integrated into your day-to-day role.
How are the 10–12 study hours per week expected to be balanced during and outside of work hours?
As a flexible online distance learning programme, participants can choose when and where to study each week. However, this flexibility sits within a fixed academic timetable, with weekly content, deadlines, and occasional live sessions.
How you balance your study time across work and personal hours is something to discuss and agree with your line manager. Many participants split their time between work hours (with manager support) and their own time, depending on workload and personal preference.
Engaging regularly with course materials and discussions is key to success, so we recommend agreeing a realistic and sustainable plan with your manager before applying.
Is study support available?
The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of study support through its Institute of Academic Development (IAD). This will be part of the induction for all participants and will be signposted. You can explore what’s available here https://www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academic-development.
Who could be a suitable Digital Supporter, and how do I choose one?
Your Digital Supporter should be someone from your organisation or another relevant organisation who can support your learning and leadership development during the programme and beyond. They don’t need to be a digital expert, but they should have experience, perspective, and a commitment to improving services and leading change. Find out more about Digital Supporters here.
English isn’t my first language, and I’m unsure if I meet the language entry requirements listed on the University of Edinburgh website?
The University of Edinburgh can apply some flexibility with English language requirements. If you’ve been working in the UK for several years, they need to see documentation to confirm this, such as a letter from your employer, tax documents, or immigration paperwork.
I work in Scotland on a Health and Care Worker visa and my colleague is on a Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa, can we apply for this funded postgraduate programme?
Eligibility for funding depends on your immigration status. To determine your eligibility for training funding, consider your specific visa type. Most work visas, including Health and Care Worker and Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visas, typically include a "no recourse to public funds" (NRPF) condition which limit access to publicly funded programmes, including postgraduate training. However, there are exceptions depending on your individual circumstances and visa conditions. We recommend checking your eligibility before applying. For guidance, visit:
Who is this opportunity for?
This programme is aimed at individuals working in roles where they are responsible for driving and implementing practical digital transformation within their organisation or system. Applicants who can demonstrate the ability to lead local digital transformation and have the aspiration to become a system-level digital leader will also be considered.
There are also other opportunities available, such as the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP). This programme supports ambitious and experienced health and care professionals to develop their leadership skills and influence digital health and care within their organisations. Further information on the DLP and its recruitment process can be found here.
Can you do this programme while also participating in the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP)?
You cannot take part in both programmes at the same time due to the time commitments required for each. The DLP is an excellent precursor to the postgraduate certificate, providing a strong foundation in digital leadership, experience in leading a digital transformation project, and opportunities to build your professional network. The postgraduate certificate is intended for individuals who are ready to advance their studies and careers into more senior digital leadership roles within health or social care organisations.
Is the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP) a pre-requisite for entry into this programme?
The DLP is not a formal requirement for entry. However, it is highly recommended for individuals who do not have prior experience in leading digital transformation, as it provides a strong foundation in digital leadership.
Does your previous experience have to be in health?
This programme is about your potential and the role you play in your current organisation. We encourage applications from across health, social care, social work, and housing.
Will selection be based on a mix of disciplines - NHS, care, third sector, etc.
All applications will be assessed on their individual merit. However, we aim to build a cohort with representation from a range of disciplines, sectors, and geographical areas.
I know the programme has links to the Scottish Digital Health and Care Network, how do I join the discussion?
The Scottish Digital Health and Care Network is hosted on a Microsoft Teams site where members share content, post discussions, and collaborate. The Network offers opportunities to share best practice, debate current issues, and work together on advancing digitally enabled service redesign across Scotland. You can join the discussion and access the Teams site using this link to join.
How is the teaching delivered?
This is a fully online postgraduate programme, delivered through a combination of pre-recorded video content, real-time live teaching sessions and online discussion boards. Participants are also organised into peer support groups, encouraging collaboration, shared learning, and insight into other systems and organisations. Reflective practice is a key part of the programme, and you will be provided with tools to help you capture and share your learning throughout your journey.
Is the course content a mix of theory, evidence-based practice, and real-world examples (e.g. from NHS Scotland)?
The programme combines key principles and evidence-based theory with a strong focus on real-world examples from across the whole health, care, and housing sectors—not just NHS Scotland. A wide range of guest speakers from different organisations and areas of expertise contribute to the content, helping to ground learning in practical, system-wide experience.
Will there be a final project submission at the end of the PGCert?
There isn’t a single final project submission. Instead, each course includes assessments that ask you to reflect on and apply your learning to real-world digital projects that are ideally ones you’re involved with in your own organisation. This helps ensure the learning is practical, relevant, and immediately useful in your role.
Can the assessments be tailored to my own work and organisation?
The programme is designed to help you apply theory and learning in a practical way. You’re encouraged to base your assignments on real-life examples and projects from your own organisation, making the learning directly relevant to your role and context.
How can I ensure that I provide the right information in my application?
You can access checklists for applicants, line managers and digital supporters within the application guidance, this can be downloaded here.
Where can I find out more about the commitment expected from applicants, line managers and digital supporters?
The application guidance here sets out a set of principles for each of these roles, this can be downloaded here.
Is the in-person Welcome Event compulsory?
Attendance at the in-person Welcome Event is not compulsory, but it is strongly encouraged.
The event is a valuable opportunity to meet your fellow cohort members, university staff, and your peer support group face-to-face. It helps to build early connections and set you up for a successful year.
We understand some people may have prior commitments so if you’re unable to attend, don’t worry. You’ll still be fully supported to settle into the programme online.
