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 to start in future years?
At this time, we cannot say as the demand and outcome is currently unknown, but we hope to run future cohorts.
How much time should an applicant expect to allocate towards the course per week?
This will vary week to week and be different for each learner. A good estimate would be around 10 hours per week (this is in line with other master’s level study). This will ebb and flow depending on which stage of the module/course you are at. Bear in mind that learning can be varied and will not always take place in front of a computer screen, it may take the form of reflection or work-based activities.
Is study support available?
The University of Edinburgh provide a lot of additional study support sessions from their Institute of Academic Development (IAD). This will be part of the induction for all learners and will be signposted. https://www.ed.ac.uk/institute-academic-development
Will you consider applications from those in all management positions?
This opportunity is aimed at those operating within a context or role where they are required to drive and implement practical digital transformational change within their organisation or system, those who can demonstrate their ability to lead local digital transformation and aspire to be a systems level digital leader will also be considered.
There are also other opportunities available which includes the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP). Further information on the programme and recruitment can be found here. The DLP supports ambitious and experienced health and care professionals to develop their leadership skills and influence digital health and care in their organisations.
Can you do this programme while completing the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP)?
You cannot participate in both programmes simultaneously due to the time requirements for each programme. The DLP is an excellent pre-cursor to the postgraduate certificate as it covers a range of fundamental digital leadership skills and experience in leading a digital transformation project, along with building your networks. The postgraduate certificate is designed for those aiming to advance their studies and career to a senior digital leadership role in a health or social care organisation.
Is the Digital Health and Care Leadership Programme (DLP) a pre-requisite for entry into this programme?
No, it is not a requirement but would be highly recommended for anyone without experience leading digital transformation
Do you have a list of executive sponsors that can sign off on this programme?
Due to complexity across sectors, we do not hold a list. The executive sponsor should be the CEO or the most senior person within your organisation. There is a section on the application for your sponsor to complete.
As a GP, where should I seek executive sponsorship?
You would need to seek sponsorship from the medical director of your local health board.
Does your previous experience have to be in health?
No, it's about you and the role you can play in your current organisation. We would encourage applicants from health, social care, social work and housing to apply.
Will selection be based on a mix of disciplines - NHS, care, third sector, etc.
Individual applications will be considered on their own merit, but we do hope to have a mix of disciplines and sectors on the cohort. We hope to have people from a range of sectors and geographical areas but obviously recognise that some areas have higher populations.
I know that 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 Teams site hosts user-generated content, including posts and discussions and other items. The Teams site, and the Network exists to provide members with an opportunity to share best practice, to debate and share issues of professional and public interest and to collaborate on advancing digitally-enabled service redesign in Scotland. Use this link to join.
If you are on secondment, would you need CEO sponsor from your original or seconded organisation?
We would encourage you to speak with both organisations. CEOs will want to support individuals; however, it is important that you discuss this on an individual basis.
How is the teaching delivered?
This is an online programme delivered through a number of different channels including pre-recorded videos, discussion boards and real-time teaching sessions. As a postgraduate level programme there is an expectation that learners will support each other, and this is facilitated through peer support groups which provide opportunities to learn about other systems and organisations. You will be given the tools to capture reflections and share your learning throughout your journey.