Overview and Structure
This postgraduate programme is aimed at individuals currently in leadership roles who are responsible for addressing complex challenges through creative problem-solving and setting a strategic vision to drive practical digital transformation within their organisation or system.
We also welcome applications from aspiring leaders who can demonstrate the potential and motivation to lead local digital transformation and who aspire to become senior digital leaders in the health and social care sector. You will be expected to evidence this potential through your responses in the application form.
Target Audience
This postgraduate programme is designed for individuals working in the NHS, health and social care partnerships, local authorities, social care, social work, care providers, housing, including the independent and third sector in Scotland who:
- Aspire to drive and implement digital transformational change at an organisational or system level
- Meet the academic entry requirements, or have 3–5 years of relevant work experience
- Have the support of their line manager and a digital supporter
Delivered by the University of Edinburgh, this programme is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to become innovative digital transformation leaders. It also provides opportunities to apply learning directly into practice, benefiting both their organisation and the wider system. While the course content is tailored to the Scottish context, it also offers insights into global innovations and digital transformation in health and care systems.
Programme Structure
This part-time, flexible online distance learning programme is designed to support you in continuing your professional role while studying.
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) consists of three compulsory 20-credit courses, each focusing on key areas of leading digital transformation in health and social care. The programme offers applied, collaborative learning experiences, tailored to current sector challenges.
Assessment is entirely coursework based, with no formal examinations. Full assessment criteria will be provided in the course handbook at the start of the programme.
The three courses are delivered in Academic Year:
| Course Title | Dates | Assessment deadline |
| Fundamentals of leading digital transformation | 15 Sept 2025 to 28 Nov 2025 | 27 October to 8 December 2025 |
| Service transformation: people, processes and technology | 5 Jan 2026 – 27 March 2026 | 16 February to 30 March 2026 |
| Evaluating digital transformation | 6 April 2026 – 19 June 2026 | 18 May to 29 June 2026 |
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 an online distance learning programme, there is flexibility in choosing when and where to study. However, it’s important to understand that this flexibility exists within a fixed academic framework.
Course materials 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.
Some courses offer weekly live sessions with course organisers and guest speakers. We encourage regular engagement with the online discussion opportunities, as they provide an excellent way to deepen your learning and share insights with others. Additionally, online and in-person networking events will be held twice a year, providing further opportunities for connection and learning.
