Peninsula Medical School

PgCert Global Health

Duration

1 year
Course type

Part-time
Study location Distance learning
Register for open evening
Apply now

Health doesn’t exist in isolation – climate change, health inequalities, and changing demographics all shape health outcomes locally and globally. From workforce shortages to the impact of migration and emerging health technologies, global challenges influence every healthcare system. Anyone working in health today, whether in policy, practice, or research, needs a broad understanding of these interconnected issues.

Careers with this subject
An PgCert in Global Health prepares you for a diverse range of careers in health policy, research, international development, and frontline healthcare. Graduates go on to work in government agencies, NGOs, global health organisations, and academia, tackling pressing health challenges worldwide. Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or pivot to a new sector, this degree equips you with the expertise, networks, and critical thinking skills to make a real impact.

Key features
  • Designed for distance learning – purpose-built as an interactive, flexible online programme, offering a rich, high quality learning experience that fits around your life.
  • Expert-led teaching – learn from specialists within the Global Health Collaborative (GHC), a network of academics, clinicians and professionals tackling real-world global health challenges.
  • Asynchronous and synchronous learning – study at your own pace with recorded lectures and interactive content, whilst still engaging in live discussions, debates and collaborative exercises with staff and peers.
  • Cross-programme learning – take elective modules from the MClinEd Clinical Education programme, broadening your expertise and engaging with students and specialists from different disciplines.
  • GHC membership – all students become members of the Global Health Collaborative, providing access to a vibrant community of global health professionals, researchers and practitioners.
  • Diverse career pathways – graduates go on to careers in health policy, research, NGOs, global health organisations, and academia, applying their skills to address pressing global health challenges.
Wherever you are in the world, the University of Plymouth Global Health programme gives you the flexibility, expertise and networks to make a real impact.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    GH711DL
    Introduction to Global Health

    This module will unpick the phrase Global Health and the key issues and philosophies within it. It will consider the scholarship of an emerging field through time and look to the future requirements for global health leadership.

    GH716DL
    Primary and Public Health Care: Global Health Systems

    This module will compare and contrast different types of health systems globally and apply a deep and systematic understanding of the key principles of primary health care and public health policy and practice for health systems strengthening, particularly for communities experiencing health inequalities. Students will critically analyse impacts of broad social determinants of health on human health and health inequalities in impoverished communities.

    Optional modules

    GH715DL
    Health in Humanitarian Emergencies

    This module explores the management models of healthcare provision in response to humanitarian emergencies, resulting from both natural and human-induced crises. By evaluating the history of the humanitarian movement and factors affecting the current delivery of national and international aid programmes, this modules aims to review potential strategies for implementing sustainable healthcare programmes in LMICs.

    GH718DL
    Human Health and Health Inequalities in Coastal Communities

    This module aims to consider the marine ecosystem from a 'One Health' global perspective. Building upon Plymouth expertise in researching and supporting the marine environment this module will consider the impacts on human health and communities of challenges to the marine ecosystem including food sustainability, employment, pollution and health, climate change and changing marine and coastal environments, and health inequalities experienced by coastal communities locally and globally.

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
Normally a recognised first degree or equivalent will be required with a minimum of an upper second (2:1) class honours degree in a relevant global health subject (e.g. health professionals, media studies, politics and economics, human rights, health economics, health management, veterinary practice, community forestry, psychology, sociology). This could be wide ranging in terms of topics and disciplines.
Applicants with a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree or a recognised professional qualification at an equivalent level will be considered where they can demonstrate relevant experience or further professional development.
Additionally, candidates with substantial relevant work experience, gained through professional practice or other means, may also be considered where admissions staff are confident in their ability to succeed in the programme, in line with QAA guidance.
Admissions for all MSc, PgDip and PgCert pathways are handled by the central admissions team:admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2025-26
Home £3,780
International £3,780
Part-time £630 per 10 credits
Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances.
All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed.
Find out about funding your postgraduate studies with this helpful list of sources .

How to apply

Apply online

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for this programme.
Before you apply
Make sure you have all your supporting documents. Documents required usually include:
  • Evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • Evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • Personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in this course and outlining the nature of previous and current teaching experience. You can write this into the online application form, or send it as a separate attachment.
  • Two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course
  • Two passport photographs
  • Curriculum Vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • Proof of sponsorship, if applicable
When to apply
Applications for postgraduate programmes of study can usually be made throughout the year. When applying for a taught postgraduate programme, please check for any submission deadlines with the Medicine and Dentistry Admissions team (contact details below). For full-time programmes, you may be invited for interview.
Check the closing date and apply as early as possible as our programmes are popular.
Submitting an application
Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply' icon on this page).
Once you have registered and logged in, please enter the ‘course code’ which can be found above into the search bar to begin your application.
Additional guidance information can also be downloaded on how to fill in the postgraduate application form .
Admissions policy
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our online admissions policy for taught programmes. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
What happens after I apply?
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information, to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) or you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
The University aims to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Information team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. The Doctoral College is also available to answer any queries on our postgraduate research degrees.
If you have a disability and would like further information about the support provided by the University of Plymouth, please visit our Disability Services website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office .

A flexible and engaging online learning experience

Our PgCert Global Health programme has been redesigned from the ground up for distance learning, with flexibility and engagement at its core. This isn’t a traditional programme simply moved online – it has been carefully crafted to make the most of digital learning, ensuring a rich and interactive experience that fits around your life.
Through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning, you will benefit from the best of both worlds – independent study at your own pace, alongside real-time engagement with leading experts and peers.
Asynchronous content – recorded lectures, readings, and interactive materials – will allow you to explore key topics at a time that suits you.
At the same time, synchronous sessions provide valuable opportunities for live discussion, debate, and collaboration, ensuring you can remain connected with staff and fellow learners.
This approach fosters a global learning community, where diverse perspectives enrich understanding of complex health challenges.
With access to cutting-edge research, expert-led teaching, and a dynamic online environment, this programme equip will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and networks to advance your career – all without the constraints of a traditional classroom or having to step away from your career.
Whoever you are, whatever you do, and wherever you are in the world, the University of Plymouth PgCert Global Health programme fits around your life.

Learn from leading global health experts

Our PgCert Global Health programme is shaped by experts from the Global Health Collaborative – a network of academics, clinicians, and professionals tackling global health challenges in real time. Their expertise spans research, policy, and practice, bringing first-hand insight into the complexities of health systems, inequalities, and interventions worldwide.

Through case studies, research-led teaching, and real-world examples, you will engage directly with the issues shaping global health today.

This collaboration also creates opportunities for you to connect with leading voices in the field, expanding professional networks and will expose you to the latest thinking in global health.
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Online Information Event

PgCert Global Health
Tuesday 22 April, 6pm – 7pm

The programme is targeted towards all healthcare professionals, sustainable development professionals and graduates with a specific interest in global health. It has undergone revalidation and from September 2025 will be delivered 100% online.
Join Programme Lead Dr Michael Dillon to find out more about the programme and have the opportunity to join in a Q&A session.
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