Global Development Challenges (Online Learning) PgCert (ICL), PgCert
Online
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 6,370 / per course *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* Estimated total tuition fees for Global Development Challenges (PgCert (ICL), PgCert)
Introduction
Global Development Challenges considers the increasing economic, social and political inequalities in many parts of the world, and the need for new ways of thinking about and addressing international development.
This is a part-time online programme, taking a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the issues around international development and developing your capacity to address them.
Students who complete this programme will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate, but can combine it with other courses to earn an MSc award.
Delivered through online distance learning, the programme offers you an innovative route to gaining understanding and skills to address the complex, interrelated problems facing the world today.
Drawing on the University’s best research and teaching, this programme is flexible, challenging and current in its content, delivery and ambition.
You will examine a variety of case studies to explore strategies for addressing the most pressing global challenges of our time.
Topics covered by this programme include:
- global governance
- human rights
- donor aid strategy
- global health challenges
- climate change impacts
- ecosystem management
Online learning
Our students are part of a vibrant and growing online community at our prestigious School of Social and Political Science.
Through our innovative platform and learning activities, you will forge meaningful relationships with peers and a range of academic colleagues linking on your programme and other relevant online programmes, such as:
- MSc International Development
- MSc Global Health Policy
Rankings
The University of Edinburgh is a World Top 30 University (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Program Outcome
When you have completed the Postgraduate Certificate you will:
- understand development issues and international development from a comparative global perspective
- be able to critically evaluate the factors shaping particular development processes and their outcomes
- be able to apply theories and insights from scholarly research to practical issues and problems of global development practice and policy
Career Opportunities
This programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to work with:
- governments
- non-government organisations (NGOs)
- international aid organisations
- United Nations agencies
- the private sector
- universities
- other research institutions
The transferable skills you gain in areas such as communication and research will give you an edge in the employment market, whatever your career.
Our graduates
Graduates of this programme have previously found careers in:
- consultancy
- NGOs and charities
- international development
- corporate managerial positions in environmental and social governance
- Ministry of Health policy, strategy and managerial positions
Curriculum
The programme can be completed as:
- a standalone 60-credit Postgraduate Certificate
or
- as one of the three certificates that make up the MSc in Global Challenges
The programme comprises two core courses, worth 20 credits each, and 20 credits of elective courses. The core courses are:
- Global Development Challenges
- Analysing Development
After completing this programme, graduates can also take two further Postgraduate Certificates in Global Environment Challenges and Global Health Challenges.
Completion of all three certificates leads to a qualification of an MSc in Global Challenges.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Mastercard Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships
Scholarships are available for the Global Challenges online taught programme.
Please note: If the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the only scholarship you are interested in applying for at the University of Edinburgh, please apply for the Mastercard Foundation scholarship only first. If you receive a scholarship offer from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, then you can apply for the academic programme.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.