Global Environment Challenges (Online Learning) PgCert
Online
DURATION
9 up to 9 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
GBP 6,370 / per course *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* Estimated full tuition fees for Global Environment Challenges (PgCert)
Scholarships
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Introduction
Human activity is changing the natural environment at an unprecedented rate.
As a result, humanity faces a range of complex and interrelated challenges:
- global warming
- ecosystem disruption
- biodiversity loss
- increasing difficulty in meeting the basic human needs for energy, food, water and shelter
Our PgCert Global Environment Challenges (Online Learning) takes a multidisciplinary approach to understanding these contemporary environmental issues. It will also develop your ability to address these in your professional life.
Drawing from the University's unique breadth of expertise, our programme enables you to develop an in-depth appreciation of how human activity drives environmental change.
This programme is affiliated with the University's Global Environment and Society Academy.
- Visit the Global Environment and Society Academy website
Online learning
The PgCert Global Environment Challenges (Online Learning) is delivered 100% online and part-time, enabling you to study flexibly and at your own pace, wherever you are in the world. You will benefit from interaction and engagement with our expert staff, as well as your peers around the world.
As a student of one of our online learning programmes, you will:
- have the flexibility to study when most convenient for you
- be able to study from anywhere with an internet connection
- have access to all University services and relevant academics
- become part of a rich and varied online community of people in your field
- learn the latest developments from people working at the leading edge in your field
- be able to balance your studies alongside employment and personal commitments
- study for an internationally-recognised Postgraduate Certificate
Studying online with the University of Edinburgh
Find out more about the benefits and practicalities of studying for an online degree with us:
- Postgraduate Online Learning
Rankings
The University of Edinburgh is a World Top 30 University (QS World University Rankings 2025).
Program Outcome
By studying the PgCert Global Environment Challenges (Online Learning), you will be equipped to:
- understand the challenges for society relating to sustainability, human well-being and environmental change
- critically evaluate local and regional environment-related issues, initiatives and projects within a global context
- apply theories and insights from scholarly research to support the development of appropriate responses to such issues through practice and policy
Career Opportunities
This certificate will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to work with:
- governments
- NGOs
- international aid organisations
- United Nations agencies
- the private sector
- universities
- other research institutions
Curriculum
The certificate is taught over three courses – two core courses and one elective.
These are delivered through an exciting mixture of online modes, including video lectures, study guides, self-directed and guided reading, as well as a range of interactive online reflection and discursive activities.
Global Environment Challenges
This course introduces the nature and relevance of key environmental challenges. You will gain the necessary background to understanding the policies, politics, governance and ethics, and decision-making processes that underpin the causes of, and responses to, environmental change. Topics include climate change, food, water, population and growth – and the relationships between them at global, regional and local level.
You will gain insight into environmental challenges facing humanity and the ethical issues relating to them. You will gain the skills to critically appraise the arguments surrounding such issues, and be able to communicate to others the reasons for and against a particular course of action in response to different environmental problems.
This course is delivered in Semester 1 (September to December).
Ecosystem Values and Management
This course considers the roles that ecosystems play in providing a range of ‘services’, including climate regulation, water, food, shelter as well as cultural and spiritual values. While recognising other perspectives, we focus on how healthy ecosystems underlie human well-being and quality of life. We will explore ways in which ecosystems’ scale, roles and functions can be valued.
You will develop your capacity to develop and critique valuations of ecosystems.
This course is delivered in Semester 2 (January - April).
Sustainability and Social Responsibility
This is an example of an elective course that could be chosen. This course explores sustainability and social responsibility concepts through a multidisciplinary approach, examining them from a scientific, social, economic, political, and artistic viewpoint. It covers the topics of sustainability metrics, personal contributions and sustainable lifestyles.
You will understand concepts of sustainability and social responsibility, as well as be able to engage and communicate effectively on these issues.
MSc Global Challenges
After taking this programme, graduates can take two further postgraduate certificates in Global Development Challenges and Global Health Challenges. Completion of all three certificates leads to an MSc in Global Challenges.
- Global Development Challenges
- Global Health Challenges