Data Driven Sustainability

Data is absolutely everywhere - it is all around us and continually growing.  The gathering of data is no longer a barrier, but there is a lack of people with the specific skills and understanding to process the abundance of information available and use it to inform the best ways to tackle emerging global challenges.

Who is this for?

This programme is suitable for professionals looking to upskill across a broad range of subjects in an emerging subject area.

What will I learn?

Students will learn how to use data to inform best practise, decision making and policy relating to planetary health and sustainable futures.  The learning opportunities explore the analysis and evaluation of data and students learn how to apply their understanding to recommend data-led working practises.

Why should I study here?

The breadth of expert knowledge in veterinary and applied science within the School enables us to reach beyond clinical education and pursue how the health of our planet is affected by the interactions between humans, animals and food systems.  

PGCert

The online, part-time format of our teaching is particularly suited to students with busy lives.  The flexible learning environment can be adapted to suit individual needs and online study allows you to study at a location that is convenient for you.

The School has been teaching online taught postgraduate programmes since 2008 and online learning is treated as seriously as in-person.  Our digital teaching platform has a dedicated e-learning team to ensure the teaching runs smoothly and students have access to support and welfare staff throughout their studies.

This programme will be supported by an experienced team of two programme co-directors, co-ordinator, administrator and course leaders and each student is provided with a professional mentor and student adviser.

Key features of the programme are pre-recorded lectures that you can view at any time, study guides, textbook and journal excerpts and interactive online discussions, enabling students from a range of disciplines to bring their unique perspectives to build a community of online students.

How online learning works at the University of Edinburgh

The PG Certificate begins in September and runs part-time over a period of 1-2 years. Teaching is delivered using a blend of online learning methods, supported by the University’s award-winning online learning environments.  The Certificate is awarded on successful completion of 60 credits.

Students enrolling onto standalone short courses may have start dates throughout the academic year.

Students can opt to take time out from learning if work or family life are impacted too much. It is also possible to pay per course* to help spread the cost of your studies.

The Certificate is comprised of two core courses providing 30 credits of learning.  The remaining 30 credits can be selected from a broad range of courses, see Content tab for details.  

*^{The University uses the terminology 'course', and sometimes 'module', to refer to the individual components that make up a degree programme}

20 credit courses (elsewhere often called ‘modules’) are delivered in 2 blocks of 5 weeks of study plus 1 week of independent study and reflection time in between.

10 credit courses are delivered over a period of 5 weeks. The majority of the lecture material is pre-recorded so that it can be watched at any time.

Each 10 credits represents 100 hours of study time and a time commitment of 20hrs per week.

Students can then select from a broad range of elective courses to create a tailor-made learning portfolio.  The Certificate is awarded on successful completion of 60 credits.

We have a number of internationally recognised experts in their field contributing to the teaching of this programme.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a life science or social science.

We may also consider applications from candidates below a 2:1, or a degree in another discipline, where they can demonstrate relevant professional experience over three or more years.  Relevant experience should be details in the Personal Statement section of the application.

Once successfully on the programme, completion of core courses is a pre-requisite for progression to subsequent courses. 

English language requirements 

If English is not your first language, we will also need to see evidence of your English language proficiency before we can offer you a place. 

English language requirements 

Tuition fees 

Please note that you can pay tuition fees on a course by course basis or in full. 

Tuition fees for online learning

Tuition fee discount for some of our former graduates 

Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding

The University of Edinburgh subscribes to a funding database specifically for those looking for funding to support postgraduate studies.  The guide contains a huge database of funding opportunities, comprehensive guidance and tools to help you prepare a winning grant application including.

The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online

Scholarship information 

It is recommended that you conduct your own research on this, but you can refer to the University Scholarship website to view suggestions on Scholarships. 

Online distance learning scholarships 

ITA Scotland 

Get up to £200 towards the cost of a training course with an SDS Individual Training Account (ITA). 

You could use the money to build the skills you need for a job. Or get some training to take your career to the next level. Whatever you want to do, there is a wide range of ITA approved courses on offer. 

ITA Scotland 

UK government postgraduate loans 

If you are planning to study with us, you could be eligible for a postgraduate loan towards your fees. From this year, online programmes are also eligible for this funding (please note, restrictions apply) 

This funding is available for UK nationals, those with settled status, and in some cases, EU nationals not resident in the UK. 

Learn more about postgraduate loans and submit your application 

Online application form 

Applications must be submitted through the University’s online application service, EUCLID. Offers cannot be made without a fully completed online application. 

Apply

Personal Statement

Please use the Personal Statement section to outline your motivation to study this programme, the knowledge you hope to gain and how this fits with your future career plans. 

Contact details 

If you would like more information on applying please contact the Programme Director at Steph.Smith1@ed.ac.uk 

The University has a strong and long-standing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and to promoting a positive culture which celebrates difference, challenges prejudice and ensures fairness.

Find out more