PgCert Healthcare Quality Improvement at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The PgCert Healthcare Quality Improvement is a part-time, fully online postgraduate certificate that teaches quality improvement methods, including the Model for Improvement, Lean and patient safety approaches, for health and social care staff. It is open to nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, care workers, health care scientists, managers, administrators and facilities staff. Modules are normally taken one per semester.

Duration: Part time: 18 months | Intake: January; September | Study mode: part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Three modules: introduction to Lean quality improvement in health and social care (semester 1), improvement science: enhancing quality in health and social care (semester 2) and introduction to patient safety in integrated health and social care environments (semester 1). Assessment includes discussion board contributions and reflections, case study assignments and reports.

Career pathways

Enhanced employment opportunities in quality improvement; progression to MA Health and Wellbeing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree or equivalent, or a postgraduate diploma or professional qualification recognised as equivalent to an honours degree. Applicants with a 2:2 or below, an ordinary degree or DipHE in a relevant subject plus relevant professional experience may be considered. Recognition of prior learning may be claimed. All students should be in employment and/or engaged in voluntary activities. International applicants: IELTS Academic overall 6.5 with no component below 6.0 (or an approved equivalent); applicants from majority English-speaking countries or with a recent UK degree may not need a test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 2,250 for the whole programme (2025/26). Students normally domiciled in Scotland; postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) Source

International applicants: GBP 3,600 for the whole programme (2025/26). Studying online from home country or assessed as international; postgraduate certificate (60 credits) Source

Intake: January; September

Duration: Part time: 18 months

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