Global Environment Challenges (Online Learning) PgCert

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

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

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

By studying the PgCert Global Environment Challenges (Online Learning), you will be equipped to:

• Understand the challenges for society relating to sustainability, human wellbeing 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.

This certificate will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for work with:

• governments
• NGOs
• international aid organisations
• United Nations agencies
• the private sector
• universities
• other research institutions

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in any subject. We will also take any professional experience into account.

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money
  • taking out a loan
  • family support
• personal savings
• income from work
• employer sponsorship
• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

School of GeoSciences scholarships

• See potential funding for GeoSciences students

You are also encouraged to undertake your own research into the range of potential scholarships and other funding for which you may be eligible.

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding