PgCert in Population Health Leadership
€4,500 (EU)/€7,500 (non-EU)
Critical understanding, leadership, and decision-making for positive population health outcomes.
Postgraduate Certificate
1 year
Online - Part-time
30 ECTS
September 2026
About
The Postgraduate Certificate in Population Health Leadership from RCSI School of Population Health is designed to equip students with essential knowledge of the key factors influencing population health, alongside the leadership skills needed to drive meaningful change.
This programme provides a strong foundation in population health science and leadership, enabling learners to develop critical thinking, decision-making, and applied skills to inform policy, system design, and practice for improved population health outcomes.
The postgraduate certificate is delivered part-time in a fully online format, making it accessible to working professionals. Live online sessions take place weekly on Tuesdays from 12:00–2:30 PM (Irish time).
This programme is a 30-ECTS Level 9 award on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications and offers a pathway for further study, including progression to higher qualifications in population health leadership.
Synthesise the principles of population health science and demonstrate how these are applied in social and community care ecosystems
Apply appropriate methods drawing from the following population health disciplines: social sciences, epidemiology, biostatistics, environment health sciences, health policy and economics
Develop leadership skills in critical analysis, advocacy, communication, management, professionalism and ethics
Suitable for
This programme is ideal for allied health professionals including doctors, managers, nurses, allied health professionals, interdisciplinary health and social care workers, clinical specialists, and administrators. It is also relevant for those in medical supplies, the pharmaceutical sector, and healthcare regulation.
What you will learn
Introduction to the understand-decide-act framework, population-health strategies, scientific guidance, and effective implementation.
Skills to design, interpret, and communicate population health research using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods.
Global health challenges and evidence-based decision-making.
Evaluating evidence for designing and assessing effective individual and population health interventions.
Holistic understanding of population health, focusing on systems, leadership, and connecting organisational drivers for health generation.
Challenges in implementing evidence-based health policies, integrating implementation sciences, economics, and community engagement.
Faculty highlight
Biography
Prof. Edward W. Gregg
Prof. Gregg is Head of the RCSI School of Population Health. He has worked extensively in chronic disease epidemiology and surveillance, prevention effectiveness trials, the development of natural experiments to study health policies, and modelling of health impact and cost-effectiveness of public health interventions.
Find out more
Register your interest
Are you interested in learning more about the PgCert in Population Health Leadership programme with RCSI? Register your interest below and a member of the team will be in touch with you.
Course information
- Understand existing population health frameworks to develop effective plans of action incorporating key needs assessment and multi-disciplinary evidence, and practical planning
- Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental research study designs, including their strengths and limitations.
- Explain the social determinants of health and how they can be effectively addressed to improve population health
- Determine key health behavioural factors impacting individual and population health
- Identify key leadership actions for population health case studies and assess how these actions or decisions addressed or resolved the presented challenges.
This list is not exhaustive.
The Population Health Leadership curriculum builds cumulatively in three stages of development from a postgraduate certificate (30 ECTS) to a postgraduate diploma (60 ECTS) and option to progress to a full MSc (90 ECTS) with an applied project. Each cycle allows for exit awards at PG Cert (Year 1), PG Diploma (Year 2) and MSc level.
We are proud to be a recognised University of the National University of Ireland (NUI). All RCSI programmes are accredited by the NUI. This programme is a Level 9 award on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Recognition by Ministries and bodies in all jurisdictions must be determined by the individual applicants.
Recognition in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
There have been positive developments across the region in relation to the recognition of online programmes delivered by international universities.
In the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, several RCSI graduates have successfully obtained degree recognition from the relevant authorities. In addition, RCSI is listed as a recognised institution for online study by the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Recognition requirements and application processes vary by country. For further information, please register your interest and one of our student recruitment advisors will be in contact.
Admissions
English language requirements for Postgraduate programmes are published on the RCSI website.
Fees: €4,500 (EU)/€7,500 (non-EU).
For more information, please register your interest using the form above.
How to apply
Applications for the MSc in Population Health Leadership are now open for autumn 2026. There is only one intake each year, starting in September. Please begin your application by completing the form below.
Please ensure you attach the following supporting documents with your application:
- Clear copy of a valid passport.
- Copies of your academic transcripts/degree.
- Copy of your CV.
- English proficiency test (if required).
Already begun your application? Complete it via our application portal now.
Continue your application