This postgraduate course aims to understand extreme health inequities as they relate to homelessness and attendant health issues such as harmful substance use, mental health and trauma. SQCF Level 11 Credits 20 Course Director Prof Sarah Johnsen Start Date January 2026 Fees UK/EU £1,690 (if taken for academic credit) / £945 (if not taken for academic credit) The programme critically engages with contemporary issues, theories and concepts within the sphere of extreme health inequities, homelessness and inclusion health. Particular emphasis is placed on making input from empirical research and theory practically applicable to health and social care professionals. The course is popular as a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) option for practitioners and clinicians working in homelessness/housing, health and social care, and allied sectors. About the course This course is delivered by experts representing a wide range of disciplines from within and outwith the University of Edinburgh, including external health and social care practitioners and experts by experience. Students are expected to engage with their learning through watching recorded lectures (10 x 1-hours), online evening tutorials (10 x 1-hour), weekly contributions to an online discussion board, and reading relevant scholarly and practice/policy-focused literature. The course may either be taken with or without academic credit (see our Continuous Professional Development page for a description of the difference).The teaching is delivered over a 10-week period from mid-January (with a one-week break mid-semester). The written assignment (only applicable for those taking the course for credit) is due in mid-April. Beyond academic learning, the course offers invaluable opportunity to connect with other people (academics, clinicians, practitioners and students) who share interest in the prevention and resolution of homelessness and extreme health inequalities. Please note that this course is delivered completely online. It is also available in an on-campus format. Learn more about this course Learning outcomes On completion of this course, you will be able to:Develop a critical understanding of the intersection of extreme social inequities with health and housing.Critically engage with a wide range of social, psychological, biomedical and political theories and concepts of homelessness and extreme health inequities.Understand key concepts in the field of health inequities and Inclusion Health, such as social determinants of health, multiple and complex exclusion, and trauma informed care.Engage with a range of disciplinary perspectives on homelessness and extreme health inequities, including the perspective of experts by experienceDevelop knowledge and skills in conducting and evaluating research in the field of homelessness and extreme health inequities through theoretical input and practical exercises. Assessment There are two elements to the assessment, including:Written assignment, 3000-3600 words (3 blogs) (90%)Engagement in online discussion board tasks (10%) How to apply for CPD courses CPD courses are appropriate for applicants who have already studied an undergraduate degree, or equivalent. Along with a completed application form, you will need to submit copies of the following supporting documents:A work reference. If your referee prefers that you do not see your letter of recommendation, they can mail them to us, confidentially, at the below address.A short personal statement. Your personal statement should explain why you wish to study on the course and provide any additional information which you feel may support your application.An email stating whether you wish to take the course with or without academic credit.You don't need to submit evidence of your ability to study at Postgraduate level with your application, but we may ask to see copies of your undergraduate degree certificate or academic transcript (or equivalent).Please complete the application form either digitally or in block capitals and black ink, and return to us - including any supporting documents – at NursingCPD@ed.ac.uk CPD Application Form What previous students have said about the course This course did exactly what it said on the tin: it offered a robust overview of the relevant homelessness and inclusion health literature and theory whilst consistently ensuring this theory was grounded in real-world clinical applicability. The breadth and diversity of lecturers went beyond my expectations and worked surprisingly well as an online format (according to my chosen format of the course). Having the opportunity to work through the material in a small weekly online tutorial was particularly stimulating - not only being tutored by a specialist in the field with decades worth of experience both as a clinician and as a researcher, but also having the chance to connect with like-minded peers from across the UK and learn from their differing trials and tribulations. My clinical practice - and that of my team - has been changed for the better as a result of this course. You can't ask for more than that. Dan Psychiatric Nurse I recently completed the Homelessness and Inclusion Health course online and found it both accessible and rewarding. The flexibility allowed me to study at my own pace while balancing full-time work and caring for my children. I wouldn’t have been able to take this course if it were in person, so the online format was essential. The content was relevant and reflected what I experience in my day-to-day work, and the literature helped deepen my understanding. Tutor support was excellent, and I valued the chance to engage with other students. The course offered a great balance of structure and freedom, making it ideal for busy professionals. I highly recommend it to anyone in health or social care looking to expand their knowledge of homelessness and inclusion health in a flexible and supportive environment. Lucy Specialist Health Inclusion Nurse Further Information Enquiries about the course content and delivery are welcome and should be directed to Prof Sarah Johnsen at sarah.johnsen@ed.ac.uk.If you have any questions concerning your application please don't hesitate to contact us at NursingCPD@ed.ac.uk