Overview

Top reasons to study with us

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    QS World University Rankings (2024)

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    QS World University Rankings (2024)

  • Lancaster University is top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025

The Postgraduate Certificate in Innovation and Improvement Science is designed for applicants working in a healthcare context with the scope to undertake innovation and improvement projects.

This work-based course allows you to explore how to make better use of research and innovation to improve ways in which healthcare is organised and delivered for the benefit of patients.

The course is designed to focus on key concepts:

  • Improvement science concepts
  • Evidence-based approaches
  • Quality improvement and measurement

Students may also make a claim (Accreditation of Prior Learning) to gain credits for exemption from some modules.

The Postgraduate Certificate focuses on the development of key underpinning knowledge and skills. There are progression routes to Postgraduate Diploma and Master's with increased emphasis on bespoke learning related to the delivery of innovation and improvement projects and you can choose from a range of optional modules in line with your specific needs.

Course content

The course structure is outlined below, including core modules and some example optional modules. This programme is extremely flexible to suit your needs.

Course duration

This programme will take 1-3 academic years to complete

Start dates

We are recruiting now for January and June 2025 starts. For more information or to apply please make an enquiry.

Entry requirements

Academic Requirements

A first degree or equivalent professional qualification.

We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

English Language Requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Course structure

You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.

Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research. Not all optional modules are available every year.

Core

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Optional

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Fees and funding

For 2024/5 entry

The total fee for the course is £3,000, with the option to pay per module

£500 per 10-credit module (UK and international)

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.