Planetary Health

This interdisciplinary MSc Planetary Health program at The University of Edinburgh has been developed with expertise from across the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science and the College of Science and Engineering.

The different global crises that the world is facing are interconnected, and many are determined by the way that we have used the earth’s resources, and prioritised development and growth.

‘ Planetary Health ’ is a new field of study which examines these factors and their consequences, and looks at ways in which redesigning, connecting and leveraging the interdependent health, environment and economic systems could offer new global solutions.

The challenge is how we can do this in a socially, economically and environmentally empathetic manner.

It equips students with the critical and data skills required to understand and design solutions for global crises. In particular, crises at the intersection of the future health and wellbeing of people and our planet, including:

• the climate crisis
• environmental degradation
• emerging infectious diseases
• mass extinction/loss of biodiversity
• malnutrition
• extreme poverty
• digital power concentration and inequality
• conflict
• cyber insecurity
• livelihood crises

The MSc Planetary Health at The University of Edinburgh has a strong focus on engaging local governments, finance and industry, and in designing policies with action-oriented and context-sensitive solutions. Students will:

• develop a robust understanding of Planetary Health concepts
• interrogate the relationship between the socioeconomic, environmental and geopolitical determinants of health across the globe

• access support to build careers focused on tackling climate collapse, health, and other inequalities

Postgraduate study at the Edinburgh Futures Institute

This program is part of an interconnected portfolio of postgraduate study in the Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI). EFI supports interdisciplinary teaching, learning and research that is focused on complex global and social challenges.

Our programs are all taught by academic experts from many different subject areas.

As an EFI student, you will develop creative, critical and data-informed thinking that cuts across traditional disciplinary boundaries. You will have the space to think deeply about questions linked to your own passions and professional goals, and will develop a project based on an issue that you care about.

Career opportunities

Our changing global landscape is increasingly dominated by interlinked and emerging crises, including those driven by inequalities and social, economic, and environmental risk.

All sectors including economy and business, health, energy, education, life sciences, environment, and media are seeking to move towards sustainable and responsible ways of working. They require graduates with cross cutting skills and demonstrable knowledge and understanding of data innovation, and teamwork, critical and collaborative abilities.

The core elements of the program address the data and higher-order skills we know are important for the future of work, confident and critical citizenship, and a thriving, just society.

You will develop a robust understanding of data-driven decision-making and graduate ready to institute positive change. Through practical skillsets, you will develop critical understanding of working with data and how to develop projects focused on creating sustainable solutions. Graduates will also develop a suite of core ‘soft skills’, ideal for those professionals who want to change careers, embark on new ones, or to change the institutions they are part of.

This program will appeal to a range of students – including recent graduates, career professionals and executives in sectors most impacted by global shifts including, the food sector, energy, education, housing, city planning, banking and finance, and companies looking to extend their ESG strategies.

Career opportunities are likely to range from roles that involve change-making, policy and advocacy, strategic planning for sustainability strategies or to roles in diverse areas such as:

• health tech

• sustainability

• inclusion

• health finance

• business development

• sectoral agenda-setting

• international and political engagement

• energy

• investment

• transport

• food and agriculture

• urban planning and development

Courses include:

• Planetary Health

• Human Health in the Anthropocene

• Understanding Planetary Health Data

• Planetary Health Governance

• Changing Climate, Changing Health

• Mental Health in the Anthropocene

• Ethical Financing for Healthy People and Planet

• Transforming Economies: A Wellbeing Economy Agenda

• Global Governance of the Health Environment Nexus