Postgraduate Certificate in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement

Course details

Please note that this course is currently delivered by Oxford Lifelong Learning in collaboration with Nuffield Department of Surgical Science. A department transfer for the course to be delivered solely by Nuffield Department of Surgical Science from 2026/27, is currently progressing through the approval processes within the University. If you have any queries regarding this please contact the course administrator at ssp@nds.ox.ac.uk.

The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement is a part-time course for healthcare professionals. It can be completed in one year (though two years is possible), and consists of three modules. Each module includes one week in Oxford with 4-6 weeks of pre- and post-work that can be completed online. We provide online support and e-library access for distance learning on either side of the Oxford weeks.

Please visit the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences web page for further details of the PGCert in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement.

​When to apply

Application deadlines

12:00 midday UK time on:

• Stage 1: Friday 14 November 2025 (Applications more likely to receive earlier decisions) 
• Stage 2: Wednesday 28 January 2026 (Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships) 
• Stage 3: Tuesday 3 March 2026 

We strongly recommend that you apply as early as possible.  After the March deadline, the course will only stay open for that year's entry if places are still available. 

Remember that it can take a number of weeks to obtain all of the documents you need and prepare a competitive application. You should also allow your referees plenty of time to submit your references. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible

How to apply

Applications for this course should be made online via the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website. Please see the Application Guide for more information on how to apply.

If you would like to discuss the programme please contact the Course Administrator: ssp@nds.ox.ac.uk.

Help us to help you. If you submit your application early, the Graduate Admissions team will be able to let you know if any items are missing. Applications must have been fully completed by the relevant application deadline in order to be considered, so please ensure that you have gathered your supporting materials in advance and have given your referees plenty of time to prepare their references before the deadline. 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Microsoft Teams video interview.