Diploma in Global Health

Applications are now closed for 2025.

The Diploma in Global Health (DGH) is a newly established qualification, developed and awarded by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

Doctors worldwide are welcomed and encouraged to apply, showcasing their expertise in this vital field of medicine.

Exam Information

This diploma is granted upon successfully passing a comprehensive 200-question online knowledge-based assessment.

The 200 questions are split into two papers, both sat on the same day. Each paper is three hours long, with a 60-minute break between each paper.

Wherever possible the RCP Assessment Unit will look to provide an appropriate local start and finish times for the DGH. However, candidates should be aware that this will not always be possible and should be prepared to take the examination based upon UK start and finish times (UTC +1).

The topics covered in each knowledge-based assessment can be found in the DGH KBA blueprint, available in the ‘Downloads’ section below.

How to apply

An application button will appear in this section when the application period is open. Candidates will apply via our online exam provider Orzone - they may have to create an account on Orzone in order to apply.

Please see the fees and key dates section below regarding future application periods.

Payment for the exam is to be completed as part of the application process. RCP are not in a position to provide financial support for candidates, therefore the exam fee must be paid in order to be considered for the exam.

Should you subsequently be found not to be eligible for the exam, a full refund of the fees will be processed to your bank account or your original payment card.

Examination fees and key dates

2025 – Exam date and fee

Examination fee: £330
Application period: Monday 7 April – Monday 28 April 2025 (closing at 11:00 UK time)
Examination date: 9 July 2025
Results release date: 13 August 2025 – by 5:00pm to candidate email addresses.

Guidance for candidates

This assessment offers generalist and specialist doctors worldwide the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in global health medicine. Through a high-quality syllabus, focused on innovative, and evidence-based healthcare, the diploma aims to enhance patient care and improve the organisation of health services in resource limited and humanitarian settings. 

The DGH assesses a candidate’s clinical knowledge across the following areas:

Child health
Clinical infectious diseases
Global public health
Humanitarian medicine
Mental health
Non communicable disease
Women's health.

It is recommended that those wishing to sit the examination have at least 3 years’ post-qualification experience and have experience working in global health and/or humanitarian intervention settings, particularly those areas outlined above.

Applicants should also be aware that a maximum of six attempts are permitted at the DGH and are advised to consider this when planning their first application.

Eligibility

All candidates for the DGH must hold current registration as a doctor, and be in good standing with the relevant regulator, with no restrictions on their practice.

The RCP assessment unit will check a candidate’s registration details with the relevant regulatory body, including a check for any restriction to practise.

Where a candidate’s registration details cannot be verified, the RCP Assessment Unit reserves the right to withdraw a candidate’s application. Where an application is withdrawn for this reason, a full refund will be provided.