Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum admission requirements?
We are governed by the University Senate, which mandates that a bachelor’s degree is required for admission to all of our post-degree diploma and certificate programs. We cannot take into account work experience and/or mature status in place of this requirement.
When can I apply?
Applications open November 1. For program application deadlines, please refer to the program you are choosing to apply to.
What is the Western Advantage?
Applicants with Western degrees or those in their final year of studies at Western, who meet
When will I know if my application has been accepted?
All admission decisions are communicated by email and through your MyWCS account. Decisions will not be relayed over the telephone.
How long is the program?
All post-degree diploma programs are one-year in length and designed to be completed on a full-time basis.
ie. for our September start programs, term one would run from September to December, term two would run from January to April and the Practicum would run from May to the end of August.
How many references do I need?
We will require information for two referees when applyng to a post-degree diploma program. Ideally, we would like to have one Academic and one Professional reference in support of your application. However, we will accept two academic or two professional/volunteer references, if you feel these referees can better attest to your abilities and strengths. What we seek from your referees is breadth in terms of academic and professional/volunteer ability that can help us to understand you as a candidate.
Applicants will be asked to submit the following referee information with their application:
- Reference Name
- Title
- Phone Number
- Email Address
Referees will receive an automated email at time of application submission, and will be asked to answer a short questionnaire on skills relating to past performance, character and skills. Referees will also be asked to provide further information on the applicant's overall fit for the program (paragraph length).
I have been working in a related field for a few years. Do I still need to complete the practicum component?
Yes, the practicum is a compulsory component of our diploma programs.
Can I complete the program part-time?
No. Post-Degree Diploma and Certificate programs are designed to be completed on a one-year, full-time basis. Students benefit from building upon interrelated subject matter that is shared between courses, along with the networking and collaborative environment that comes from being part of a cohort program.
Students will be expected to do readings, complete assignments and study outside of class time, and should expect the workload of the program to equate to a standard, full time work schedule. Students should be prepared to commit approximately 35-40 hours of work per week, including class time, in order to be successful in the program.
How do I login to my online course?
To access your online course, please visit the OWL site and log on with your Western username and password. Students will not have access to online courses until the first scheduled day of the class.
Who should I contact if I need more information?
Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Continuing Studies office at 519 661 3658 or email post-degree@uwo.ca
Program-Specific Frequently Asked Questions:
Clinical Trials Management
What is the Diploma in Clinical Trials Management?
The Diploma in Clinical Trials Management provides science-based graduates with an opportunity to enter the field of clinical trails management. Working in medical or education institutions, as well as research laboratories, often requires managing a clinical trial. Clinical Trials Managers oversee all aspects of the trial, including patient recruitment, study implementation, and close out. This program will provide learners with the skills needed to contribute to positive changes within the medical field.
What are the minimum admission requirements?
An undergraduate degree from an accredited university in Health Sciences or related field.
Please Note: This is a competitive program with limited enrollment. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.
What is the format for Clinical Trials Management courses?
All of the diploma-credit courses are offered in an intensive online format. Classes begin in September for the duration of one year, including the practicum.
What are the minimum progression requirements?
Once accepted, a student is required to maintain an overall average of 70%, with no single grade below 60%.
Is this program eligible for OSAP?
Yes, online OSAP applications are available at http://osap.gov.on.ca
I am a professional working in the field. Can I take these classes?
Yes - however, we have limited spaces available for non-Diploma students who are seeking opportunities for professional development. Registration for non-credit enrollment opens yearly in early August. Please call the office for registration dates at 519-661-3658 or email cstudies@uwo.ca .
What is the difference between the Diploma and Certificate in Clinical Trials Management?
The difference between the Diploma and Certificate in Clinical Trials Management is as follows:
The Diploma is geared toward students with a university degree in a Health Science or Science related field, with little or no experience in the field of clinical trials and includes a 400-hour practicum during which students gain hands on work experience.
Successful completion of the Certificate includes only the completion of the certificate-credit courses. Students must have a minimum of two years work experience in a related field to be admitted to the Certificate. Students wishing to gain work experience in the field must apply and meet the admission criteria for the Diploma.
Human Resources
What is the Diploma in Human Resources?
The Diploma in Human Resources connects students with the processes of employment across public, non-profit and private organizations. Human Resources professionals ensure that employee rights, legislation and internal procedures are effectively communicated and upheld within an organization. Collective bargaining, hiring, compensation, financial management and training and development are some of the many facets within this dynamic field.
What are the minimum admission requirements?
An undergraduate degree from an accredited university.
Please Note: This is a competitive program with limited enrollment. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.
What is the format for Human Resources courses?
The Diploma in Human Resources consists of nine blended courses. Blended courses alternate between in-class and online from week to week. Classes begin in September for the duration of one year, including the practicum.
What are the minimum progression requirements?
Once accepted, a student is required to maintain an overall average of 70%, with no single final grade below 65% (as per CHRP and CHRL certification guidelines).
Is this program eligible for OSAP?
No, this program is not OSAP eligible.
I am a professional working in the field. Can I take these classes?
Yes - however, we have limited spaces available for non-Diploma students who are seeking opportunities for professional development. Registration for non-credit enrollment opens yearly in early August. Please call the office for registration dates at 519-661-3658 or email cstudies@uwo.ca.
Marketing
What is the Diploma in Marketing?
The Diploma in Marketing prepares students for the fast-paced, exciting world of today’s marketing professionals. Focusing on the craft of developing effective strategy, this one-year program provides the skills necessary to build relationships and anticipate customer needs. Students will gain a solid theoretical background with special attention given to contemporary marketing trends and practices.
What are the minimum admission requirements?
An undergraduate degree from an accredited university.
Please Note: This is a competitive program with limited enrollment. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.
What is the format for Marketing courses?
All lectures are held in-class at Western's downtown campus located in downtown London, Ontario. Class times vary and may be offered during the morning, afternoon or evening depending on the scheduling of rooms and instructors. Classes begin in September for the duration of one year, including the practicum.
What are the minimum progression requirements?
Once accepted, a student is required to maintain an overall average of 70%, with no single grade below 60%.
Is this program eligible for OSAP?
No, this program is not OSAP eligible.
Can I take courses before being admitted to the program?
No, these courses are offered only to students accepted into the Marketing program. Based on the competitiveness to enter the program and its one-year duration, students must apply and be accepted into the program to be eligible for these courses.
Not-for-Profit Management
What is the Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management?
The Diploma in Not-for-Profit Management will enable graduates from a number of disciplines to build on the solid theoretical grounding obtained in their degree programs by adding practical and applied skills required to work in the field of Not-for-Profit management. In addition, students in the Diploma program will obtain valuable work experience through the practicum component.
What are the minimum admission requirements?
An undergraduate degree from an accredited university.
Please Note: This is a competitive program with limited enrollment. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.
What is the format for Not-for-Profit Management courses?
All lectures are held in-class at Western's downtown campus located in downtown London, Ontario. Class times vary and may be offered during the morning, afternoon or evening depending on the scheduling of rooms and instructors. Classes begin in September for the duration of one year, including the practicum.
What are the minimum progression requirements?
Once accepted, a student is required to maintain an overall average of 70%, with no single grade below 60%.
Is this program eligible for OSAP?
Yes, online OSAP applications are available at http://osap.gov.on.ca
Can I take courses before being admitted to the program?
No, these courses are offered only to students accepted into the Not-for-Profit Management program. Based on the competitiveness to enter the program and its one-year duration, students must apply and be accepted into the program to be eligible for these courses.
Occupational Health and Safety Management
What is the Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Management?
The Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management is offered by Continuing Studies in partnership with the Faculties of Social Science and Health Science. This program enables graduates from a number of disciplines to build on the solid theoretical grounding obtained in their degree programs by adding practical and applied skills required to work in the field. In addition, students in the Diploma program obtain valuable work experience through the practicum component.
What are the minimum admission requirements?
An undergraduate degree from an accredited university in health sciences, management and organizational studies, or related field.
Please Note: This is a competitive program with limited enrollment. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.
What is the format for Occupational Health and Safety Management courses?
Occupational Health and Safety Management is a one-year, full time in-class or online program. Classes begin in September for the duration of one year, including the practicum.
What are the minimum progression requirements?
Once accepted, a student is required to maintain an overall average of 70%, with no single grade below 60%.
Is this program eligible for OSAP?
Yes, online OSAP applications are available at http://osap.gov.on.ca
I am a professional working in the field. Can I take these classes?
Yes - however, we have limited spaces available for non-Diploma students who are seeking opportunities for professional development. Registration for non-credit enrollment opens yearly in early August. Please call the office for registration dates at 519-661-3658 or email cstudies@uwo.ca .
Pedorthics
What is the Diploma in Pedorthics?
The Diploma in Pedorthics is offered by Continuing Studies in partnership with the School of Kinesiology. The Diploma is designed to provide students with the practical and applied knowledge and skills required to practice as a pedorthist in Canada. This program is approved by The Pedorthics College of Canada.
What are the minimum admission requirements?
Students must have successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (or equivalent), from an accredited university, including the following courses (or equivalent):
- Introductory Exercise Physiology
- Systemic Approach to Functional Anatomy
- Biomechanics
- Introduction to Athletic Injuries
Plus, two of the following:
- Biomechanical Analysis of Physical Activity
- An Introduction to the Practical Aspects of Athletic Injuries
- Survey of Physical Growth and Motor Development
- Perceptual-Motor Performance/Learning or a course in motor control
Please Note: This is a competitive program with limited enrollment. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission into the program.
What is the format for Pedorthics courses?
Pedorthics is a one-year, full time in-class or online program. Classes begin in September for the duration of one year, including the practicum.
What are the minimum progression requirements?
Once accepted, a student is required to maintain an overall average of 70%, with no single grade below 60%.
Is this program eligible for OSAP?
Yes, online OSAP applications are available at http://osap.gov.on.ca
I am a professional working in the field. Can I take these classes?
The Diploma in Pedorthics is a closed enrollment program. To be eligible to complete the Diploma in Pedorthics program, students must have the necessary undergraduate requirements and preqequisite courses for admission.
New for 2020: The Pedorthics Bridging Program is designed for those students with science-related backgrounds who do not meet the regular admission requirements. Click here for more information.
Public Relations
What is the Diploma in Public Relations?
Public relations is the art or science of communicating – bridging the gap between an organization and its public. Public relations professionals can work in large organizations, small companies, or as independent contractors. If you remember hearing about a company or organization, they have PR people working for them!
What are the minimum admission requirements?
An undergraduate degree from an accredited university.
Please Note: This is a competitive program with limited enrollment. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission.
What is the format for Public Relations courses?
All lectures are held in-class at Western's downtown campus located in downtown London, Ontario. Class times vary and may be offered during the morning, afternoon or evening depending on the scheduling of rooms and instructors. Classes begin in May for the duration of one year, including the practicum.
What are the minimum progression requirements?
Once accepted, a student is required to maintain an overall average of 70%, with no single grade below 60%.
Is this program eligible for OSAP?
Yes, online OSAP applications are available at http://osap.gov.on.ca
Can I take courses before being admitted to the program?
No, these courses are offered only to students accepted into the Marketing program. Based on the competitiveness to enter the program and its one-year duration, students must apply and be accepted into the program to be eligible for these courses.
