Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional & Leadership Studies

The Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies is a 16-month, non-credit program designed to give you high-demand leadership skills and hands-on experience. The Canadian and Nova Scotian governments have programs that allow eligible students to stay and work after program completion. Find out more about these opportunities by visiting these websites:

• Government of Canada - www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation.html
• Government of Nova Scotia - novascotiaimmigration.com

You'll complete foundational courses in leadership and human resource management, and then choose to specialize in Project Management, Human Resource Management, Business Analysis, Adult Education, or Business Management.

In partnership with the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), our Diploma offers a supportive experience that includes:

• Canadian workplace training
• One-on-one career counselling
• Job search support led by the ISANS team
• A four-month work term in your field of study

After the Program

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows students to remain in Canada to work after completion of their program of study. Please refer to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) website for the latest and most accurate information about eligibility requirements and the length of PGWPs. You can also visit our website at dal.ca/openlearning for more details.

Career Options
Throughout the program, the ISANS team will get to know you and your goals so they can offer you personalized advice. Leading up to graduation, the ISANS team will support you with your Canadian job search and give you personalized feedback on your CV and cover letters.

Graduates of this Diploma can pursue positions such as:

• Operations Manager
• Human Resource Manager/Coordinator
• Business Analyst
• Project Manager/Coordinator
• Business Administrator
• Consultant
• Small Business Owner/Manager

Why choose Dalhousie’s Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies?

a) Work with a Career Advisor at Nova Scotia’s premier immigrant-serving organization.

• Receive workplace training tailored to new arrivals in Canada.
• Be supported in defining your career goals so you can reach your full potential.
• Benefit from the ISANS network and work 1-on-1 with a Career Advisor.

b) Choose a course of study that works for you.

• Choose a specialization that will help you advance your career.
• Benefit from a program designed for international students’ academic and professional goals and needs.

c) Study at one of Canada’s leading research universities.

• Dalhousie is a member of the U15 - the top 15 Canadian research-intensive universities.
• Live in one of Canada’s safest and friendliest cities. 
  

Admission Process

Requirements

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in any discipline
• The equivalent of a Canadian GPA of 2.7 (around a B-) as calculated in your undergraduate degree OR most recent degree.
• Meet the English language requirement of IELTS 6.5, with no band below 6.0
• Receive two (2) positive academic or professional references
• Demonstrate three years of full-time work experience (strongly recommended)

Do you meet all the admission requirements but need to upgrade your English? We offer in-person or fully remote courses to help you achieve your goals. Please visit the website of Dalhousie's English Language Studies Department at dal.ca/els to explore your options. Please be sure you fully understand all application requirements.

Application Information

There are three program start dates per year: in September, January, and April. Apply at any time; applications are competitive and evaluated on a rolling basis, so applying early is encouraged.

Admission Requirements

• Unofficial university transcripts from your undergraduate degree translated into English. Successful applicants will be required to submit official transcripts.
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Personal statement
• Résumé/CV
• Digital copy of your passport photo page
• Application fee

Please visit our website at dal.ca/openlearning or contact openlearning@dal.ca for more details on tuition fees.

Program Structure

Before the program begins, you will choose one of these specializations:

• Human Resource Management
• Project Management
• Business Analysis
• Business Management
• Adult Education & Training

The first term of the program is dedicated to the Certificate in Leadership Excellence, which will allow you to hone your leadership style and develop the fundamentals of business strategy. In the second term, you will begin your specialization by taking courses in Project Management, Human Resource Management, Business Analysis, Adult Education, or Business Management. In the third term, you will work 1-on-1 with an ISANS career counselor to prepare for your work term and complete the Certificate in Human Resource Leadership, which will help you develop the communication, negotiation, and coaching skills that are crucial for leadership positions. In the fourth term, you will complete any remaining coursework for your specialization and work with the ISANS team to apply for your work-term job. In the final term, you will participate in a 4-month work term with a Canadian employer.

Please contact us at openlearning@dal.ca for more details on courses in the program.

Experiential Learning

During the program, you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with Canadian work culture by completing workplace training, hands-on activities and 1-on-1 career counselling and job search support with ISANS. This prepares you for your work term, during which you will apply your learning to real-life situations, make industry connections, and experience Canadian work culture. You must successfully complete your work term to satisfy program requirements and receive the post-graduate diploma.

Course Schedule

The program delivery will be hybrid, with more than 50% of courses offered in person on Dalhousie’s Halifax campus. The program is structured to allow students to balance experiential learning, work, and study.

Please contact us at openlearning@dal.ca for more details.

Completion Process

Completion Requirements

To be awarded the Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies, you must:

• Successfully complete all mandatory leadership and human resource coursework and the coursework in your chosen specialization. A minimum grade of 70% is required for the assignment and participation components of each course unless otherwise specified.
• Complete your work term by achieving the required work hours, writing a final report, and receiving a positive evaluation from your supervisor.

Upon completion of the program, participants are awarded a Dalhousie University Post-Graduate Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies as well as each completed Certificate. Those who are eligible may also pursue professional designations in Project Management (PMP or CAPM) or Business Analysis (PMI-PBA). Please visit our website at dal.ca/openlearning for more information.

After the Program

Post-Gradutation Work Permit

Students who complete the Post-graduate Diploma in Professional and Leadership Studies are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)*. A PGWP allows students to remain in Canada to work after completion of their program of study. Please refer to the IRCC website for the latest and most accurate information about eligibility requirements and the length of PGWPs.

* PGWP eligibility and length is ultimately at the discretion of the IRCC. Dalhousie University cannot guarantee that all PGWP applicants will be successful.

Please see frequently asked questions and an interest form on our website - dal.ca/openlearning.