Literacy, Language, and Learning Graduate Diploma

Graduate Diploma Planning

Given the flexible model of the program, students should consult with the department to discuss their plan to satisfy the program requirements, including the option to apply to ladder into the Master of Education in Educational Leadership or Master of Education in Special Education  program.

Graduate Diploma Requirements

To be granted the Literacy, Language, and Learning Graduate Diploma (LLLGD), students must meet the following requirements.

Total Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits comprised of 18 required credits and a minimum of 12 elective credits.

Students must complete the following:

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits by taking at least four of the following:

* LLL 501 is a one-week face-to-face course delivered in July.

** LLL 513 is a required course for those applying to ladder into the Master of Education in Education Leadership.

*** GDSE 692 and GDSE 693 are required courses for those applying to ladder into the Master of Education in Special Education. 

Program Progression Requirements

• Students must obtain a grade of ‘B’ (3.0) or ‘CR’ in each course.
• Any students who do not obtain the grades described above are required to meet with the department to create an action plan to improve academic performance.
• Students who find it necessary to interrupt their program can apply for a leave of absence. Students are advised to consult with the department to discuss options.
• Students can receive up to two ‘F’ grades in their LLLGD program. If a third failing grade is received, they will be required to leave the program.

Completion Requirements 

• The Graduate Diploma will be awarded upon successful completion of all program requirements with a minimum of a “B” or “CR” grade in all courses.
• Applicants may apply to the Program Chair/Dean for consideration of prior learning via a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Relevant prior learning may be accepted provided it has been completed within the last five years.

Further Studies 

Upon successful completion of the LLLGD program, graduates can apply to pursue a Master of Education degree at VIU. Laddering into the Master of Education in Educational Leadership (MEDL) can begin in Fall. Laddering into the Masters of Education in Special Education (MEDS) can begin in Spring. 

Further Studies

Upon successful completion of the LLLGD program, an option is available for graduates to pursue a Master of Education degree at VIU. Laddering into the Master of Education in Educational Leadership (MEDL) can begin in Fall and entails completing three MEDL courses (MEDL 550, MEDL 680 and MEDL 690). Laddering into the Masters of Education in Special Education (MEDS) begins in Spring and entails completing three MEDS courses (MEDS 540, MEDS 630 and MEDS 640).  

Completion Requirements

Grades for individual courses are given in the manner described under the Grading Policy of this Calendar. The program has minimum standards as follows:

• All course work must be completed with a minimum grade of "B" or “CR” in each course.

• Baccalaureate (undergraduate) degree in Education or a related field (such as Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Arts), from a recognized university that is acceptable in content to the Faculty of Education with either:
  • a cumulative grade point average of “B” in the final two years and/or
  • demonstration of academic excellence
• Submission of official transcript(s) showing undergraduate degree completion.
• Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs.

Flexible Admission

In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower formal qualifications when there is significant professional experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship. The objective of flexible admission is to recognize prior learning accomplishments and to ensure a high probability of successful program completion. Applicants must show evidence of having sufficient knowledge, skills, and attitudes to complete a demanding academic course of study. Applicants seeking Flexible Admission will be required to:

• Provide a personal statement of intent; 
• Provide a detailed résumé; 
• Provide two or more letters of reference; 
• Provide official transcripts of all post-secondary coursework;

In limited cases, applicants may also be required to:

• Provide a portfolio containing evidence of applicable prior learning;
• Appear for an interview;
• Take a qualifying course; and/or
• Provide additional documentation as may be required to adjudicate the application.

Notes on Admission

• Experience working in educational environments recommended for success in the program.
• Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
• Students’ ability to register in classes will be subject to seat availability.

Transfer from other institutions

Applicants may apply to the Program Chair/Dean for possible transfer credits from other accredited graduate programs with a maximum of 9 credits accepted. Course work completed over five years ago will not be considered for transfer credit.

• As a post-graduate program, the Literacy, Language, and Learning Graduate Diploma offers opportunities for specialized school district positions in literacy and language learning, instruction, and supports.
• Positions in the field of English language linguistics and acquisition.
• The LLLGD program offers opportunities for those in the following fields to further deepen their learning and explore leadership and professional development:
  • adult basic education and adult literacy programs.
  • Indigenous language revitalization and text creation, instructors and tutors who support students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other diverse text processing abilities.

Domestic (Canadian)