Adult Education (GrDip)
Graduate Diploma (GrDip)
Program overview
The Graduate diploma in Adult Education is designed to enhance the practice of adult education (Andragogy) through a study of the theories and techniques available to adult educators. The program is well-suited to mature students who wish to return to graduate level studies after a hiatus and to those who plan on doing a Master's in Educational Studies. You may specialize in an area of your choosing by selecting courses which reflect your professional interests. Students enrolled in the program include school administrators, business managers and nursing educators, among many other professions.
Program details
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Active involvement in some area of adult education or the equivalent of one year’s experience in the field (e.g., as group leader, trainer, nurse educator, volunteer worker or administrator in an academic institution, business, industry, government or community organization).
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.
Degree Requirements
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits.
Please see the Education Courses page for course descriptions.
Adult Education Graduate Diploma (30 credits)
9 | credits chosen from: |
3 | credits chosen from: |
3 | credits chosen from: |
9 | credits chosen from: |
6 | credits chosen from another graduate program in consultation with the graduate director or student advisor.
In special circumstances students may, in consultation with the graduate program director or student advisor, individualize their program of study within the standards set out by the School of Graduate Studies. |
Prior to applying, please email us to request the Adult Education program booklet.
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose (500-700 word limit) outlining the primary area or field of concentration and research goals
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
Adult Education | Diploma | Dec. 1 | n/a | n/a |
Courses typically offered include:
- Adult education in Quebec and Canada
- Workshops for adult educators
- Concepts and values in adult education
- Issues in the practice in adult education
- Adults as learners
- Adult Education and Diversity
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Our faculty members are a diverse group of educators committed to excellence in teaching, research and community service. They are well known for their strong research profiles that inform their teaching and afford graduate students the opportunity to work on cutting edge research.
Faculty research interests include:
- staff development
- adult learning
- literacy
- learning in the workplace
- professional development
- self-directed learning
- human relations training
The Department of Education Interdisciplinary Graduate Student Association (DOEIGSA) supports initiatives that encourage student well-being in the department and the university at large. The DOEIGSA aims to engage students in social issues, inside and outside the university, which are pertinent to education.
The Graduate Symposium in the Department of Education (GSDE) is an annual event that invites students across Canada to present their research. The GSDE is a student-run conference and offers you the opportunity to learn more about presenting at an academic conference, grant applications and event planning.
Our alumni are employed in a range of education-related positions, as teachers and trainers, consultants, program developers and evaluators in educational institutions, industry and government, health care facilities, the military, community service agencies and the private sector.
The courses offered for the Diploma in Adult Education (ADIP) are cross-listed with either the third year level undergraduate (ADED/ADIP) courses or with the graduate ESTU courses (ADIP/ESTU). Therefore, the students who want to consider making a move to the MA in Educational Studies (ESTU) with the Adult Education concentration option are advised to take the courses cross-listed with ESTU (ADIP/ESTU).