Gain analytical and practical insights into your field of study with a graduate diploma

York University is committed to enhancing graduate studies by providing opportunities for specialized interdisciplinary study through distinctive diploma offerings.

Benefits of a diploma

A graduate diploma denotes specialization in an area, gained through intensive graduate-level study. It supplements an already established area of study and adds value to a graduate degree.

Diploma types

Diploma programs are open to students in any relevant graduate program or to those who have a general interest in graduate-level work. For example, the Democratic Administration diploma is open to students pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies, Law, Sociology, Administrative Studies or Political Science.

Concurrent Graduate Diploma programs allow a student currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral degree program to pursue an in-depth exploration of one aspect of their field. For example, a student working towards an MA in Art History may take the Diploma in Curatorial Studies in Visual Culture. This diploma, designed for those interested in a curatorial career, includes courses and apprenticeships.

Stand-alone, direct-entry Graduate Diploma programs provide an opportunity for graduate-level study of theory and research to students who are not interested in pursuing a full graduate degree. This could include professionals, school administrators, people working in community organizations, cultural institutions or advocacy groups, or anyone who does not have the time or interest in a traditional graduate program. Some students who take the stand-alone diploma already have a graduate degree and use their diploma to augment a particular area of interest.

Requirements & how to apply

Diplomas are offered by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Admission to a diploma program is subject to the approval of each diploma's advisory committee and Diploma Coordinator.

For diplomas that are part of a graduate degree:

• you must first be admitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies as a candidate for a master's or doctoral degree in one of the participating graduate programs.
• you should register in the diploma of your choice within the first year of your program, and
• you must take the appropriate courses along with the other requirements for your master's or doctoral program.

If you successfully complete both a degree and a diploma, the diploma will be noted on your transcript and awarded at convocation.

Graduate diplomas that can be pursued on their own OR in combination with a graduate degree:

• admission usually requires at least an undergraduate degree (though most applicants have already achieved a graduate degree) with a minimum "B" average.
• admission requirements are generally similar to a degree but your letter of interest must specifically address issues in the diploma's field of study.
• applications are submitted online

If you have questions, contact information for the individual Diploma Coordinators is available on the applicable program page.