Graduate Transition Program
Students whose English language score is slightly below graduate program admission requirements are conditionally admitted to their degree through this qualifying semester.
The Graduate Transition Program provides wrap-around academic, cultural, and language instruction in a supportive environment. Students register for 10 semester hours of key undergraduate courses that develop academic English language skills while also providing foundational concepts and theoretical frameworks. In addition, support classes and one-on-one coaching equip students to enter their graduate program with confidence.
Philosophy
We view learning as person-centred, relational, and transformational. We view language and culture as beautiful contributions to the learning environment, and we invite students to contribute their multiple languages and cultural ways of knowing to the process of preparing for graduate studies.
The GTP applies a content-based approach to language learning. Students engage in academic course content, and the academic coach and support instructors embed language development in this content.
Location & Expectations
The Graduate Transition Program is offered on TWU’s Langley campus. It is an in-person program only. Students must be in the country and living within a distance suitable for commuting to the Langley campus. This program is not available online.
Attendance and active engagement in learning are required. Students may also benefit from participating in University events and opportunities.
Program Structure
Undergraduate courses
UNIV 108 (Introduction to Cultural Engagement)
Leads students through expectations of Canadian university culture and facilitates inquiry through participation and engagement in local and campus experiences.
WRTG 401 (Academic Literacy)
Focuses on developing metacognition of academic writing through genres commonly assigned in graduate programs.
Other courses vary according to availability.
Support courses
SKLS 003: Academic Coaching
All students have an individual academic coach. Coaches meet with their students weekly to answer questions, discuss assignment instructions, plan and organize assignments, help students develop their written assignments and presentations, and guide students in their academic language learning.
SKLS 009: GTP Academic Support
All students have five workshops per week to support them in English language and academic strategy development. Workshops may vary. Examples include critical reading skills in English, scholarly vocabulary, documentation and paraphrasing, and weekly applications. The workshops are designed to support students in their credit courses, so the content is directly linked to those courses.
SKLS 007: English Language & Grammar
Some students also enrol in the English Language and Grammar course. This non-credit course leads students in developing academic English competency and confidence through lessons, exploration of academic texts, and practice. SKLS 007 is required for students whose official language test scores place them at the lower end of the admission criteria.
Completing the Program
To complete the Graduate Transition Program, students must achieve a 3.0 cumulative GPA with no course lower than a C and with a Pass in their support classes. Students can repeat the program a second time, with modifications according to each student’s transcript. A third time is only permitted by appeal.
If students do not meet the completion requirements, they do not meet the condition of admission and cannot enter their graduate program.
Successful completion of the GTP meets the condition of admission. Students then move into their graduate program for the next available start date.
Tuition & Fees
Undergraduate courses = regular undergraduate tuition rate
SKLS 001 = $500
SKLS 009 = equivalent of 1 semester hour
SKLS 007 = equivalent of 3 semester hours
Please refer to the Tuition and Fees Information for current tuition rates and other fee information.
For more information, visit Learning Commons or contact learningcommons@twu.ca.