Literacy, Language, and Learning Graduate Diploma (LLLGD)

Launching July 2023!

The Literacy, Language, and Learning Graduate Diploma (LLLGD) is a 30-credit, two-year blended program with summer residencies at the Nanaimo VIU campus and online coursework.  Applications being accepted now!

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Program Description

The LLLGD program covers complex literacy learning, typical and atypical literacy development, children's and young adult literature, social justice and literacy, English language learning, Indigenous language revitalization, and pedagogical literacy acquisition practices.

The program equips individuals with research-based theoretical foundations and pedagogical understanding of learning processes, strategies, resources, and practices to support language and literacy development for children in classrooms and communities. The program is particularly appropriate for practicing teachers, but may also be of interest to early childhood educators, English language instructors, adult educators, and those supporting Indigenous language revitalization through literature and language learning practices.

The LLLGD program is centered around four principles:

1. Literacy and language learning are complex processes that require an understanding and application of evidence based theory and practice.
2. Texts have power to inform and influence. Critical literacy-focused pedagogy can contribute to recognizing positionality of texts, and to equitable representation of diverse voices, cultures, places, genders, abilities, languages, and dialects.
3. Learners require instructional practices that recognize and respond to neurodiversity in literacy acquisition, and individual student needs.
4. Literacy, language, literature, and learning have transformative potential for social justice, inclusion, self expression, decolonization, reconciliation, and student success.

Upon completion, students can apply to ladder into the Master of Education in Educational Leadership (MEDL) or Master of Education in Special Education (MEDS) programs.

To view a recording of the May 23 Information Session, click here.

To download a copy of the presentation slides from the May 23 Information Session, click here.

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Program Outline

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*Required for laddering into Master of Education in Educational Leadership
**Required for laddering into Master of Education in Special Education

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Admission Requirements

• 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 transcripts for all post-secondary coursework/studies.
• 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

Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

• Experience working in educational environments recommended for success in the program.
• Preference will be given to candidates with stated interest and experiences in literacy and language learning topics.
• Criminal records check may be required for some courses.
• Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Transfer from other institutions

Applicants may apply to the Dean for possible transfer credits from other accredited graduate programs.

For full program details, tuition fees, and other policies, see the VIU Academic Calendar LLLGD page.