Boost your skillset, accelerate your learning journey, and expand your career opportunities.
Comprised of a small cluster of graduate courses, Brock’s Graduate Micro-Programs (GMPs) offer a unique way to gain graduate-level knowledge, skills and credentials in a shorter, more flexible format than traditional graduate degrees.
No Long-Term Commitment
GMPs are made up of a small cluster of graduate courses. They require less time and commitment to complete than traditional graduate degrees. Some GMPs can be completed in as little as two academic terms (eight months).
Boost Your Credentials
Upon successful program completion, you’ll earn a Graduate Micro-Program notation on an official Brock transcript. Add graduate-level credentials to your CV and job applications!
Stepping Stone to a Higher Degree
While GMPs can be completed as stand-alone programs, students may also apply the credits earned in a GMP toward a full master’s degree. See the Bridge to Masters Degree tab for details.
Increased Flexibility
Select courses may be offered online or in evenings to accommodate busy working professionals. Many GMPs also offer multiple intakes per year.
Graduate Level Study
GMP courses are drawn from existing master’s degree programs; you’ll be taught by experts in the field, and study alongside Brock master’s students.
Focused Learning
GMPs are focused credentials centered around a specific topic or theme. They allow you to gain in-depth knowledge and skills in a particular area of interest. Explore our programs.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applications will be considered from those with a variety of experiences and qualifications who demonstrate the ability and aptitude to succeed in graduate-level study.
While the standard master’s admissions criteria apply (a four-year degree with a minimum 75% average over the last two years of full-time undergraduate study), applicants who do not meet the university’s minimum academic requirements may be considered if they can demonstrate equivalent experiences or competencies.
Equivalent experiences may include, but are not limited to:
- a three-year diploma or degree coupled with relevant work experience (usually 3+ years);
- significant and related professional experience (usually 5+ years);
- substantial and relevant learning and skills development.
🌎 International Applicants
Graduate Micro-Programs are not Post Graduate Work Permit eligible.
Additionally, due to their flexible nature, these programs may not meet the requirements for a Study Permit. If an international applicant wishes to take any of these programs, please contact graduatestudies@brocku.ca before applying to confirm that the programming will either be available continuously or can be taken fully online.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Interested applicants should submit with their application:
- academic transcripts
- CV/resume
- letter of intent (500 words max) highlighting your motivations for pursuing the program
- any additional program-specific documents noted on individual program pages
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Complete the appropriate GMP Application Form below
- An email will be sent confirming your application has been received and instructions on activating your Brock portal and paying your non-refundable application fee.
- For most programs, you can expect to receive a decision on your application via email within four weeks of the posted application deadline (deadlines can be found on the program pages). If admitted, you’ll typically have three weeks from your offer date to accept the offer of admission.
- If admitted into your desired GMP program, you’ll receive further information on course selection and paying your tuition fees.
FEES
- Application Fee: $55 (non-refundable)
- Tuition Fees: $900 per half-credit course (2024 rate – subject to change)
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDY
Graduate Micro-Programs are stand-alone credentials, but can also serve as a bridge to a Master’s degree; students may choose to use credits earned in a GMP towards the credit requirements of a full graduate degree program.
Following successful completion of a Graduate Micro-Program and with permission from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Program Committee, students may apply to transfer the credits earned one or more GMP toward an application to a relevant degree program. The number of GMPs that can be applied to a full degree may vary per Graduate Micro-Program – please see individual program pages for details.
Only GMP credit courses completed with a grade of B (70%) or higher, within the last five years, will be considered for transfer.
FAQs
How long will my Graduate Micro-Program (GMP) take to complete?
GMPs typically take three half-credit courses, with some programs allowing students to take up to two half-credits per term. So, a GMP can be finished in as little as eight months or two terms; however, it may take longer to complete, depending on the program or course selection/availability. These programs are designed to be flexible, so there is no maximum completion time.
Are GMPs eligible for Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) or a study permit?
Graduate Micro-Programs are not Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) eligible. Additionally, due to their flexible nature, they may not meet the requirements for a Study Permit. If an international applicant wishes to take any of these programs, please contact graduatestudies@brocku.ca before applying to confirm that the program will either be available on a continuous basis or can be taken fully online.
What is my student status, and what academic regulations apply?
Graduate Micro-Program students are admitted as part-time, limited-admission, non-degree students. Except where otherwise noted, academic regulations pertaining to graduate students apply, as outlined in Brock’s Faculty Handbook.
What credentials will I receive?
Learners who successfully complete a Graduate Micro-Program can request an official Brock transcript listing credits taken and showing completion of the program.
Does completion of a Graduate Micro-Program guarantee admission to a master’s program?
Earning a graduate micro-program does not guarantee admission to a graduate degree program, but it can serve as a gateway into further graduate studies. Students will need to formally apply to a relevant degree program via an internal application (OUAC application not necessary). Applications will be assessed by the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs and the appropriate Graduate Program Committee.
If accepted into the degree program associated with your GMP, credit courses taken as part of your GMP will count toward degree program requirements, providing you with a head-start.
How and when do I pay my fees?
All information on tuition and payment of fees can be found on the Student Accounts and Financial Aid website.
Is funding or financial assistance available?
Students registered in a Brock Graduate Micro-Program are not eligible for internal funding packages or external awards. GMPs do not currently qualify for financial assistance through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
Brock staff and faculty: GMPs are considered graduate credit courses and qualify for the Employee Educational Assistance Program but may not qualify for the Dependent Tuition Waiver. Staff and faculty can learn more on SharePoint here.
How and when do I register for courses once accepted into a graduate micro-program?
Students accepted into a GMP will receive registration forms to select their courses. These forms must be emailed to graduatestudies@brocku.ca. For information on course availability, students should consult the Brock timetables for the relevant courses/semesters.
Who can I contact for more information?
For questions about Brock GMPs, please reach out via email to gradrecruit@brocku.ca.