Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law

The Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law is a two-term, nine-course online program offered by Queen's Law. This program is designed to be the only educational pathway for Canadians to become Regulated Immigration Consultants.

Program Overview

The program is the result of a two-year development process led by Academic Director Sharry Aiken, one of Canada's most respected experts in immigration and refugee law. The program's development involved stakeholder engagement, including a national advisory committee representative of the regions of Canada, the kinds of work that consultants do, and the legal community.

Program Design and Development

The program's design and development were informed by an environmental scan of programs in Canada and similar jurisdictions such as Australia, New Zealand, and Great Britain. The existing diploma programs in those jurisdictions, as well as Professor Aiken's experience as an immigration and refugee lawyer, helped identify gaps in Canada's prior approach to training consultants.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The program puts equal emphasis on practical skills and academic knowledge, distinguishing it from prior programs. The curriculum is designed to integrate skills and content knowledge, with both components being practised and assessed in the program.

Pedagogical Approach

The program is delivered online, leveraging Queen's Law's investment in building a teaching and learning team composed of education experts, course developers, and multimedia designers. The goal is to provide high-quality educational experiences for students, blending traditional teaching with the latest pedagogical tools for online education.

Benefits and Outcomes

The program aims to build a cohort of competent, compassionate professionals poised to make a difference in the lives of their clients and the broader community. It is expected to be a flagship program for Queen's Law, supporting the values that inform all the law school's work.

Access to Justice

Access to justice is a vital part of the program's benefits, as it provides legal education to people of all walks of life, making it easier for all Canadians to access and understand the law.

Conclusion

The Graduate Diploma in Immigration and Citizenship Law is a significant development in the education and training of immigration consultants in Canada. With its unique blend of practical skills and academic knowledge, the program is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of its students and the community they serve.