Program Overview

Professional Diploma in Management and Leadership Studies

The Professional Diploma in Management and Leadership Studies is a 24-month, non-credit program designed to give students high-demand leadership skills and hands-on experience.

At a Glance

• Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Duration: 24 months
• Course hours range between 360 and 396 based upon field of study selected
• Program start dates: September and January
• Application deadline: Refer to table
• Format: More than 50% of coursework in-person (select courses online, blended)
• Program cost: $27,600.00

About the Program

The Professional Diploma in Management and Leadership Studies provides a comprehensive grounding in key skills that will allow students to make effective and successful short, medium, and long-term decisions as a leader in their organization. The focus of the Diploma is to help students develop as a leader, pursue specialized knowledge, and gain hands-on experience in their field. Graduates of the program will develop a personal leadership style and learn to:

• Flexibly adapt their leadership choices to different complex dynamic contexts and situations
• Combine their understanding of leadership, ethics, and strategy to lead with excellence
• Approach challenges and problems analytically and systematically
• Use data effectively in their problem-solving and decision-making
• Critically evaluate communications, ideas, perspectives, information, and data
• Select solutions to current problems through an objective solution evaluation process appropriate to the context
• Manage ambiguity and uncertainty in their decision-making and problem-solving
• Leverage specialized skills in Construction Site Management

Why Choose This Diploma?

Students should take this Diploma if:

• They have full-time work experience, aspire to a leadership role, and want to build a solid foundation of knowledge and practice around leadership
• They have some leadership experience and would like to tailor their knowledge to the Canadian work context
• They want to gain high-demand skills and hands-on experience to launch their career in Canada
• They would benefit from Canadian work culture training, 1-on-1 career counselling, and job search support
• They want to live and study in Halifax, one of Canada's safest and friendliest cities

How Will You Benefit?

Graduates will possess tangible skills in Construction Site Management, Agricultural and Farming Operations Management, Sustainable Energy Technologies Management, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Data Management for Professionals, or English-Medium Instruction (EMI).

Diploma Requirements

The following courses are mandatory for completion of the Diploma:

• Certificate in Leadership Excellence
  • Leadership Essentials
  • Interpersonal & Intercultural Communication
  • Management Essentials
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• Certificate in Human Resource Leadership
  • Risk Assessment and Management
  • Change Management for Leaders
  • Coaching Skills for Leaders
  • Strategic Communications

Specialization of Your Choice

Graduates of this Diploma have six options of specialization in the following fields of study:

• Agricultural and Farming Operations Management
  • Associated CIP codes and titles: 1.0301 | Agricultural production operations, general 1.0399 | Agricultural production operations, other
• Construction Site Management
  • Associated CIP codes and titles: 46.0415 | Building construction technology/technician 46.0412 | Building construction site management/manager 46.0000 | Construction trades, general 46.9999 | Construction trades, other 52.2001 | Construction management, general 52.2002 | Construction project management
• Sustainable Energy Technologies Management
  • Associated CIP codes and titles: 15.1703 | Solar energy technology/technician 47.0799 | Energy systems maintenance and repair technologies/technicians, other 47.0703 | Solar energy system installation and repair technology/technician 47.0799 | Energy systems maintenance and repair technologies/technicians, other
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Associated CIP codes and titles: 15.0501 | Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technology/technician 47.0201 | Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration maintenance technology/technician
• Data Management for Professionals
  • Associated CIP codes and titles: 15.1203 | Computer hardware technology/technician 15.1202 | Computer/computer systems technology/technician 15.1204 | Computer software technology/technician 15.1299 | Computer engineering technologies/technicians, other 30.7001 | Data science, general 30.7099 | Data science, other 30.7101 | Data analytics, general 30.7199 | Data analytics, other 52.1201 | Management information systems, general 52.1206 | Information resources management 52.1299 | Management information systems and services, other
• English-Medium Instruction
  • Associated CIP codes and titles: 13.1206 | Teacher education, multiple levels 13.1401 | Teaching English as a second or foreign language/ESL language instructor 13.0202 | Multicultural education 13.0299 | Bilingual, multilingual and multicultural education, other

Admissions Requirements

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in a related discipline
• A minimum overall average of 70% (around a B- or 2.7 GPA) as calculated in the undergraduate degree OR most recent degree
• Meet the English language requirement of IELTS 6.5, with no band below 6.0
• Receive two (2) positive academic or professional references
• Demonstrate three years of full-time work experience (strongly recommended)

Schedule and Fees

The program admits two cohorts annually, starting in September and January. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis. As admissions are competitive, early application is strongly recommended. This is a full-time program, requiring a commitment of at least 30 hours per week dedicated to coursework, study, and experiential learning.

Winter 2026

• Tuition and Fees:
  • Application fee (non-refundable): $200.00
  • Program Deposit (non-refundable): $5,400.00
  • 1st Installment: $2,750.00
  • 2nd Installment: $2,750.00
  • 3rd Installment: $2,750.00
  • 4th Installment: $2,750.00
  • 5th Installment: $2,750.00
  • 6th Installment: $2,750.00
  • 7th Installment: $2,750.00
  • 8th Installment: $2,750.00
  • Total: $27,600.00
• Textbook costs are not included in the program tuition (Approx. $400.00). The estimated cost may vary according to the specialization of choice. Fees outlined in this section are an estimate for the full 24-month program. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, student service fees, textbooks, and taxes. Tuition and fees are subject to review. Note: The program cost does not include the processing of the relevant visa or living expenses.