Professional Diploma in Leadership Excellence

About the Program 

The Professional Diploma in Leadership Excellence (DLE) prepares emerging and experienced leaders to excel in today’s rapidly evolving workplace. Learners complete two stackable certificates—one in person and one online—followed by a four-month full-time internship that provides hands-on leadership experience.

What You Will Learn 

This diploma is designed to help learners develops the mindset and capabilities required to lead with confidence in dynamic environments as well as build essential people-leadership skills. Upon completion of the program, learners will be able to:

• Apply personal leadership skills; 
• Make effective decisions using practical tools; 
• Inspire teams and challenge the status quo using effective strategies; 
• Coach employees for high performance;
• Manage internal and external communications; 
• Navigate and resolve workplace conflicts;
• Apply your learning in a real-world setting through a full-time work-integrated learning experience which may result in long-term employment opportunities.

Why Choose This Diploma? 

You should take this diploma if: 

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

How Will You Benefit? 

Students will learn tangible skills in Strategic Leadership and Human Resource Leadership.

Diploma Requirements 

The following courses are mandatory for completion of the Diploma: 

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 your 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) 

Do you meet all the admission requirements but need to upgrade your English? We offer in-person or fully remote courses to help you achieve your goals. See Dalhousie’s Department of English Language Studies to explore your options. 

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.

*Textbook costs are not included in the program tuition (Approx. $400.00). Fees outlined in this section are an estimate for the full 12-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.