Preparatory
Graduate
Foundation
Program
Applicants seeking admission to graduate programs at UNF who fall slightly below the entry requirements for their program of choice may be eligible for the Graduate Foundation Program.
This provides them a pathway to improve their grades and prepare for successful admission to a master’s program at UNF. It also gives them an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the academic environment and expectations at UNF, allowing them to smoothly transition into the master’s program of their choice upon successful completion of the Graduate Foundation Program.
Start dates
Fall (Oct)
Winter (Jan)
Spring (April)
Summer (July)
Program length
3 months
Credits
Nine
Delivery
On-campus
Online
Quick find
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Prepare for graduate studies
Studying in the Graduate Foundation Program gives students the opportunity to get a feel for student life at University of Niagara Falls Canada before starting their graduate studies. Choosing on-campus delivery means students attend classes in-person, allowing them to experience campus life and engage with faculty and peers in face-to-face classroom setting. This format is beneficial for those seeking to familiarize themselves with UNF’s environment, the downtown Niagara Falls campus and community, build connections, and leverage in-person opportunities to participate in events held at the campus.
Graduate Foundation Program explained
| Delivery modes |
| The GFP is currently offered in two modalities, on-campus and online. The below information will refer to the on-campus delivery. To learn more about the online program, visit the Graduate Foundation Program online page. |
| Schedule |
| This program is delivered in 2+2 model currently. This means for each course students spend two hours studying the materials made available to them on the learning management system (LMS) on a weekly basis. This prepares the student for the upcoming two hours, per course, they will spend in class with their faculty and peers engaging in team-based exercises that requires critical thinking, problem solving, and active application of the course concepts. |
| Timeline |
| Students will be required to complete three courses during one term, delivered over a 12-week period. |
| Flipped classroom |
| GFP classes use the flipped classroom method, where students complete all the course readings prior to attending the class, and the classroom time is used to create active engagement of the learner with the course concepts. This method puts the learner at the center of the learning process and is more engaging in comparison to the traditional lecture style of teaching. |
| Course content |
| Each course will have a syllabus that will be made available at the start of the term, it will outline all required projects, assignments, quizzes, and exams. |
Courses
The Graduate Foundation Program is a one-semester program during which students will take three undergraduate courses, choosing from a list of courses that are being offered that term. Some courses are mandatory, others can be chosen based on availability.
Digital Business Fundamentals
Business is one of the fundamental units of society. Students will study the management and operation of business, including the principles, concepts, ideas, and tools used by managers. The emphasis will be on management in the digital world of high technology. Students will explore the intersection of technology and business, gaining insights into how digital innovations are transforming traditional business models and practices. They will also examine typical business functions and the role of managers in production, marketing, human resources, accounting and finance in a digital Canadian context including a consideration of Canadian business law and ethics. This course will give students a foundational understanding of key concepts such as e-commerce, the impact of technology on business models, ethics in the digital age, and futuristic emerging technologies. (Three credits)
Business Statistics
Students will learn statistical concepts, methods and procedures used in business, including descriptive statistics–graphics and numerical presentations, data analysis, data generation, probability theory, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students will use statistical software applications throughout the course. Required for entry to Master of Data Analytics. (Three credits)
International Business
In a digitized environment, Canadian business professionals must have a sound understanding of the global business environment. Students will develop a broad understanding of the global marketplace and the essential elements of international business. Students will learn the principles and practise of international business and factors impacting business operation and management in the rapidly changing global business environment. Students will examine basic international trading blocs, trade patterns, trade rules, international trade treaties and the foreign exchange market. Through case studies, students will explore the impacts of culture and the economic, legal and ethical systems on international business. (Three credits)
Leadership and Management
Students will gain an understanding of the difference between leadership and management. They will examine effective business leadership models across the workplace. By comparing effective and ineffective leadership, they will derive leadership styles, strengths, and attitudes; Individually, students will conduct an inventory of their own leadership styles, strengths and areas needing development. Students will apply leadership theories, models, and practices in authentic scenarios. As well, they will utilize planning strategies to lead others to achieve common goals, and apply leadership strategies to develop, motivate, engage, and lead effective teams. In preparation for entry into the business world, students will examine best practices in starting in a new supervisory role in the workplace. (Three credits)
Admissions
Academic information
Applicants must meet the following minimum conditions for admission:
Bachelor’s degree – Completion of a recognized undergraduate degree equivalent to the four-year honours degree standard with a minimum 2.67 GPA and meet the English Language Proficiency requirements.
Application Process
Applicants seeking admission to graduate programs at UNF who do not meet the entrance requirements for that program will be notified if they are eligible to proceed in the Graduate Foundation Program. Applicants cannot apply directly to the GFP.
Tuition information
Choosing to pursue a university education is a big commitment that impacts every aspect of your life – including your finances. Our fees are determined by the total cost of individual credits per academic year. All fees are listed in Canadian dollars and these rates are subject to change.
Domestic tuition
$2,400.03
International tuition
$6,003
Graduate Foundation Program FAQs
Students will have two hours of classes per subject, each week.
After successful completion of the GFP, students can begin their master’s program. We aim to issue unconditional offers immediately after grades are received from the academic areas at the end of the term.
Students are assessed using variety of methods such as case studies, projects, reports, presentations, discussions, quizzes, exams etc. The assessments are spread out throughout the term to give students the opportunity of ongoing feedback, improving retention, encouraging consistent effort, and encouraging participation.
Students are required to take three undergraduate courses of three credits each, for a total of nine credits as a part of GFP. They are required to obtain a GPA of 3.0 to successfully complete the program and transition to their respective master’s program.
Since the GFP is not an accredited program, it does not provide a formal credential upon completion, nor is it noted on the transcript as a completed program—only the individual courses completed are listed.
Students can choose to pay for their GFP studies first before paying their academic deposit, but it is recommended to pay the required deposit to ensure their space in the program.
Yes, students will qualify for a refund of unused monies on their student account, subject to the terms and conditions of our refund policy.
The program consists of three individual courses. Students are allowed to retake any course they did not successfully complete, up to four times, in accordance with academic policies. However, according to the tuition refund guarantee terms and conditions, while course retakes are permitted, the tuition for the retaken course will not be refunded.
Contact your Student Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your dedicated Student Advisor at a time that’s convenient for you to receive more information about:
- UNF programs
- Available scholarships
- The application process
This institution has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this program for a five-year term starting October 14, 2022. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (e.g., acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions.)