Start dates
Fall (Oct), Winter (Jan), Spring (April), Summer (July)
Program length
3 months
Credits
Nine
Program delivery
On-campus, Online
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 practice 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.
Graduate Foundation Program explained
Timeline
Students will be required to complete three courses during one term, delivered over a 12-week period.
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.
Delivery modes
The GFP is currently offered in two modalities, on-campus and online. The information on this page refers to the on-campus delivery. To learn more about the online program, visit the Graduate Foundation Program online page.
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.
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 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.
Hear from our Associate Professor
This program offers an opportunity to strengthen their academic credentials and prepare for the advanced studies.
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 into 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.
$2,400.03
Domestic tuition
$6,003
International tuition
Hear from our students
Frequently asked questions
What will the average week look like for Graduate Foundation Program (GFP) students?
Students will have two hours of classes per subject, each week.
What is the timeline for progression into a master’s program?
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.
What are the assessment methods for the GFP?
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.
How does a student successfully transition to graduate studies?
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.
Will students receive a certificate upon completion of the GFP?
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.
What is the payment plan and timeline for the GFP?
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.
Will students receive a full refund for the master’s program if they are unsuccessful in the GFP?
Yes, students will qualify for a refund of unused monies on their student account, subject to the terms and conditions of our refund policy.
If a student fails the GFP, can they redo the unit they failed or must they retake the whole program?
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.
Why choose UNF?
UNF is committed to innovative education and research for a digital world. This technology-centred approach puts you, the student, first. Learn from industry leaders and experienced faculty, gain experience through work-integrated learning components, and build a foundation that sets you on the path for success.
Contact your Student Advisor
Schedule an appointment with your dedicated Student Advisor at a time that’s convenient for you.
