Justice Studies Diploma

Applicants who declare English as a first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.   

Field trip or practicum access may be restricted to students 18 years of age or older based on the agency or institution’s minimum age requirement. 

Field trip and practicum agencies may also have access restrictions related to criminal records and vaccination status. Students who have criminal records or charges pending may be denied access to off-site learning activities. Students who do not meet the eligibility/access requirements may be able to access an alternate learning activity.  Students will be informed of any access restrictions at least one week prior to Field Trips. Requirements for practicum placement will be communicated in year 1 of the program.   

Volunteer opportunities, practicum placements, field trip attendance, and future employment within Justice-related fields will be negatively impacted for individuals who have criminal convictions or charges pending or awaiting disposition from the courts.  The Government of Canada provides information on pardons and record suspensions.  

Applicants must provide, at their own expense, a Police Information Check or Vulnerable Sector Check to many agencies for practicum experience. Adverse information on such checks may limit practicum placement and prevent program completion. It is the decision of each agency or institution whether or not to accept a student for placement based on the results of such checks. 

Some placements may require additional documentation, such as a medical examination, or RCMP Field Investigation and Security Clearance. It is important to learn about these requirements early in the program to ensure sufficient time for receipt of the documentation prior to the fourth term practicum.

Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Justice Studies Diploma, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.   

The Justice Studies program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase participation of Indigenous learners, the program has designated four (4) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. After June 1 of each year, designated seats which have not been allocated to Indigenous learners will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program. 

Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by: 

• Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission. 
• Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry

 Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following): 

• Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities. 
• Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll. 
• Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. 
• Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation. 

Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.