Academic Calendar - 2024

Western University Academic Calendar. - 2024
return to: Degree Requirements and Graduation

THE DEGREE STRUCTURE


The Degree Structure

The Modules
There are four possible modules of study which may be entered after First Year:


The modular degree structure affords the opportunity to combine various subjects from different Departments and Faculties. The chart below shows how modules can be combined in the three different types of degrees offered. The modules taken must fit within these degree structures. Departments, Schools, Faculties and Affiliated University Colleges may offer some or all of the above modules. See Faculty and Department listings for details. Combinations other than those listed below have not been approved; consequently, they may not be taken. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

 

Approved Module Combinations

APPROVED MODULE COMBINATIONS FOR DEGREES

DEGREE TYPE

HONOURS SPECIALIZATION MODULE

SPECIALIZATION MODULE

MAJOR MODULE

MAJOR MODULE

MINOR MODULE

MINOR MODULE

Honours Bachelor

E

 

 

 

 

 

Honours Bachelor

E

 

A

 

 

 

 Honours Bachelor

E

 

 

 

A

 

 Honours Bachelor

 

 

E

E

 

 

 Bachelor 4 Year

 

E

 

 

 

 

 Bachelor 4 Year

 

E

A

 

 

 

 Bachelor 4 Year

 

E

 

 

A

 

 Bachelor 4 Year

 

 

E

A

 

 

 Bachelor 4 Year

 

 

E

 

 

 

 Bachelor 4 Year

 

 

E

 

A

 

 Bachelor 4 Year

 

 

E

 

A

A

 Bachelor 3 Year

 

 

E

 

 

 

 Bachelor 3 Year

 

 

E

 

A

 

 Bachelor 3 Year

 

 

 

 

E

E

E (Essential Modules) A (Additional Modules) 

 

The Honours Bachelor Degree - (A minimum 20.0 Courses)
15.0 courses after first year, including at least an Honours Specialization or a Double Major, as follows:


The Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) - (A minimum 20.0 Courses)
15.0 courses after first year including at least a Specialization module or a Major module, as follows:


The Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) - (15.0 Courses)
10.0 courses after first year including at least a Major module or Double Minors, as follows:

 
Notes on the Modules:

Module Combinations and Overlap

Modules in the same discipline normally may not be combined: e.g. an Honours Specialization module in Sociology may not be combined with a Major module or a Minor module in Sociology. However, if a Department offers modules with different titles e.g. Sociology and Criminology, the possibility for combination is at the discretion of the Department and Faculty concerned.

Modules require specific courses, some of which may be common to other modules. Students who wish to combine modules containing the same courses must consult the Department(s) and Faculty concerned to see if such overlap is permitted.

Note: Some degrees limit the number of courses which may be taken in one subject.

Cross Disciplinary

Cross Disciplinary

A Cross Disciplinary Major module consists of 6.0 senior courses (numbered 2000 - 4999) approved by the student's Dean's Office. Only available in the Bachelor of Arts Degree (Three-Year). Not offered in the Bachelor of Science degree.

Undeclared Status

Undeclared Status

Second year students who are taking prerequisite course(s) for a specific module may be registered temporarily in an Undeclared Status within a Bachelor Degree (Four Year) only. This status is available only in the Faculties of Arts and Humanities, Science, Social Science and the Affiliated University Colleges. Students progressing into third year must meet the requirements to enter a module. Transfer and Readmitted students who are admitted to an Undeclared Status must consult their Faculty regarding eligibility for specific modules. It is not possible to graduate with an Undeclared Three-Year or Four-Year Bachelor Degree.

Honours Specialization Module

The Honours Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)

The Honours Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) must include at least an Honours Specialization module or Double Major modules. Registration in an honours degree usually begins in the second year, but admission may be gained in the third or fourth year provided the student has fulfilled the Year 1 principal course requirements and has achieved a minimum cumulative modular average of 70% with no mark less than 60% in the courses of the module and a passing grade in each option. Enrollment in some modules is limited and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that students will be offered enrollment. Students intending to proceed to a four-year Honours degree should consider the degree requirements when selecting courses in first, second and third years. Four-Year Honours degree programs are composed of not fewer than 20.0 successfully completed courses required for the degree. Students admitted with advanced standing to an honours program are required to complete a minimum of 10.0 courses offered by Western University or one of the Affiliated University Colleges.

Honours Specialization Module

Admission Requirements
Completion of first-year requirements, including at least 3.0 principal courses specified by the Department. These principal courses must be completed with a minimum average of 70% and a minimum mark of 60% in each. The remaining first-year courses must be completed successfully. Enrollment in some modules may be limited. Modules may have higher admission requirements.

Progression Requirements
For progression in an Honours Specialization module, a student must earn a minimum cumulative modular average of 70%, a minimum mark of 60% in each course of the module and a passing grade in each option.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules. Refer to individual Department listings.

In exceptional circumstances, a student who earns a minimum cumulative modular average of 68%, with a minimum mark of 60% in each course of the module and a passing grade in each option, may be permitted to progress by special permission of the Dean on the recommendation of the Department concerned.

Students who fail to meet the progression requirements in an Honours Specialization may be eligible to continue in the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) in either a Specialization module or a Major module.

Graduation Requirements
Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Honours Bachelor Degree (Four-Year). For complete graduation requirements refer to the Graduation Regulations section.

Double Major Modules

Admission Requirements
Completion of First Year requirements with at least 3.0 principal courses, including the courses specified for each of two Major modules. If fewer than 3.0 courses are specified, the best additional first year course(s) will be included in the total of 3.0. In some combinations, more than 3.0 specific courses will be required as principal courses. The principal courses must be completed with a minimum average of 70% and a minimum mark of 60% in each. The remaining First Year courses must be completed successfully. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Progression Requirements
For progression in an Honours Double Major, a student must earn a minimum cumulative modular average of 70%, a minimum mark of 60% in each course of the module and a passing grade in each option. The modular average for each Major will be calculated separately.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules. Refer to individual Department listings.

Students who fail to meet the progression requirements of an Honours Double Major may be eligible to continue in the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) in either a Specialization module or Major module(s).

Graduation Requirements
Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Honours Bachelor Degree (Four-Year). For complete graduation requirements refer to the Graduation Regulations section.

Specialization Module

The Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)

The Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) must include at least a Specialization module or at least one Major module. Registration in the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) usually begins in the second year, but admission may be gained in the third or fourth year. Students intending to proceed to a Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) should consider the degree requirements when selecting courses in first, second and third years. Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) programs are composed of not fewer than 20.0 successfully completed courses required for the degree. Students admitted with advanced standing to a Bachelor Degree (Four-Year) are required to complete a minimum of 10.0 courses offered by Western University or one of the Affiliated University Colleges. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Specialization Module

Admission Requirements
Completion of First Year requirements, including the principal course(s), specified by the Department with a minimum mark of 60% in each of these course(s). Higher standards may apply to some modules. Refer to Departmental listings. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Progression Requirements
For progression in a Specialization module, a student must meet the minimum Progression Requirements to continue at the University. See "Progression Requirements" in this Calendar.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules. Refer to individual Department listings.

Graduation Requirements
Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year). For complete degree requirements, refer to the Graduation Regulations section.

Major Module (4 Year)

Admission Requirements
Completion of First Year requirements, including the principal course(s), specified by the Department(s) with a minimum mark of 60% in each. Higher standards may apply to some modules. Refer to Departmental listings. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Progression Requirements
For progression in a Major module, a student must meet the minimum Progression Requirements to continue at the University. See Progression Requirements Section.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules.

Graduation Requirements
Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year). For complete graduation requirements, refer to the Graduation Regulations section.
 

Major Module (3 Year)

The Bachelor Degree (Three-Year)

The Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) must include at least one Major module or at least two Minor modules. Registration in the Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) usually begins in the second year, but admission may be gained in the third year. Students intending to proceed to a Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) should consider the degree requirements when selecting courses in first and second years. Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) programs are composed of not fewer than 15.0 successfully completed courses required for the degree. Students admitted with advanced standing to a Bachelor Degree (Three-Year) are required to complete a minimum of 5.0 senior courses (numbered 2000 - 4999) offered by Western University or one of the Affiliated University Colleges. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Major Module

Admission Requirements
Completion of First Year requirements, including the principal course(s), specified by the Department with a minimum mark of 60% in each. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Progression Requirements
For progression in a Major module, a student must meet the minimum Progression Requirements to continue at the University. See "Progression Requirements" section.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules. Refer to individual Department listings.

Graduation Requirements
Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Three-Year). For complete graduation requirements, refer to the Graduation Regulations section.

Double Minor Modules (3 Year)

Admission Requirements
Completion of First Year requirements, including the principal course(s), of each of two Minor modules with a minimum mark of 60% in each principal course. Enrollment in some modules may be limited.

Progression Requirements
For progression in Double Minor modules, a student must meet the minimum Progression Requirements to continue at the University. See "Progression Requirements" in this Calendar.

Higher progression standards may be required in some modules. Refer to individual Department listings.

Graduation Requirements
Students must meet all graduation requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Three-Year). For complete degree requirements refer to the Graduation Regulations section.

Admission, Progression, and Graduation Chart

The Honours Bachelor Degree

MODULE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Honours Specialization

1st Year Requirements

  • Successful completion of all first year requirements, including at least 3.0 principal courses as specified by the department.
  • minimum 70% average on the principal courses for entry to the module.
  • A minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to the module

NOTE: Enrollment in some modules may be limited. Modules may have higher admission requirements.
NOTE: Students who wish to enter this module in a senior year must mee the above requirements and the progression requirements for the module.

  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 70%
  • Minimum mark of 60% in each course of the module.
  • Passing grade in each option.

Note: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules.

On the 20.0 courses counted for graduation:

  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 70% in the Honours Specialization module.
  • Minimum mark of 60% in each course of this module.
  • Passing grade in each option.
  • Minimum overall average of 65% on the 20.0 courses.
  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in any additional Major or Minor module completed.
  • For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for the Honours Bachelor Degree'.
Double Major

1st Year Requirements

  • Successful completion of all first year requirements.
  •  70% average on the principal courses for entry to each module.
  • Minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to each module.

NOTE: Enrollment in some modules may be limited. NOTE: Students who wish to enter this module in a senior year must meet the above requirements and the progression requirements for the module.

  • Minimum cumulative average of 70% in each module.
  • Minimum mark of 60% in each course of each module.
  • Passing grade in each option.

NOTE: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules. NOTE: No exceptions will be permitted.

On the 20.0 courses counted for graduation:

  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 70% in each Major module.
  • Minimum mark of 60% in each course of each module.
  • Passing grade in each option.
  • Minimum overall average of 65% on the 20.0 courses.
  • For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for the Honours Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)’.

NOTE: No exceptions will be permitted.


The Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)

MODULE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Specialization

1st Year Requirements

  • Successful completion of all first year requirements.
  • Minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to the module.

NOTE: Enrollment in some modules may be limited.
NOTE: Students who wish to enter this module in a senior year must meet the above requirements and the progression requirements for the module

  • Satisfy the Progression Requirements for the University (Level 1 and Level 2).

NOTE: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules.

On the 20.0 courses counted for graduation:

  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in the Specialization module.
  • Minimum overall average of 60% in the 20.0 courses.
  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in any additional Major or Minor module completed.
  • For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)’.
Major

1st Year Requirements

  • Successful completion of all first year requirements.
  • Minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to the module.

NOTE: Enrollment in some modules may be limited. NOTE: Students who wish to enter this module in a senior year must meet the above requirements and the progression requirements for the module.

  • Satisfy the Progression Requirements for the University (Level 1 and Level 2).

NOTE: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules.

On the 20.0 courses counted for graduation:

  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in the Major module.
  • Minimum overall average of 60% in the 20.0 courses.
  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in any additional Major or Minor module completed.
  • For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Four-Year)’.

 

 

The Bachelor Degree (Three-Year)

Major

1st Year Requirements

  • Successful completion of all first year requirements.
  • Minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to the module.

NOTE: Enrollment in some modules may be limited. NOTE: Students who wish to enter this module in a senior year must meet the above requirements and the progression requirements for the module.

  • Satisfy the Progression Requirements for the University (Level 1 and Level 2).

NOTE: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules.

On the 15.0 courses counted for graduation:

  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in the Major module.
  • Minimum overall average of 60% in the 15.0 courses.
  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in any additional Major or Minor module completed.
  • For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Three-Year)’.
Double Minor

1st Year Requirements

  • Successful completion of all first year requirements.
  • Minimum mark of 60% in each principal course for entry to the module.

NOTE: Enrollment in some modules may be limited. NOTE: Students who wish to enter this module in a senior year must meet the above requirements and the progression requirements for the module.

 
  • Satisfy the Progression Requirements for the University (Level 1 and Level 2).

NOTE: Higher progression standards may be required in limited enrollment modules.

 

On the 15.0 courses counted for graduation:

  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in the Major module.
  • Minimum overall average of 60% in the 15.0 courses.
  • Minimum cumulative modular average of 60% in any additional Major or Minor module completed.
  • For complete graduation requirements refer to ‘Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor Degree (Three-Year)’.

Post-Degree Modules

Post-Degree Modules
After graduation with an undergraduate degree, students may complete additional Major and/or Minor modules(s) without completing a second degree. Students must consult the Dean’s Office of the Faculty in which the module is offered to request permission to register in a Post-Degree module. Permission may be denied if there is significant overlap with courses completed within the first degree.A Post-Degree module must be in a different subject area, not included in the undergraduate degree.

Students must complete the total number of courses required for this additional module with an average on these courses of at least 60%. Courses successfully completed during the first degree that are considered “extra” courses by the Faculty offering the first degree may be considered for use towards the Post-Degree module, at the discretion of the Faculty offering the Post-Degree module. All courses required for the Post-Degree module must be completed through the course offerings of Western University. Completion of Post-Degree modules will be recognized only by a notation on the student’s transcript.
 
Additional Modules
Major and/or Minor modules may be taken in addition to the essential modules for the degree in accordance with the degree structure outlined previously. Combinations other than those listed in the “Degree Structure” section have not been approved; consequently, they may not be taken. Students graduating with an additional Major or Minor module within their degree must successfully complete the additional module with a minimum average of 60%.

Second Degree (Excluding Professional Degrees)

Second Degree (Excluding Professional Degrees)

Graduates of Western University:

Graduates of other accredited universities:

Breadth: 1.0 senior course from each of Categories A, B, and C must be completed if not already satisfied within the first degree.
Essay: at least 1.0 senior designated essay course must be completed through Western University.

The chart below indicates the possibilities for upgrading to an Honours Bachelor Degree:

FIRST DEGREE SECOND DEGREE
Three-year degree containing: Honours degree

Major
Minor + Minor
Major + Minor

Honours Specialization in either the same subject or a different subject than either the Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.

Double Majors in a different subject than the Major module completed in the previous degree.

Double Majors in either the same subject(s) or different subject(s) as the Minor module(s) completed in the previous degree.
Four-year degree (non-honours) containing: Honours degree

Specialization
Specialization + Major
Specialization + Minor

Honours Specialization in either the same subject or a different subject than the Specialization or Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.

Double Majors in different subjects than the Specialization or Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.

Double Majors, one of which is in the same subject as the Minor module completed in the previous degree

Major
Major + Major
Major + Minor
Major + Minor + Minor

Honours Specialization in either the same subject or a different subject than a Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.


Double Majors in different subjects than the Major or Minor module(s) completed in the previous degree.

Double Majors in the same subject(s) as the Minor module(s) completed in the previous degree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honours degree containing: Honours degree
Honours Specialization
Honours Specialization + Major
Honours Specialization + Minor
Honours Specialization in a different subject than the Honours Specialization or Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.

Honours Specialization in the same subject as either the Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.

Double Majors in different subjects than the Honours Specialization or Major or Minor module(s) completed in the previous degree.

Double Majors, one of which is in the same subject as the Minor module completed in the previous degree.
Major + Major Honours Specialization in either the same subject or a different subject than a Major module completed in the previous degree.

Double Majors in different subjects than the Major module(s) completed in the previous degree.

 

The chart below indicates the possibilities for upgrading to a Four-Year Bachelor Degree:

FIRST DEGREE SECOND DEGREE
Three-year degree containing: Four-year (non-honours) degree

Major
Minor + Minor
Major + Minor

Specialization in either the same subject or a different subject than the Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.
Major(s) in the same subject(s) as the Minor module(s) completed in the previous degree.
Major(s) in a different subject(s) than the Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.
Four-year degree (non-honours) containing: Four-year (non-honours) degree

Specialization
Specialization + Major
Specialization + Minor

Specialization in a different subject than the Specialization or Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.
Specialization in the same subject as the Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.
Major in the same subject as the Minor module completed in the previous degree.

Major(s) in a different subject(s) than the Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.

Major
Major + Major
Major + Minor
Major + Minor + Minor

Specialization in either the same subject or a different subject than the Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.


Major(s) in the same subject(s) as the Minor module(s) completed in the previous degree.
Major(s) in a different subject(s) than the Major or Minor module completed in the previous degree.

 

Notes:
Students applying to upgrade their previous degree conferred under the "old" Western University regulations should consult their Faculty regarding permissible upgrades.

Students whose previous degree is a professional degree (BA Honours Business Administration, BESc, BFA, BMus, BMusA, BA(HEc), BSc(HEc), BSW(Hons), DDS, LLB or JD, MD, MDiv, MTS) should consult the "Sequential Degree" section for information.
 
Second Degree (When One Degree is a Professional Degree)

Professional Degrees:

BA Honours Business Administration, BESc, BFA, BMus, BMusA, BA(HEc), BSc(FN), BScN, BSc(HEc), BSW(Hons), DDS, LLB or JD, MD, MDiv, MTS

1. Sequential Degree

Students who have been awarded a professional degree by this or another accredited university may be granted advanced standing for a maximum of 10.0 courses toward fulfillment of graduation requirements for a 3 or 4 Year Bachelor degree, or a 4 year Honours Bachelor degree. Students must  consult the Faculty offering the second degree.  It is at that Faculty's discretion to determine if students must successfully complete all courses for the second degree through the course offerings of Western University. 

Students who have received a 3 or 4 Year or Honours Bachelor Degree from this or another accredited university may be granted advanced standing toward a professional degree. Students must consult the Faculty offering the professional degree.  It is at that Faculty's discretion to determine if students must successfully complete all courses for the second degree through the course offerings of Western University.

Students who have already received a professional degree from this or another accredited university may be granted advanced standing towards the fulfillment of graduation requirements of a second professional degree. Students must consult the Faculty offering the professional degree.  It is at that Faculty's discretion to determine if students must successfully complete all courses for the second degree through the course offerings of Western University.


2. Concurrent Degrees - One Professional and One Bachelor Degree Taken at the Same Time.

Students who are currently registered in a professional degree may apply for permission to register concurrently in a Bachelor degree. Tuition fees applicable to the professional degree will be assessed and primary registration will reflect the Faculty offering the professional degree.

Students must consult the Dean's office of both Faculties for permission to register in, progress in and graduate with a second undergraduate degree with an Honours Specialization, Specialization or Major module.

A complete statement by the Dean of the Faculty offering the Three or Four-Year or Honours Bachelor degree must be forwarded to the student, with a copy to the Office of the Registrar specifying:

a. The courses that may be credited towards both degrees to a maximum of 10.0, with no more than 5.0 courses from faculties other than Arts and Humanities, Health Sciences (excluding Nursing), Information and Media Studies, Science and Social Science.
b. The number and kind of courses required to complete graduation requirements for the second degree including all senior courses for the Honours Specialization, Specialization or Major.
c. These Concurrent Degree regulations do not apply to Senate approved Combined or Joint degrees.

The Faculty of Engineering is permitted to offer Concurrent Degree Programs where graduating students will receive two Bachelor of Engineering Science (BESc) degrees:

Note: In the case of professional degrees for which normal admission requires one or two years of study in a Bachelor degree, the courses taken as part of such a degree must be included among the 10.0 courses double credited towards both degrees.

Students are encouraged to obtain academic counselling from the Dean of each Faculty during the course of their concurrent degree. Students who fail to meet the progression requirements of either degree will be required to withdraw from the concurrent degree.

3. Combined / Joint Degrees

Bachelor of Engineering Science and Juris Doctor (BESc/JD)
Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)

 

Senate Academic Policies:
Registration, Progression and Graduation -Registration and Progression in Three-Year, Four-Year and Honours Programs