Local government management

The Diploma in Local Government Management program consists of 10 courses (15 units of study). You'll take six required courses and four elective courses. All courses are 1.5 units. No transfer credits allowed.

Download the brochure.

Tuition fees

All diploma courses are 1.5 units. Part-time students pay fees per term, per credit unit. See fee details.

Application requirements

Applicants should have the equivalent of two years post-secondary education, plus three years experience in the public sector, or considerable relevant public or non-profit sector work experience.

Candidates without formal post-secondary qualifications but with demonstrated appropriate experience may be admitted as conditional students.

How to apply

New applicants to UVic

  1. Apply to UVic, upload your professional resume and cover letter (see cover letter guidance below) outlining your interest in the diploma or specialization certificate program.
  2. Arrange for all official transcripts to be sent to Undergraduate Admissions.

Returning UVic students

Returning UVic students must apply to reregister. Along with your application for reregistration, upload your updated professional resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the diploma or specialization certificate program. Returning students should review the information on the Office of the Registrar site.

Cover letter guidance

Your 500-word cover letter (letter of intent) should outline your specific interest in the diploma or certificate program you are applying for, and how this program aligns with your personal and/or career goals.

Please address all cover letters to the director of the School of Public Administration, University of Victoria.

Application deadlines

We may accept applications outside of regular UVic timelines.

Fall term

  • May 31 for application to Office of the Registrar
  • July 15 for documents and transcripts

Spring term

  • September 30 for application to Office of the Registrar
  • November 15 for documents and transcripts

Summer term

  • February 15 for application to Office of the Registrar
  • April 1 for documents and transcripts

Course requirements

Core courses

  • ADMN 312 - Leading and Managing in Public and Non-Profit Sectors*
  • ADMN 420 - The Public Policy Process*
  • ADMN 423 - Local Government and Governance
  • ADMN 445 - Urban and Regional Development*
  • ADMN 452 - Local Government Law*
  • ADMN 330 - Indigenous Governance in Canada
    or
    ADMN 331 - Governance for Planetary Health
    If students take both ADMN 330 and 331, one will count towards elective requirements.

*Courses required for external professional accreditation in local government administration by the Board of Examiners, Ministry of Municipal Affairs.

Elective courses

Choose 6.0 units (four courses) from other School of Public Administration undergraduate courses:

Social/applied sciences

  • ADMN 314 - Public Sector Research and Analysis

Managerial theory and practice

  • ADMN 316 - Public Sector Communications
  • ADMN 407 - Managing Service Delivery
  • ADMN 409 - Non-profit Governance and Management
  • ADMN 411 - Public Sector Project Management
  • ADMN 421 - Financial Management
  • ADMN 422 - Ethical Public Management
  • ADMN 431A - Public Sector Human Resource Management
  • ADMN 431B - Labour Relations Negotiations
  • ADMN 437 - Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement
  • ADMN 477 - Strategic Planning and Implementation

Policy areas

  • ADMN 310 - Public Sector Economics
  • ADMN 311 - Introduction to Public Administration
  • ADMN 446 - Local Government Land Use Planning
  • ADMN 462 - Intergovernmental Relations in Canada
  • ADMN 470 - Contemporary Topics in Administration (topics vary)
  • ADMN 478 - European Union Urban Region and Policies
  • ADMN 490 - Directed Studies