College Diploma - Gerontology

Academic Requirements

Note: As of the Fall (September) Semester 2025 intake, applications for admission to the Diploma in Gerontology have been suspended until further notice.

Academic Requirements:

• Domestic Applicants: BC Grade 12 Graduation (or equivalent) or 19 years of age or older
• International Applicants: BC Grade 12 Graduation (or equivalent)

Additional Requirements:

• Completed gerontology supplemental application form
• An interview with a program faculty member
• Volunteer or paid experience in the human service field
• Two letters of reference

Applicant Notes:

• It is the responsibility of program applicants to contact the Social Service Worker department to set up an interview.
• Demonstrated emotional maturity, independence, and an affinity for working with people is required.
• Previous experience in work related to the social services, preferably with a minimum of 60 hours of either paid employment and/or volunteer experience.
• Of the two letters from employers or supervisors, one letter must be from a human service agency or organization.
• Admission to a program does not guarantee registration into required courses.
• Preference is given to candidates who are at least 21 years of age by the time they enter the program. Opportunities for the required practicum placements for students under 21 years of age are limited.
• Admission is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program.
• Once accepted, all students are required to complete a criminal record check (CRC). This criminal record check must be submitted to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The link to access the consent form to be submitted to the Ministry will be emailed to each applicant upon acceptance.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at Langara College. All applicants are required to be proficient in listening, reading, speaking, and writing in English at a post-secondary level.

Most programs fall into one of the three categories below. Refer to the 'Admissions' tab of the program listing for the full requirements or see our complete list of programs by category.

Must meet one of the English Language Requirements below:

• English First Peoples 12 - 70%
• English Studies 12 - 70%
• Literary Studies 12 - 70%
• Langara English Test (LET) - 3
• Langara English Course - A minimum "S" grade in ENGL 1107 or 1110; or a minimum "C" grade in ENGL 1120
• English (Post-Secondary Transfer) - C-
• International Baccalaureate - IB ENGL A (HL or SL): 3; IB ENGL LIT & PERFORM (SL): 3
• Advanced Placement - AP ENGL LIT & COMP: 2; AP ENGL LANG & COMP: 2
• GCSE O-Level English, GCSE English Language B - C

Must meet one of the English Language Proficiency Assessments below:

• English for Academic Purposes (EAP) - Level IV (EAP Level IV (LEAP 8))
• Language Proficiency Index (LPI) - 26
• IELTS Academic - 6.5 (No Band Lower Than 6.0)
• Duolingo English Test - 110
• TOEFL (IBT) - Overall: 88; Writing: 20; Reading: 20; Listening: 20; Speaking: 20
• CAEL - Overall: 70 (No Band Lower Than 60)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) - 56 (No Individual Skill Score Less Than 55)

Notes:

a. Applicants admitted to a Langara College program on the basis of an English language assessment other than the Langara English Test (LET) or an acceptable grade in secondary or post-secondary English may be required to successfully complete ENGL 1107, 1110, or achieve an LET 3 prior to enrolling in ENGL 1100, 1123, 1129, or 1130.

b. Assessment test scores are valid for two years from the date they were taken.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.