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Degree level expectations and learning outcomes

Degree level expectations and learning outcomes identify the knowledge, skill and competency outcomes that reflect progressive levels of intellectual and creative development.

Guidelines for the Degree Level Expectations (DLEs) have been created by the Ontario Council of Academic Vice-Presidents (OCAV) and serve as the academic standards for Ontario’s universities.

These outcomes may be expressed in subject-specific or in generic terms. Graduates at specified degree levels (e.g., BA, MSc) are expected to demonstrate these outcomes. Each university adapts and describes the degree level expectations to apply within its own institution. Likewise, academic units describe their institution’s expectations in terms that are appropriate to their academic programs.

For more information, please consult the following:

This degree is awarded to students who have demonstrated the following:

Depth and breadth of knowledge

  • General knowledge and understanding of many key concepts, methodologies, theoretical approaches and assumptions in a discipline
  • Broad understanding of some of the major fields in a discipline, including, where appropriate, from an interdisciplinary perspective, and how the fields may intersect with fields in related disciplines
  • Ability to gather, review, evaluate and interpret information relevant to one or more of the major fields in a discipline
  • Some detailed knowledge in an area of the discipline
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills inside and outside the discipline
  • Ability to apply learning from one or more areas outside the discipline
     

Knowledge of methodologies

  • An understanding of methods of enquiry or creative activity, or both, in their primary area of study that enables the student to: 
    • evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems using well established ideas and techniques; and
    • devise and sustain arguments or solve problems using these methods.

Application of knowledge

  • The ability to review, present, and interpret quantitative and qualitative information to: 
    • develop lines of argument;
    • make sound judgments in accordance with the major theories, concepts and methods of the subject(s) of study; and
  • The ability to use a basic range of established techniques to: 
    • analyse information;
    • evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems related to their area(s) of study;
    • propose solutions; and
    • make use of scholarly reviews and primary sources.

Communication skills

  • The ability to communicate accurately and reliably orally and in writing to a range of audiences. 

Awareness of limits knowledge

  • An understanding of the limits to their own knowledge and how this might influence their analyses and interpretations. 

Autonomy and professional capacity

  • Qualities and transferable skills necessary for further study, employment, community involvement, and other activities requiring: 
    • the exercise of personal responsibility and decision-making;
    • working effectively with others;
    • the ability to identify and address their own learning needs in changing circumstances and to select an appropriate program of further study; and
    • behaviour consistent with academic integrity and social responsibility.