Thanatology

• The program allows for several degree options, and many of our courses are available online. Our program incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including in-class instruction, blended learning and experiential learning.
• The introductory Thanatology course is Survey of Thanatology (2200), and is taken during the student’s second year. Further course offerings depend on whether the student is completing a Major or a Minor in Thanatology Studies.
• Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, may pursue the Certificate in Loss, Grief and Bereavement concurrently with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Courses for the Certificate taken concurrently with a Thanatology module may count for both.

For a program checklist for both the Major and Minor, click here.

King’s at Western is not typically an online university, therefore this option is limited to students who meet specific criteria. Students may be eligible for this option if they meet the following conditions:

• May only be enrolled in part-time studies (maximum 3.0 credits in the Fall/Winter term).
• Must live beyond easy commuting distance from King’s (100 km), and provide satisfactory explanation of reasons that might prevent attending courses on campus.
• Must be registered at Year 2 level or above (a student with 4.0 or more transfer credits, or with a completed first degree will be eligible; students straight from high school, or mature students with no prior university credits are NOT eligible).
• Currently, the only available on-line degree pathway at King's is a Thanatology degree.
• If adding an additional module at Western, must take responsibility for covering the courses towards that module.
• Must request, and be granted by the Associate Dean, a special permission to waive the standard King's course registration (residency) requirement. This request will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
• Must have a minimum of 5.0 credits from King’s to graduate. Where possible, must take any available Distance non-Thanatology offerings at King’s when they are offered here.
• Students with no previous university experience are encouraged to contact Distance Studies at Main Campus for completion of their first 4.0 credits.

Students interested in this option are encouraged to contact an Admission Officer to determine eligibility before applying. Please contact us via email at kings@uwo.ca

Many of the courses in this program will be offered online or in mixed-methods (online and in-class) teaching models

• An innovative Certificate program offering professionals and lay persons an opportunity to explore cultural, social, and personal aspects of loss, death, dying, and grief.
• The opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in providing support for those who experience significant losses, individuals who are terminally ill, and those who experience grief, and to examine relevant legal, ethical, and social issues.
• The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to the exploration of loss and grief, with an focus on effective support and collaboration with community-based services. 

To apply, here’s what you need to do:

1. Review all of our admission requirements
2. Prepare your official transcripts from all institutions attended
3. Prepare full course descriptions from universities you have previously attended
4. Submit your application through the OUAC website. For your convenience you may use the following King's program code:
   • EKO (Social Science), Subject of Interest: Thanatology

• If you are currently registered at King’s/Western, you may indicate the Certificate in Loss, Grief and Bereavement on your Intent to Register submission during the Intent to Register period (February 1st to March 30th). Please feel free to contact Lois Mansfield at Lois.Mansfield@kings.uwo.ca if you have any questions regarding this process.
• If you have never attended King’s or Western before, please feel free to use our King’s internal application system.
  • You will require a username:  Thancert
  • You will require a password:  kings
  • Please specify EKO (Social Science) as your program choice

• Beginning September 2016: Certificate must be completed within a 5 year time frame
• The Certificate Program can be completed in one academic year if you take a full time course load (5.0 courses). 
• Due to other committments, many of our students prefer to complete their studies on a part-time basis. 

To qualify for the Certificate in Loss, Grief and Bereavement Studies, students must achieve an overall average of 65% in the following 5.0 courses:

• 2.5 courses: Thanatology 2200, 2230A/B, 2231A/B, 3360A/B.
• 2.0 courses from: Thanatology 2602A/B, 2605A/B, 3601A/B, 3603A/B, 3606A/B.
• 0.5 course from: Thanatology 2232A/B, 2233A/B, 2234A/B, 2235A/B, 3320A/B, 3321A/B, 3322A/B, 3323A/B, 3355A/B, Sociology 2245.

• If you are not a current King's/Western student, applications must be submitted through King’s internal application system, no later than June 1st.
• If you are a current King's/Western student, please contact Lois Mansfield at lois.mansfield@kings.uwo.ca

• The Certificate in Loss, Grief, and Bereavement Studies replaces the former Certificate in Grief and Bereavement Studies/Palliative Care offered through Western's Centre for Continuing Studies
• Students who were previously enroled through Western's Centre for Continuing Studies may complete their certificate at King's. The Program will now be administered through King’s University College and not through Western’s Centre for Continuing Studies. Please contact Lois Mansfield for further information on completing your certificate program.