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About DC Professional and Part-Time Learning

DC's Professional and Part-time Learning (PPL), offers exceptional part-time programs, micro-credentials, and professional development courses, either online or in-person at our Oshawa and Whitby campuses.

As a provincial pioneer in providing and developing online courses, PPL provides the convenience of upgrading your skills, exploring new talents, or creating a career path at your leisure. At PPL, you have the option of completing a program by registering for one course at a time. To find out how you can advance your career in only a few hours a week, please visit our website here: www.durhamcollege.ca/ppl.

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and it may interfere with your plans to enroll in a course. That’s why we are committed to offering scheduling flexibility to our students.

Unlike traditional academic calendars, where courses are limited to specific semesters such as Fall, Winter, or Spring, our courses at PPL also start on a monthly basis. This means that you have multiple opportunities throughout the year to begin your learning journey, allowing you to fit education into your busy schedule .

Whether you have work commitments, family responsibilities, or other engagements, our monthly course start dates ensure that you can find a time that suits you best. You won’t have to wait for the next semester to begin your studies; simply choose the month that aligns with your availability and interests, and you’re all set to embark on your educational path.

We are constantly developing new programs and courses to help you accelerate your learning and have a competitive advantage in the job market. At PPL, you can find various part-time programs that cater to different credential preferences.

You can choose from various credentials including Graduate Certificates, Diplomas, College Certificates, Recognitions of Achievement, and Micro-credentials. With PPL, everything you need to start your personal and professional growth journey is available.  
 
If you’re unsure about which credential will help you achieve your educational goals, you can choose from a variety of programs and courses based on your interests. These include Arts and Design, Business, Education, Health and Community Services, Information Technology, Languages, Legal and Emergency Services, Personal Interest, Trades, and Technology.

You have the unique advantage of being able to register and pay for only one course at a time and enroll when it fits within your schedule. We understand the importance of flexibility and want to give our students the freedom to register for courses at their own pace.  
 
For instance, if you’re interested in pursuing the Accounting Specialty (Certificate), which comprises seven courses, you can sign up for one course at a time and schedule it accordingly. You will have 15 semesters (equivalent to 5 years) from the start of your first course to complete the certificate program.

How to Find Programs and Courses on the PPL Website?

How to register for Part-Time Programs and Courses at Durham College?

PPL Credentials: Explained

Credential
Description
Learning Style
Credential Awarded
Highly focused on a specific competency related to a particular type of job.
Applied
Digital Badge
Multiple (usually 2-5) micro-credentials support the development of multiple competencies, all related to a particular type of job.
Applied
Digital Badge
The program provides a level of skills and knowledge that allows graduates to meet narrowly defined job requirements.
Applied (primarily)
Paper Certificate
The program prepares participants for entry-level positions.
Theory and Applied (Combination)
Paper Certificate
The program prepares participants for entry-level positions.
Theory and Applied (Combination)
Paper Certificate
The program prepares participants for entry-level positions and for more specialized education at a more advanced level.
Theory and Applied (Combination), may include capstone or placement.
Paper Diploma
The program prepares participants for more specialized positions by developing deeper skill sets.
Theory and Applied (Combination), may include capstone or placement.
Paper Certificate

How are Professional and Part-Time Learning Courses delivered?

Professional and Part-Time Learning provides flexible and accessible learning options designed to meet the diverse needs of students balancing education with other commitments. Through online asynchronous and synchronous formats, hybrid delivery models, in-person courses, and field placement opportunities, learners can choose the format that best aligns with their schedules, learning preferences, and goals. Please refer to this page for more details

Professional Development

Professional Development (PD) represents a wide variety of specialized training, formal education, or advanced professional learning intended to help improve one’s work-related knowledge, competence, skill, and effectivenessThis can be a program, a series of courses or one individual courseRegardless of length, the goal is to enable individuals to further their career with learning that fits their unique needs. Find PD options in the easy-to-navigate categories here.

Contact Us

Do you have a question for the Professional and Part-time Learning team? Please email us ppl@durhamcollege.ca, or call us at 905-721-3052, or DM us on our social media channels. We look forward to assisting you shortly.