Frequently Asked Questions

General Program and Degree Questions

What are the essential modules for 3 year or 4 year degrees?

What are the rules for combining modules?

Generally, module combinations other than those outlined in the “Approved Module Combinations for degrees” have not been approved and, consequently, may not be taken.

What is an antirequisite?

Courses that overlap sufficiently in course content that both cannot be taken for credit.

Do you have at least one course from each Category?

For more information, see the Current Western Academic Calendar.

Have you completed the requirements for first year?

5.0 courses including one from either category B or C

See our Checklists to help you plan.

Can you take senior courses if you fail a first year course?

You can take senior courses only if you are replacing the first year course at the same time.

Can you repeat a course?

Yes, both marks are on your record but only the second mark counts.

Form more information, see the Current Western Academic Calendar.

What is the maximum number of first year courses allowed?

The maximum number of first year courses is 7.0

For more information, see the Current Western Academic Calendar.

What are the minimum requirements for admission to honors?

Complete first year (5.0 courses); B average in required courses; no mark less than 60%.

For more information, please see the Current Western Academic Calendar.

What modules are offered in Arts & Humanities?

Click here for our complete list of modules.

What are designated essay courses? Do they have to be taken at Western?

E or F/G are designated essay courses that have to be taken at Western.

For more information, please see the Current Western Academic Calendar.

How many courses can you take in the same subject?

No more than 2.0 in your first year. For a 3 year degree, no more than 9; for a 4 year degree, no more than 14 (with the exception of Psychology).

For more information, see the Current Western Academic Calendar.

How many courses can you take in each term?

5.0 courses per term.

For more information, see the Current Western Academic Calendar.

How many Distance Studies courses can you take in each term?

Students may not take more than 2.5 credits via Distance Studies during the spring/summer session and 3.0 credits during the fall/winter session.  Students who wish to take more courses by distance must contact the Academic Counselling Office to request special permission.

How many courses do you have to take to be eligible for a scholarship or the Dean's Honor List?

Full-time students who have completed 4.0 courses with an 80% average are on the Dean's Honor List. Full-time students with an 80% average on 5.0 courses may be considered for scholarships.

How many courses can you take at the Affiliated Colleges?

Students may take a maximum of 1.0 course per session at an Affiliate as follows:

  1. If the course is not offered on campus, no special permission is required, unless indicated in the Course Notes in the Undergraduate Timetable:

    • "Main campus students require home faculty permission” indicates that you must receive special permission from the Arts & Humanities Academic Counselling Office before being allowed to enroll in the Affiliate course.

    • "Restricted to students registered at an affiliated college” indicates that this course is being reserved for affiliate students. You will require permission first from the Affiliate, and secondly from the Arts & Humanities Academic Counselling Office.

What is the grading system?

For more information, see the Current Western Academic Calendar.

What grade do I need to pass a course?

All grades below 50% are considered failed grades.  To remain in goodstanding at Western you need a 55% average in first year and 60% in second year. You need higher marks for some programs. 

Where can I pick up a Summer Calendar?

The Summer Calendar will be available in University College, room 2230 and online in February. You can also visit Student Central to grab a copy.