IB & AP Students

International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement and the Foundation Year Programme at King’s

As a student in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme you think critically, engage with your community and manage the competing demands for your time. All of these abilities will serve you well as a student at the University of King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. But they are just the beginning.

At King's you take your understanding to new depths. The university's acclaimed Foundation Year Programme (FYP) and upper-year programmes encourage you to see the "big picture" through an approach to learning that erases traditional boundaires between disciplines. Just as the studies flow, so do the conversations. Discussions continue from the lecture hall into the student-driven extracurricular activities that abound - from sports to theatrics, camping to dance. And all of this takes place within an enthusiastic and caring community of leards.

The Foundation Year Programme and Beyond

Imagine an intensive interdisciplinary exploration of the development of Western Civilization from ancient history to contemporary times with great books as your companions and your professors, classmates (and yourself) as guides. This is FYP.

To have met Plato, Dante and Machiavelli once or twice is to have made their acquaintance. In FYP you will begin a true dialogue with them as you immerse yourself in their texts. Thought-provoking lectures by faculty members who are passionate about their subjects are followed by small-group tutorials made up of about 15 students led by a faculty member. Here you will engage in dynamic and enlightening discussions, question and be questioned.

Through these tutorials and biweekly FYP essays you will hone your ability to form and defend arguments with clarity - something which will serve you well throughout your time at King's and beyond.

After an inspiring year in FYP, continue your intellectual journey at King's. In addition to studies in its highly-respected School of Journalism, the university offers three combined honours degree programmes - Contemporary Studies, Early Modern Studies, and History of Science and Technology. These programmes give you the flexibility to strengthen and expand your understanding of the Western tradition, while exploring new directions through King's affiliation with Dalhousie. 

King's and Dalhousie - a powerful partnership
 

Endless possibilities are created when King's, with its interdisciplinary offerings and student body of 1,200, partners with Dalhousie, a world-renowned teaching and research institution with a student population of about 16,000. King's and Dalhousie share a campus and faculties of arts and science. King's students can seamlessly access over 2,500 classes and programmes from both institutions and a variety of library and athletic facilities.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses - Introduction

The University of King’s College has adopted Dalhousie University’s Policy for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate. King’s will offer transfer credits for some of these classes where they have been assessed as equivalent to Dalhousie courses and where they are relevant to the student’s academic programme. Only classes which meet grade requirements are eligible for transfer credit.
Transfer credits will appear on the students King’s /Dalhousie record and will count towards some of King’s/Dalhousie’s undergraduate degrees.

Definitions

Advanced Placement Programme

A worldwide cooperative education endeavor of the College Board of North America where college level studies in specific subjects in secondary schools are offered.

International Baccalaureate Programme

A comprehensive curriculum that allows graduates to fulfill requirements of various systems of education. The IB Diploma is recognized throughout the world. Many universities grant credit and/or standing for Higher Level Diploma examinations.

Policy on Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Classes for Transfer Credit

Transfer Credit at King's College and Dalhousie University

Transfer credits may be grated if the classes taken are deemed appropriate to the student’s academic programme. A student will receive credit for the classes and it does not require substitution. Transfer credits reduce the length of the student’s programme.

Obtaining Transfer Credits for AP or IB Classes

Students wishing to obtain transfer credits must notify the Registrar’s Office by providing an official transcript of their IB certificate or the result of their AP exams. The student will be notified once the assessment is complete.

Transfer credits will be awarded based on equivalent classes as listed below. For students with an AP national exam with 4 or 5, or Higher Level IB classes with 5, 6 or 7, the credits listed below will be awarded upon admission. A maximum of five credits may be awarded.

Transfer Credits and Application to Professional or Honours Programmes

We strongly recommend that IB and AP students who are considering graduate studies or professional programmes seek academic advice from the Registrar’s Office. (This includes programmes in Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Recreation, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Dental Hygiene, Medicine and Law.)

Advanced Standing

Students begin their study at King’s/Dalhousie at a level appropriate for their knowledge in that subject which is generally the first year or introductory level. In some circumstances, students will be permitted to start their study beyond the first year level. Students who are permitted to do this are granted advanced standing. Advanced standing does not reduce the length of a student’s programme – students may begin their studies at a higher level without completing the introductory class, but must still complete the required number of classes for the programme.

Some departments offer advanced standing for AP or IB classes, but not transfer credit.

Equivalency Information for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Classes