The Diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées (French pronunciation: [diplom detyd sypeʁjœʁ spesjalize], DESS) is a postgraduate diploma awarded by a Quebec university.
In Quebec, the diploma focuses on acquiring the foundations of a specialization in a particular field of study.
It generally includes a practical dimension of the theoretical knowledge acquired, with the completion of an internship or a thesis.
The DESS consists of 30 credits and is completed in a minimum of one year.
The DESS may lead to admission to a master's program.