Interdisciplinary Studies in Contemporary Education Certificate and Diploma

Our certificate and diploma respond to the emergent needs of education specialists.

The Okanagan School of Education offers a certificate and diploma in Interdisciplinary Studies in Contemporary Education, and a certificate in Teaching English and Additional Languages.

The Interdisciplinary Studies in Contemporary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (15 credits) and Diploma (30 credits) provide professional development opportunities for educators and respond to the needs of schools and districts for education specialists. These are post-degree professional programs designed to complement post-secondary education that has already been achieved.

The program is designed to prepare teachers and education specialists to work with children and adolescents in a variety of areas, including early learning, inclusive education, and language and literacy.

The program is designed to be flexible so it can be tailored to meet the students’ needs and interests. Students can build their own individualized program while still meeting the educational needs and requirements for specialization (learning assistance or resource teachers).

The purpose is to expand current knowledge and understanding with practical implications within school environments to support teacher development and so that all students have equitable access to learning and achievement.

This certificate and diploma program does not lead to teacher certification. However, if you are a teacher, they can lead to a category upgrade with the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS).

  • An applicant in category five who takes the 30-credit diploma program will qualify for the five plus category
  • An applicant in category four who holds an undergraduate degree who then takes this 30-credit diploma program will qualify for category five
  • An applicant who does not hold a degree, or is in category three or lower, is recommended to have the 30-credit diploma program preapproved through the TQS website.

For more information visit the Okanagan Academic Calendar.

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate is awarded after the completion of 15 credits.

The Post-Baccalaureate Diploma is awarded after the completion of 30 credits.

Students who begin and complete the certificate program may continue their studies and enroll in the diploma program. Email postbac.education@ubc.ca once you’ve completed the certificate program requirements.

To respond to professional schedules, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate/Diploma courses are normally offered in multiple formats including Saturday sessions, online or blended (online and in-person).

Course Offerings

Upcoming courses can be viewed on the Certificate & Diploma Student Resource page.

Inclusive Education courses are designed to prepare individuals to work with children and adolescents with diverse needs. You will learn about establishing inclusive practices in settings such as classrooms and in schools so that all students have equitable access to learning and achievement. These courses may appeal to B.C. certified graduates who are currently employed as, or who wish to become, Learning Assistance Teachers or Resource Teachers.

Sample Courses:

  • EPSE 421 – Assessment of Learning Difficulties
  • EPSE 431 – Programming for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities
  • EPSE 433 – Assessment and Positive Behavioural Support in School and Community Settings

For the complete list of courses students can take, visit the Academic Calendar.

Language and Literacy Education courses are designed for educators and educational leaders who wish to deepen and extend their knowledge in areas of Literacy and Language Arts. This includes oral and written communication, reading, children’s and adolescents’ literature, literacy in the content areas, new media literacy, assessment, and literacy for diverse learners.

Sample Courses:

    • LLED 461 – Assessment of Literacy and Learning
    • LLED 465 – Literacy for Diverse Learners in Middle and Secondary Grades
    • LLED 468 – Language, Literacy and Numeracy

For the complete list of courses students can take, visit the Academic Calendar.

Early childhood is a critically important period for establishing strong foundations for life-long learning and wellbeing. These courses provide professionals with the philosophy, understanding and skills to create optimal learning environments, assess children appropriately and design learning experiences to support children’s development. These courses may appeal to those who work with young children or are new to teaching kindergarten, pre-kindergarten and primary grades. It will also be of interest to experienced teachers who wish to expand their theoretical understandings in order to enhance learning opportunities for young children.

Sample Courses:

  • ECED 445 – Foundations of Early Childhood Education
  • ECED 421 – Supporting Young Children through Home, School, and Community Relationships
  • ECED 440 – Play and Early Childhood Education

For the complete list of courses students can take, visit the Academic Calendar.

These courses take a multi-disciplinary approach and are designed for individuals who wish to explore and expand their knowledge in leadership, equity and social justice in education.

Sample courses

  • EDST 497 – Contemporary Educational Issues
    • Seminar that examines special topics and current issues within education
  • EDST 498 – Contemporary Educational Practice
    • Seminar that explores various approaches, projects, methodologies and teaching applications
  • EDST 499 – Studies in Educational Leadership
    • Seminar that investigates effective educational programs, leadership and practice

These courses are designed to develop skills in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) or teaching other additional and heritage languages to learners in a wide range of contexts. They prepare both students who are new to teaching as well as offer professional development for current teachers or those with previous experience.

SAMPLE COURSES

  • LLED 494 – Introduction to Additional Language Teaching and Learning
  • LLED 495 – Curriculum and Materials Design in Additional Language Teaching and Learning
  • LLED 496 – Theory and Practice in Additional Language Teaching and Learning

For the complete list of courses students can take, visit the Academic Calendar.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

In addition to meeting UBC’s general admission requirements, admission to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate/Diploma program requires:

  • Bachelor’s degree, teacher’s certification, or permission of the Dean of Education
  • Applicants who speak English as a second language and have not previously been enrolled at UBC or another Canadian university must demonstrate English language proficiency to meet UBC’s English Proficiency Requirements

If you wish to enrol in individual courses, but are not in a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate or Diploma program, you will require a minimum of third-year standing.

How to Apply

Please complete and submit the Student Information Form to begin the application process. Once we have reviewed your student information form, if you meet the admission requirements, we will send you the appropriate next steps to completing your application.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with accepted students able to start their studies in the term following their acceptance into the program.  Winter Term 1 and Winter Term 2 generally start in September and January, respectively.  Summer Term 1 and Summer Term 2 generally start in May and July, respectively.

For more information please contact postbac.education@ubc.ca.

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the UBC Okanagan Academic Calendar* for full admission and program requirements; the calendar is a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services and academic policies at the University of British Columbia.

* In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

Registration & Course Selection

Once your eligibility to register has been established, you will receive an email from Access Studies. Students may then register for each course online via the Student Services Centre (SSC).

Upcoming courses can be viewed on the Certificate & Diploma Student Resource page.

Tuition & Fees

Students will be assessed tuition and student fees at the prevailing undergraduate rate. Details are available via the Academic Calendar.

Meet Your Peers and Profs

Find out what students, faculty, and alumni have to say about their time at UBC Okanagan.

Our Stories

Dr. Jessica Chan, Assistant Professor

Dr. Jessica Chan, Assistant Professor

Dr. Donna Kozak, PhD alumna

Dr. Donna Kozak, PhD alumna

UBC’S OKANAGAN CAMPUS

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. At the Okanagan School of Education, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.

UBC Okanagan campus accommodations during sunrise

DYNAMIC CITY

UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of about 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.

More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the top 10 busiest airports in Canada.

UBC Okanagan is situated within the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.

NATURAL BEAUTY

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.

Check out this 360-degree video: Kelowna From Above.*

* Best viewed using desktop Chrome or Firefox (desktop) or YouTube app (mobile).

  • Get a glimpse into life on UBC’s Okanagan campus at you.ubc.ca.
  • Take a virtual tour of our state-of-the-art labs, modern facilities, campus residences.
  • Visit the campus for a personal guided tour led by a student ambassador.
  • Attend an orientation that’s tailored to your needs as an aboriginal student, domestic student, international student, or a student living in residence. You can even register your parents for an orientation that includes a workshop and campus tour.
  • Tour the campus, city and lake with this interactive 360-degree Kelowna From Above* video.
    * Best viewed in Chrome and Firefox 

Centre for Scholarly Communication (CSC): Supports graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, staff and faculty in disseminating their research. The CSC provides one-on-one consultations and workshops, including writing support for theses, dissertations, journal articles and grant proposals.

Centre for Teaching and Learning: Provides support related to teaching, TA training and use of technology in educational programming.