Certificates & Diplomas
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.
Interdisciplinary Studies in Contemporary Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate and Diploma
The Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (15 credits) and Post-Baccalaureate 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 may complete the courses as available in sequence, or take the required number of courses within a six-year maximum period.
Students who begin and complete the certificate program may continue 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).
Program Areas & Courses
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, English education, ESL, literacy in the content areas, new media literacy, assessment, and literacy for diverse learners.
Sample Courses:
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- LLED 465 – Literacy for Diverse Learners in Middle and Secondary Grades
- LLED 468 – Language, Literacy and Numeracy
- LLED 466 – ESL and Literacy Education
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
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.
Teaching English and Additional Languages Certificate
The Teaching English and Additional Languages (TEAL) certificate (12-credits) is for students interested in teaching English or other languages to learners of all ages.
The certificate is designed to prepare students who are new to teaching as well as offer professional development for current teachers or those who have previous experience working with additional language learners in Canada or abroad.
TEAL students gain experience and understanding in lesson planning, instructional strategies, reflective practice, classroom leadership, interculturality and community building.
Courses take place online and on-campus.
This certificate does not carry credit toward certification to teach in public schools in British Columbia. In B.C., a Bachelor of Education is required to teach.
Admission Requirements
- Students who wish to enroll in the certificate program must have obtained their first degree or a minimum of third-year standing.
- 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.
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.
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.
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