Undergraduate Certificate in Education Studies

The Undergraduate Certificate in Education Studies offers an introduction to the field of education and is ideal for those contemplating pursuing teaching as a career or enjoy teaching others.

Please note that this certificate does not lead to teacher certification to teach in public K-12 schools in British Columbia. In B.C., a Bachelor of Education is required to teach in public K-12 schools.

How can Education courses be used?

  • Teaching career: These courses provide foundational knowledge and skills for a career in teaching
  • Interest in education: Outside of formal teaching, students may want to pursue careers in research, curriculum development, educational technology or working with children and youth in other capacities
  • Career development: Understanding education practices can help students become a more effective communicator, mentor, coach or counselor
  • Interdisciplinary skills: Education courses can help students develop skills in communication, critical thinking and problem solving

Certificate Courses

The Undergraduate Certificate consists of four three-credit courses (12 credits) and is awarded after successful completion of EDUC 100, EDUC 300, EDUC 400, and one elective from the list below.

Courses take place online and on-campus.

To enrol in EDUC 300, EDUC 400 and the elective, students need  a minimum of third-year standing.  

Language teaching methods, instructional skills in English, and motivational design are examined. Sociocultural factors and language acquisition are explored with a focus on teaching and assessing listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Pass/Fail.

Grounded in English and additional language teaching and learning across age and proficiency levels, sociocultural considerations are taken into account while exploring curriculum, lessons, materials, technology, interaction, and classrooms. Professional development and social justice are examined, with an emphasis on language teachers as scholar-practitioners. Pass/Fail.

Intended for a wide range of educators, this course conceptualizes additional language acquisition theory from multiple angles in child, adolescent, and adult contexts. Key issues, concepts, and theoretical perspectives are evaluated and explored with emphasis on current empirical research. Pass/Fail.

Not all courses are offered every year. Students should review the Student Service Centre Course Scheduler for upcoming course offerings.

  • ECED 405 Foundations of Early Childhood Education
  • ECED 416 Kindergarten Curriculum
  • ECED 420 History of Early Childhood Education
  • ECED 421 Supporting Young Children through Home, School, and Community Relationships
  • ECED 438 Observation and Recording
  • ECED 440 Play and Early Childhood Education
  • ECED 441 Language Nests in Early Learning
  • ECED 443 Theories of Early Learning
  • ECED 444 Early Numeracy
  • ECED 445 Poverty, Child Development, and Early Learning
  • ECED 463 Early Language and Literacy Development
  • ECED 480 Special Topics in Early Childhood Education
  • EPSE 406 Typical and Atypical Development in Infants and Children
  • EPSE 407 Developmental Disabilities
  • 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
  • EPSE 437 Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Behaviour Disorders
  • EPSE 464 Literacy for Diverse Learners in the Elementary Grades
  • EPSE 465 Literacy for Diverse Learners in Middle and Secondary Grades
  • EPSE 466 Numeracy for Diverse Learners
  • EPSE 467 Social and Emotional Development of Diverse Learners
  • EPSE 468 Creating Positive Learning Environments for Inclusive Education
  • EPSE 469 Education for Students with Sensory Loss or Motor Impairments
  • EPSE 470 Selected Topics in Inclusive Education
  • EPSE 471 Applied Project in Inclusive Education
  • EPSE 472 Issues in Inclusive Education
  • LLED 441 Introduction to Teaching Children’s Literature
  • LLED 449 Teaching Adolescents’ Literature
  • LLED 450 Teaching and Learning Language and Literacy: Kindergarten and Primary Grades
  • LLED 451 Teaching and Learning Language and Literacy: Intermediate and Middle Grades
  • LLED 452 Literacy in the Content Areas: Intermediate and Secondary
  • LLED 460 Theoretical Foundations and Research in English Language Arts Education
  • LLED 461 Assessment of Literacy and Learning
  • LLED 463 Early Language and Literacy Development
  • LLED 464 Literacy for Diverse Learners in the Elementary Grades
  • LLED 465 Literacy for Diverse Learners in Middle and Secondary Grades
  • LLED 466 ESL and Literacy Education
  • LLED 467 Drama in English Language Arts Education
  • LLED 468 Language, Literacy, and Numeracy
  • LLED 481 Digital Media in English Language Arts Education
  • LLED 490 Special Topics in Language and Literacy Education
  • 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
  • LLED 497 Practicum in Additional Language Teaching and Learning
  • EDST 497 Contemporary Educational Issues
  • EDST 498 Contemporary Educational Practice
  • EDST 499 Studies in Educational Leadership

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Certificate program requires enrollment in an undergraduate degree program at UBC Okanagan in one of the following faculties:

  • Arts and Social Sciences
  • Creative and Critical Studies
  • Health and Social Development
  • Management
  • Science

Students should consult with their home Faculty and/or Department prior to completing the certificate requirements to confirm their eligibility for the certificate program and the impact of completing the certificate on their degree progression.

Students enrolled in UBC degree programs other than those offered by the Faculties listed are not eligible to complete this Undergraduate Certificate, but may complete the required courses as electives if permitted by their degree program.

Registration & Course Selection

Students can view upcoming courses and register through the Student Services Centre (SSC) Course Schedule.

Note: Some courses may require perquisites and a minimum of third-year standing.

LLED 495 (3)
Curriculum and Materials Design in Additional Language Teaching and Learning
Instructor: Michael Landry
Delivery Method: Online (async)
Dates: May 13 – June 20, 2024

EPSE 431 (3)
Programming for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities
Instructor: Shelley Berg
Delivery Method: Online (sync*/async)
Dates: May 13 – June 20, 2024
*One synchronous session: Saturday, May 11 (9:00am-12:00pm)

ECED 421 (3)
Supporting Young Children through Home, School, and Community Relationships
Instructor: Stephen Berg
Delivery Method: Online (async)
Dates: May 13 – June 20, 2024

EDST 498X (3)
Designing Inquiry Driven Learning Experiences
Instructor: Kyle Hamilton
Delivery Method: Online (sync /async)
Dates (Wednesdays): May 13 – June 20, 2024
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm

Description: Exploration of inquiry-driven education for prospective, early career, and experienced educators. Explore theory-practice connections while developing engaging and ‘living’ learning experiences with students from kindergarten to post-secondary placing a strong emphasis on fostering learner agency and curiosity.


EDST 498E (3)
Foundations of Language and Literacy Development
Instructor: Jessica Chan
Delivery mode: On-campus with online asynchronous components
Dates (Tuesdays): May 1* – June 28, 2024
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
* May 1st (online introduction) from 5pm-6pm

Description: Inquiry-based course critically examining the role of literacy in learning and cognition across educational contexts. Theories of reading development and the science of reading will inform framework for applying research to practice.

LLED 494 (3)
Introduction to Additional Language Teaching and Learning
Instructor: Kim McDonough
Delivery Method: Online (async)
Dates: July 2 – August 9, 2024

LLED 496 (3)
Theory and Practice in Additional Language Teaching and Learning
Instructor:Karen Densky
Delivery Method: Online (async)
Dates: July 2 – August 9, 2024

ECED 440 (3)
Play and Early Childhood Education
Instructor: Stephen Berg
Delivery Method:  Online (async)
Dates: July 2 – August 9, 2024

LLED 497 (3)
Practicum in Additional Language Teaching and Learning
Instructor: Amber McLeod
Delivery Method: On-campus
Dates (Wednesdays): Sept. 4 & 18, Oct. 2, 16 & 30, Nov.20
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm 

ECED 438 (3)
Observation and Documentation in Early Childhood Settings
Instructor: Stephen Berg
Delivery Method: Online (async)
Dates: Sept. 3 – Dec. 9 20, 2024

LLED 494 (3)
Introduction to Additional Language Teaching and Learning
Instructor: TBA
Delivery method: Online (asynchronous)
Dates: January 6 – April 11

Certificate of completion

Upon successful completion of all required courses, please apply for your Certificate by filling out the Certificate of Completion Request Form.

Contact Us

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.