Certificate & Diploma Student Resources

Resources and information for current certificate or diploma students in the Okanagan School of Education.

Upcoming Courses

If the course is full, please consider wait listing, or email us at postbac.education@ubc.ca as we may be able to accommodate additional students.

Winter Session Term 2: January to April 2025

LLED_O 494 (3): Introduction to Additional Language Teaching and Learning

Instructor: Michael Landry
Delivery method: Online (asynchronous)
Dates:
January 6 – April 8
Course Description: 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.

EPSE_O 470-G (3): Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Instructor: Shelley Berg
Delivery method:
Online (asynchronous/synchronous*)
Dates:
One synchronous session held Saturday, January 11
Time:9:00am-12:00pm
Course description: Course that reflects current research and evidence-based practice in teaching students with ASD. This course explores Autism Spectrum Disorders from a lifespan perspective applying behavioural, social, and cognitive theories. Topics include diagnostic characteristics and the diagnostic process in British Columbia, the etiology, history, and co-morbid conditions associated with ASD. Special emphasis will be given to evidence-based interventions and support strategies within early intervention, school, and employment settings.

Summer Session Term 1: May to June 2025

LLED_O 495 (3): Curriculum and Materials Design in Additional Language Teaching and Learning

Instructor: TBA
Course Description: 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.
Delivery method: Online asynchronous
Dates: May 12 – June 19

ECED_O 480-G (3): Supporting Young Children’s Health/Wellbeing in Early Learning

Instructor: Stephen Berg
Course Description: A study of innovative practices, ideas, and theories in early childhood education. The specific topics may change yearly to reflect changing priorities and interests in early childhood education and the specific interests and competencies of visiting and regular faculty.
Delivery method: Online asynchronous
Dates: May 12 – June 19

 

Summer Session Term 2: July to August 2025

 

Summer course offerings will be posted on the Summer Institute in Education website once confirmed.

 

Winter Session Term 1: September to December 2025

LLED_O 497 (3): Practicum in additional language teaching and Learning

EPSE_O 470-G (3): austism spectrum disorders

Eced_O 445 (3): social equality and early learning

 

Winter Session Term 2: January to April 2026

LLED_O 494 (3): introduction to additional language teaching and Learning

Eced_O 440 (3): play and early childhood education

 

For a complete description of all courses in our post-baccalaureate certificate and diploma program, review the Academic Calendar.

All courses are subject to change. Courses that do not reach minimum registration numbers may be cancelled.

Course Registration

Certificate & Diploma Students

Learn how to register for courses at students.ok.ubc.ca

Non-certificate & diploma students

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. For those who are not currently UBCO students, please fill out our student information form.

Finances & Credits

Transfer Credit means academic credit earned at a post-secondary institution other than The University of British Columbia (Okanagan or Vancouver campuses) or through a program other than one offered by The University of British Columbia (Okanagan or Vancouver campuses) for which credit applicable towards the completion of a Course of Study is granted.

Courses permitted for advanced standing or transfer credit must be senior-level university coursework. Transfer courses require approval from the Specialization Program Coordinator and the Dean of Education.

If the courses have been completed prior to entering the Post-Baccalaureate Program, students will need a Letter of Permission (LOP) from the Okanagan School of Education and an official transcript from the originating institution.

Transfer courses must not have been used for credit toward other certificates, diplomas, or degrees.

If the coursework completed was required for a degree, diploma or certificate at another institution, it cannot be used as transfer credit for UBC Okanagan’s Post-Baccalaureate Program.

Maximum Credits

A maximum of 6 credits of coursework may be transferred toward the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.

A maximum of 12 credits of coursework may be transferred toward the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma.

 

Double-Counting Credits

a. Credits earned in Courses of Instruction applicable towards a Diploma Program may also be applied towards a degree program with the approval of Senate, the Faculty or Faculties offering the degree program, or in the case of graduate programs, the College of Graduate Studies, and the Faculty, Faculties or College offering the Diploma Program. Normally, credits must be earned within five years of commencement of the degree program. A request to apply credits completed more than five years prior to the start of a degree program will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Faculty or Faculties offering the degree program or in the case of graduate programs, the College of Graduate Studies. b. Credits that have been applied towards a completed Diploma Program may not be counted towards another Diploma Program.

All students are automatically enrolled in the UBCSUO Extended Health and Dental Plan. However, if you are covered by a similar plan through work or family (MSP does not count!), you may choose to opt out.

To opt-out of the UBC Health and Dental plan, students must submit an online application.
Note: Select “UBC Okanagan” in the search field on the home page. When redirected you the UBCO plan, navigate on the menu to the right under the ‘Coverage’ section where you fill find details about the opt-out. Please ensure that you have proof of your other coverage.

For more information please contact:

Student Services Coordinator, UBCSUO
Office: University Centre, Room 133
Phone: 250.807.8842
Fax: 250.807.8079
Email: health-dental@ubcsuo.ca

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

Students who are enrolled in at least one on-campus credited course are automatically assessed the mandatory U-PASS fee. Students who meet specific eligibility criteria may apply to opt-out of the U-PASS program.

See U-PASS opt-out information for details, including how to request an opt-out form.

Grading & Extensions

On July 1, 2009 the UBC Okanagan School of Education instituted a Pass/Fail assessment in all courses and seminars in the following programs:

  • Bachelor of Education
  • All other undergraduate Education courses including those in the Summer and Professional Institutes (400 level and lower)
  • All post-baccalaureate certificate/diploma courses (400 level and lower)

Pass/Fail assessment will NOT apply to any UBC Okanagan Education graduate courses (500 level or higher).

We believe that achieving a passing mark in our courses is contingent on a high standard of performance within all learning experiences. Our standard for a pass within our post-baccalaureate programs is equivalent to at least a B+ (76%) in UBC’s standard marking system and our students often exceed the B+ minimum by achieving work that is comparable to A-, A or A+.

Pass/Fail grading is common in professional programs. In addition to it being used in Education programs (including UBC Vancouver), many faculties of Law, Medicine and Dentistry have also implemented Pass/Fail assessment as an alternative to letter grading systems.

When a student requires an extension to their program to achieve certificate/diploma completion, the following documentation is required by the Okanagan School of Education:

  • The Extension Request form, fully completed along with required signatures
  • A memorandum addressed to the Director of Professional Programs providing the rationale for requesting the extension,
  • A detailed work plan signed by the student outlining the following:
    • The number of credits completed,
    • Future course registration plan,
    • The anticipated program completion date

Request Form

Health & Wellbeing

The Student Wellness team collaborates with campus and community partners to ensure top-quality health care for students. Visit their website to access services such as counselling and the health clinic. There are also resources to 24/7 services, including the Wellness Centre Online that offers self-care modules, wellness tips and community support.

UBC Professional Development & Community Engagement have developed an online, self-paced resource to develop your mental health literacy and to teach mental health literacy (suitable for ages 12 to 19). They can be taken as a complete course or individually via each of the 7 modules. Participation is free.