Hands, rainbow

History, Political Science and Contemporary Issues

Make sense of the past and the present. 

These days, we have to sift through a lot of information—from news outlets and other media—to separate truth from opinion. As informed citizens, we want to determine what information is relevant and accurate. Our courses will help you to see the big issues of yesterday and today—including historical, political, cultural and demographic—from varying perspectives.

Programs to deepen your understanding

In the Canadian Studies Diploma program, you'll satisfy your academic, professional and/or personal interest in subjects relating to Canada by learning about the country through different lenses, including: multiculturalism, arts, history, policies and politics, society.

In partnership with UVic's Borders in Globalization (BIG) research program, we offer three micro-certificate programs focused on the topic of modern border management: Trade and Customs, (Im)migration and Mobility and Law of Borders and Cross-Border Laws

New this year: Transformative Climate Action certificate and Climate Action Planning micro-certificate. These programs blend policy, social justice and science, empowering you to implement effective and collaborative action across various communities. Lead with vision and empathy to strategize climate solutions by integrating diverse perspectives. 

Courses to expand your perspective

Seek the knowledge you need to understand the world we live in with our courses in History, Political Science and Contemporary Issues. New courses every term. See full list below. 

Courses open for registration
Courses open for registration

Deans’ Lecture Series

Research is continually reshaping the way we live and think. Meet distinguished members of the faculties at the University of Victoria and learn about their research interests in these FREE online lectures.
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In Pursuit of Knowledge - Fall

This series of daytime lectures will acquaint you with UVic faculty and their many areas of interest. (Sessions staring in September)
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Peninsula Pursuits

Peninsula Pursuits courses generally take place at the Mary Winspear Centre and focus on the interests of the people who live and work in the community.
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SAGE Study Groups

Study groups are not taught by instructors; rather, a facilitator assists in coordinating the presentations of group members and in moderating the discussions.
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UVic on the Peninsula

Each term we offer a selection of lectures and short courses in Sidney, most of which take place at the Mary Winspear Centre.
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Courses open for registration

Canadian Studies

This interdisciplinary program, leading to a Diploma in Canadian Studies, is designed to offer students a way to critically examine Canada through a variety of disciplinary lenses.
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Climate Action Planning

The Climate Action Planning micro-credential (CAP) is a great opportunity to learn the foundations of planning for climate action. You will develop the skills needed for you as a professional to put into action at all government levels.
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Fundamentals for the Homelessness Serving Sector

If you provide support to people who are experiencing homelessness or are at-risk of homelessness, the new Fundamentals for the Homelessness Serving Sector micro-credential program is for you. You will enhance your knowledge and gain the skills and competencies necessary for paid or volunteer roles in the sector.
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Intercultural Studies and Practice

The Diploma in Intercultural Studies and Practice (ISP) prepares students to play a productive and socially responsible role in an increasingly multicultural and diverse world. The program aims to develop social responsibility and a clearer understanding and awareness of the complex issues at play in a multicultural society.
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Modern Border Management: Trade and Customs

This micro-credential program will explore how the regulatory environment of trading networks redesigns borders functionally and changes customs policies and practices.
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Modern Border Management: (Im)migration and Mobility

This micro-credential program will examine local and regional changes affecting the politics and policies of cross border regions and transboundary people.
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Modern Border Management: Law of Borders and Cross-Border Laws

Navigate the complexities of border laws through a comprehensive exploration of diverse legal concepts.
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Social Justice Studies

The aim of the Social Justice Studies (SJS) diploma program is to provide students with a thorough understanding of the range of ways in which scholars, researchers and students address and engage with issues surrounding social inequities and injustices in the contemporary world.
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Transformative Climate Action

The need for transformative climate action is urgent. An effective and practical response requires significant changes to how we live. The Transformative Climate Action Certificate (TCA) provides the tools needed to make social, cultural and political changes that support diverse, ethical and flourishing communities.
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From Trees to People: The Social Phenomenon of Climate Change

Since the fall of 2023, Dr. Kara Shaw has led the development of two programs with Continuing Studies at UVic. The newest of the two is the Climate Action Planning program—a micro-certificate that blends policy, social justice and science so learners become empowered to implement effective and collaborative action across various communities.

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Reaching Star Trek

Edwin Hodge is best known as a continuing sessional instructor in the Department of Sociology with the University of Victoria (UVic), but he also likes to call himself a massive nerd. Indeed, Edwin is an encyclopedia for all things sociology, Star Wars and Star Trek.

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Continuing Studies participates in Orange Shirt Day 2019

On Monday, Sept. 30, staff at the Division of Continuing Studies took part in the annual Orange Shirt Day along with other UVic faculty, staff and students. The event was created to show respect for residential school survivors and their families, and to commit to the principle that every child matters. 

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Travel the world without leaving home

By Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke, Dean, Continuing Studies When Joanne and Mike Rada retired, they weren't quite ready for a quiet home and settled life.

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In Remembrance: Nan Walmsley

We are sad to announce the passing of one of our most committed students, Nan Walmsley. Nan passed away peacefully at home, Sept. 13, surrounded by her family. She lived 97 fulfilling years.

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The long journey from head to heart

Olav Krigolson is a neuroscientist and UVic professor, and one of our most popular instructors at Continuing Studies. In the four years he's been teaching with us, he's taught 22 courses with over 880 registrations.

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Broadening horizons

What is it that prompts someone to take a Continuing Studies course? Well it’s different for everyone of course, but for retired physician Dr. Heidi Martins it was to expand her perspective on the world.

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The bright side of the road

For Elizabeth—or Liz, as she’s known around the office—one of the best parts of her job is meeting those members of the community who consider themselves to be lifelong learners. As a program coordinator within the Division of Continuing Studies’ Arts and Science unit, Liz coordinates the humanities courses, as well as the ever-popular Deans’ Lunchtime Lecture Series.

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Joshua Lambert

As I prepare for graduation and think about my next challenge in graduate studies, I must acknowledge that I would most likely never have attended university had it not been for the Humanities Diploma program.

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Elizabeth Bowman, Program Coordinator
Tel 250-721-7589
Email hsscoord@uvic.ca
Melissa Payne, Program Assistant
Tel 250-721-8481
Email artssci2@uvic.ca