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Stand out in the workforce with professional communication skills.

Make the bold move to level up your career. In a busy world, effective communication is the foundation on which you will advance professionally, make yourself heard, and have an impact in your field. For professionals looking to develop connections and competencies in the public or private sectors, this program will boost your confidence and give you a competitive edge to thrive in a dynamic workforce.

Amplify your message, be heard, and develop skills that make a lasting impression.

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Description

Courses and fees

Application information

Questions?

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Program at a glance

Program description

Clear communication, writing and editing skills continue to be essential in a broad range of professional contexts in the public and private sectors. The Professional Communication in the Workplace program is a pathway for professionals, both emerging and mid-career, to upskill and reskill to support their current role or future professional goals.

By the end of the program, learners will know how to clearly and effectively communicate across different media formats for diverse audiences, conduct research for informed decision-making, and assess potential uses of AI and related technologies across professional fields. This program includes three comprehensive courses—Copy Editing, Writing for Business and the Private Sector, and Writing for Government and the Public Sector—where learners will gain the knowledge and training to thrive in communication or other professional roles. 

Program highlights

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Online Flexibility
This program is delivered online, allowing you to work independently within deadlines set by your instructor. With this format, you don't have to worry about travel or scheduling conflicts while you study. You can work at your own pace and on your own schedule, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. 
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Credibility
For over 25 years, the University of Victoria has provided high-quality education and training opportunities that prepare learners with the knowledge and skills needed to work in the field of communications. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a Micro-certificate.
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Subsidized Costs
Indigenous learners in BC are eligible to receive a 50% tuition reduction from the Government of British Columbia.
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Teaching Talent
Our high-quality instructors are dedicated to helping you develop the knowledge and skills to realize your full potential.
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Continued Learning
Courses completed in the Professional Communication in the Workplace program can be applied towards other credit programs.
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Manageable
Our Professional Communication in the Workplace program is designed with a busy lifestyle in mind. The three 1.5-unit credit courses that make up the program can be taken on a part-time basis.

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Funded seats are not longer available for this offering. View other programs funded by the Stronger BC Future Skills Grant.

Program partners

Faculty of Humanities, Department of English

Program outcomes

After completing the Micro-certificate in Professional Communication in the Workplace, you will be able to:

  • produce clear, accessible and high-quality communication across a variety of print and digital media formats
  • conduct research into qualitative and quantitative data in order to inform and support decision-making
  • reflect on sociocultural factors, biases and sensitivities that underpin professional communication contexts
  • write, edit and design business, promotional and technical documents for diverse audiences who have varying levels of expertise
  • collaborate effectively and ethically with team members across professional fields and workplace divisions

Interested in continuing your learning? Courses completed in the Professional Communication in the Workplace program can be applied towards a Professional Communication minor or another undergraduate program. Applicants who wish to apply course credits from a micro-certificate program towards another program must satisfy the current admission requirements for that program.

Who is this program for?

This program will appeal to professionals who want to open new doors in their careers by confidently gaining in-demand skills and tools relevant to their industry.

If you see yourself reflected in any of the following, this program could be a good match:

  • you are interested in mastering various aspects of communication such as employing storytelling techniques, crafting inclusive and accessible messages, developing comprehensive communication strategies and more
  • you are an emerging or mid-level career professional looking to upskill or reskill to support your professional goals
  • you are seeking to develop the knowledge and competencies to thrive in the field of communication
  • you have a diverse educational and professional background, including holding or seeking positions in the private or public sectors
  • you value the flexibility of virtual education and are committed to lifelong learning and skills development
  • you embrace innovative approaches and digital tools to enhance your learning experiences.

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:

Instructors

Courses and fees

To successfully complete the Micro-certificate in Professional Communication in the Workplace, participants must successfully complete three core courses. Participants are responsible for ensuring they meet the appropriate prerequisites or experience required for each course.

Apply online
= Courses open for registration

Three (3) required courses

Program planning

The program consists of three 1.5-unit credit courses, each of which is 39 instructional hours in length. Learners may complete the micro-certificate on a part-time basis over two terms (eight months), or pace the learning out over a longer period as needed.

Learners can complete the micro-certificate as a standalone credential. Courses completed in the Professional Communications in the Workplace can be applied towards a Professional Communications Minor or another undergraduate degree at UVic or at another post-secondary institution. Applicants who wish to apply course credits from a micro-certificate program towards another program must satisfy the current admission requirements for that program. 

Please note that the following courses are mutually exclusive (this means that you won’t get credit for that course if it’s taken at the same time as or after those other courses):

  1. For ENSH 302: ENGL 303, ENGL 216
  2. For ENSH 303: ENGL 301
  3. For ENSH 304: ADMN 316, ENGL 302

*For more information, head to UVic’s duplicate & mutually exclusive courses page. 

View the course schedule to see when these courses will run next.

Estimated fees

Description Fee
Course 1 $628.89
Course 2 $628.89
Course 3 $628.89
Program fee (one-time) $20.00
Estimated Total $1,906.67*
*IMPORTANT NOTE:
Fees listed in this section are an estimate. Total program fees may vary depending on delivery format, course selections, student fees, textbooks and taxes.

Application information

Admission requirements

Students must either:

  1. meet the undergraduate admissions requirements at the University of Victoria and complete the pre-requisites for the required courses, or
  2. submit an application (required for professional learners entering the micro-certificate) that will be assessed for prior learning or professional experience equivalent to pre-requisites for program’s 300-level courses.

All applicants to the University of Victoria must demonstrate proof of English-language proficiency. 

If you are unsure whether you meet these requirements, we encourage you to explore your admission options with the program coordinator.

How to apply

New UVic learners

Step 1: Apply to the program online by clicking the "Apply Online" button. There is a $20 application fee that will only be debited if you are accepted into the program. We encourage you to upload your CV directly on the application form. Alternatively, you may email a copy to the program coordinator at laccoord@uvic.ca.

Step 2: If you meet the program eligibility requirements, you will hear back from our office with further instructions regarding applying and being accepted as an undergraduate or returning student at the University of Victoria. 

Program applications are accepted year-round. New applicants to UVic should note that application process times can vary and the Professional Communication in the Workplace program is not responsible for processing times of applications through UVic Admissions.

Current UVic undergraduate students

Current UVic undergraduate students do not need to apply via Continuing Studies to be accepted into the micro-certificate; they are also welcome to enroll in either in-person or online sections of the courses. If you are interested in adding the micro-certificate to your suite of academic credentials, e-mail the Professional Communication Adviser (pcadviser@uvic.ca) to declare and enroll in these courses during your program. The deadline to e-mail the PC Adviser for the Fall Term is October 18, 2024, but students can state an interest in taking the micro-certificate in future semesters also. There is a one-time administrative fee of $20.00 to obtain the micro-certificate.

StrongerBC future skills grant

StrongerBC Future Skills Grant funded seats are no longer available for this offering. Please see our financial support page for other funding options or explore our other programs funded by the Stronger BC Future Skills Grant.

50% tuition subsidy

Indigenous leaners living in BC are eligible for a 50% tuition subsidy.

Application dates

Starting in
January 2025
Availability
Not Currently Accepting
Apply by
Dates TBD
Contact us for more info

Questions?

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RELATED TOPICS: Communication

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