Credit vs. non-credit: what's the difference?
When you're looking at courses and programs, you may notice that some courses are labelled as "credit" and some are "non-credit". What does this mean?
In short: credit refers to degree credit. If you're taking a course or program "for credit" through UVic Continuing Studies, it means that course or program provides credit towards an undergraduate or graduate degree at UVic or another authorized university.
To take a course or program for credit, you have to meet certain criteria. This handy chart explains things in more detail:
Programs
| Credit programs | Non-credit programs |
|
You have to be admitted to Continuing Studies and UVic (two separate applications) You access your transcripts and tax receipts through UVic Online Tools You may have to register for courses, and pay fees, through UVic Online Tools |
You only have to be admitted to Continuing Studies (one application) You access your transcripts and tax receipts through your Continuing Studies My Account |
Courses
| Credit courses | Non-credit courses |
|
You register and pay your course fees through UVic Online Tools You may be eligible for bus pass and health benefits through the UVic Student's Society Your courses may be transferable towards undergraduate or graduate degree credit You are graded according to UVic scale Your transcript and final grades are available through UVic Online Tools |
You register and pay your course fees through the Continuing Studies website You are not eligible for bus pass and health benefits Your courses are not transferable towards undergraduate or graduate degree credit You are graded according to UVic scale Your transcript and final grades are available through your Continuing Studies My Account |
Credit programs offered at Continuing Studies at UVic
The Continuing Studies programs you can take for degree credit are:
- Cultural Resource Management Diploma
- Professional Specialization Certificate in Collections Management
- Professional Specialization in Visitor and Community Engagement
- Canadian Studies Diploma
- Certificate in Indigenous Language Revitalization
- Diploma in Intercultural Studies and Practice
- Diploma in Social Justice Studies
- Restoration of Natural Systems Diploma
Can you take credit courses without being a credit student?
In some cases: yes. Some Continuing Studies programs offer both credit and non-credit options for the same course. But even if you're taking a credit course as non-credit, you're expected to complete all assignments, and you will be graded just like credit students.
Note: if you decide to become a credit student later, you will not receive degree credit for the courses you've already taken. So if you want to take a UVic Continuing Studies course or program for credit, please make sure you've met the proper qualifications before registering/applying.
If you're not sure whether you should register as a credit or non-credit student, or if you'd like more information about credit courses and programs, please contact us.