History, Political Science and Contemporary Issues

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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Knowledge Democracy in Higher Education

This 5-part comprehensive learning series provides all the information, research and resources you need to enhance and refine your skills in knowledge democracy in higher education.
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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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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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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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Teaching the Holocaust

The Micro-certificate in Teaching the Holocaust offers a specialized pathway for in-service teachers preparing to integrate Holocaust education into the BC secondary school curriculum as mandated by Premier David Eby and the BC Government from the 2025/26 school year.
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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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Food shapes not only what we eat but also our identities, cultures and the environment. Beyond the Plate: Food, Culture and Social Impact explores these connections, challenging you to rethink food’s role in society and your impact as a consumer.

We're empowering professionals to navigate an AI-driven future by offering a number of micro-certificates focusing on up-skilling for emerging technologies. These initiatives emphasize technical expertise, critical thinking and collaboration to foster trust in AI, helping professionals adapt to new challenges and opportunities in their careers.

Explore how to create a sustainable, chemical-free garden that works in harmony with nature. This course will guide you through practical techniques like companion planting, composting and fostering biodiversity to build a thriving, resilient garden.

Creating wildfire-resilient gardens is essential in mitigating the risks posed by increasingly prevalent wildfires due to climate change. By incorporating fire-resistant plants, strategic landscaping and sustainable practices, these gardens not only protect homes and communities but also contribute to environmental conservation and long-term safety.

Dean Jo-Anne Clarke of UVic Continuing Studies discusses how technology is reshaping education and the importance of hands-on learning in mastering new tools and skills. UVic's micro-certificates help learners build critical abilities like communication, critical thinking, and data analysis while preparing them for success in today’s rapidly evolving, tech-driven careers.

Carnivores vs. Herbivores: Rethinking Meat and Plant-Based Diets examines the health, environmental, and ethical complexities of dietary choices. It encourages participants to critically evaluate the impacts of meat-based and plant-based diets on personal well-being and the planet.

Patricia Dijak, a graduate of the Climate Action Planning program—in partnership with the School of Environmental Studies—used her passion for tackling the climate crisis to connect global strategies with local solutions, focusing on collective action and nature-based initiatives. Through flexible coursework and supportive mentorship, she gained skills to influence policies, foster community collaboration, and promote sustainable urban planning to address climate challenges effectively.

Read about the significance of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in workplaces, highlighting that EDI principles influence all organizational aspects, from leadership to daily operations. Karen Saini’s course focuses on equipping students with practical skills, self-reflexivity, and effective communication to create inclusive, equitable, and innovative environments, while encouraging critical thinking about workplace dynamics and personal identity.

Instructor Dr. Ali Kenefick shares some insights about the hidden forces shaping your food choices, from supermarket strategies to food media and trends. Learn how to make informed, conscious decisions about what you buy.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.