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Degree Spotlight: Bachelor of Sustainability

By Crissy Campbell on October 25, 2024

Degree Spotlight: Bachelor of Sustainability

Sustainability is one of the biggest challenges facing our planet. A Bachelor in Sustainability at UBC’s Okanagan campus will give you the skills to critically assess and propose solutions to contemporary sustainability challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and social and economic inequality.

UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Sustainability, the only dedicated degree in sustainability in Canada, will develop your skills and knowledge to enable you to take action to solve sustainability problems at both a local and global scale.

 

Hands-on learning and research

As a Bachelor of Sustainability student, your degree is fully immersive, with research and community-based learning opportunities imbedded in the curriculum.

Because UBC Okanagan is located in a unique environment, you’ll have access to urban, agricultural, and wilderness environments that will become your real-world labs.

You will have the opportunity to work together with faculty to conduct or assist with research projects. You can participate in research either as a volunteer research assistant, or through Directed Studies opportunities.

 

Meet your professor

Meet Lael Parrott, a professor in Sustainability at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

“The UBC Okanagan campus is exceptional because it has easy accessibility to different environments for teaching and research. Urban, agriculture, and aquatic systems are all local. This is an incredible asset…The students can go out and see the ecosystems they’re studying. It’s not just textbook knowledge.”

 

What you learn in the Bachelor of Sustainability

The Bachelor of Sustainability combines a broad interdisciplinary approach – course content spans the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences – with focused concentrations to develop your skills and knowledge.

All students take core Sustainability courses along with courses specific to their concentration. You can choose from the following four concentrations:

 

Environmental Analytics

The Environmental Analytics concentration supplements core knowledge of sustainability with powerful modeling and simulation techniques that exploit geographical data. You will to understand, model, simulate, explain, and extrapolate the behaviour of complex environmental systems.

Environmental analytics graduates will be well-equipped to tackle sustainability challenges through evidence-based data analysis. Job opportunities range from climate action analyst and impact assessment analyst to sustainability consultant and data analyst.

Learn more about Environmental Analytics

 

Environmental Conservation and Management

The Environmental Conservation and Management concentration provides you with an understanding of the challenges of sustainably managing and preserving terrestrial and freshwater environments and resources.

You will gain a comprehensive understanding in environmental and natural resources management, land use and ecosystem services assessment, resource economics, and environmental impact assessment.

Job opportunities range from environmental assessment specialist and sustainability consultant to environmental coordinator and Indigenous resource management.

Learn more about Environmental Conservation and Management

 

Environmental Humanities

Environmental sciences can tell us what is happening to our planet, but not why. The Environmental Humanities seek to explain and transform the cultural and historical foundations of environmental crisis.

You will enter into constructive dialogue with other subject areas to analyze and address a wide range of issues in sustainability.

Job opportunities range from impact assessment analyst and environmental assessment specialist to sustainability specialist and advisor in sustainability reporting.

Learn more about Environmental Humanities

 

Green Chemistry

The Green Chemistry concentration analyzes how modern society relies implicitly on an affordable supply of materials, textiles, fertilizers, and medicines, all of which must be synthesized from other substances by chemical reactions.

A sustainable society is impossible without the creation of improved production methods for these commodities. Such efforts will require the development of new synthetic procedures with an increased reliance on innocuous solvents, renewable and benign reagents, and efficient catalysts.

Job opportunities range from junior environmental analyst and environmental technician to environmental assessment specialist and advisor in sustainability reporting.

Learn more about Green Chemistry

How to plan your high school courses to succeed at UBC

By Crissy Campbell on October 24, 2024

How to plan your high school courses to succeed at UBC

Thinking about applying to UBC? UBC receives thousands of applications every year and, unfortunately, we don’t have room for everyone. So how can you improve your chances of getting accepted? Academic excellence is important, but we also look at more than just grades.

Here’s a quick guide on how you can best prepare for applying to UBC so that you can improve your chances of admission.

Admission requirements

For your application to be considered, you will need to meet the admission requirements. This includes the English Language Admission Standard, general admission requirements, and degree-specific requirements.

Course planning

It’s never too early to start thinking about what you’ll study at UBC. Knowing what degree(s) you’re interested in will help you choose your high school courses that meet the degree requirements. After selecting courses that fulfill the degree requirements, fill out your schedule with other courses that interest you, challenge you, and are relevant to the degree you’ll be applying to.

Find more information on planning your high school courses and use this worksheet to map out your plan.

Experiences beyond academics

In addition to making good course choices, be sure you follow your interests outside the classroom too. You’ll have the chance to tell us about your sports, leadership activities, community involvement and more in the personal profile section of your UBC application. This will tell us a lot about you and how you’ll do at university.

 

Ready to apply? It’s helpful to understand what we look for when evaluating your application.

Updates to international study permits

By Crissy Campbell on October 23, 2024

Updates to international study permits

The Canadian government has recently made changes for international students who want to study in Canada, including changes to the study permit process and a cap on the number of students receiving study permits. We understand that these changes may be concerning, but UBC is confident that all qualified international students who want to come to UBC will be able to join our community. 

As you know, international students need a valid study permit to attend UBC. Study permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government department that handles immigration. As an international student, you’ll either need to extend your existing study permit from inside of Canada or apply for a new study permit from outside of Canada.

Changes to the study permit process

Last winter, the Canadian government issued changes to the study permit process. The process is different depending on if you are an international student outside of Canada or an international student inside of Canada. Here are the steps for how to apply for a study permit.

Cap on study permits

For international students who need to apply for a study permit, UBC is confident that the new cap gives us enough room to welcome all qualified students who wish to join UBC.

 

UBC values international students and the important contributions they make to UBC’s academic and research mission. They bring unique and diverse perspectives to the learning environment and our campus communities. Across all fields, international students are contributing to UBC’s excellence in countless ways.

 

Our priority is to support the academic success of UBC’s current international student community while also ensuring that Canada and UBC continue to welcome new international students from around the world who want to contribute to our vibrant academic community.”

Read more in a statement from the Provosts at UBC Okanagan and UBC Vancouver.

Watch a message from the President of UBC

 

UBC is here to help. If you have questions, please contact International Student Advising at UBC Okanagan or UBC Vancouver for support.

Degree Spotlight: Health and Exercise Sciences

By Crissy Campbell on October 22, 2024

Degree Spotlight: Health and Exercise Sciences

Do you want to work with people to enhance their wellbeing and help them lead healthier and more active lives?

In the Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences at UBC’s Okanagan campus you can study human movement and its impact on health.

What will you learn?

In the Bachelor of Health and Exercise Sciences you’ll examine the interdisciplinary nature of human health, including the psychological, physiological, neuromechanical, and socio-cultural aspects of movement.

In your second year, you’ll have the option to apply for one of three concentrations: Kinesiology and Allied Health, Health Behaviour Change, or Clinical Exercise Physiology. Each concentration offers a strategic career focus to best prepare you to be a leader in your field.

Student Scoop

Read Austin Basso’s story of promoting health initiatives for urban and rural Indigenous communities as a student in the Health and Exercise Sciences program.

 

Why Choose Health and Exercise Sciences?

 

1. Study in a program that ranks #1 in Canada and #3 in the world for sport-related subjects. This is in combination with the Faculty of Kinesiology at UBC Vancouver.

 

2. Focus your degree in one of three concentrations:

  • Kinesiology and Allied Health. The Kinesiology Allied Health concentration focuses on the role of exercise and physical activity in improving health, fitness and performance as well as the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries.
  • Health Behaviour Change. The Health Behaviour Change concentration involves studying behaviour change theory and techniques to help individuals and communities adopt and adhere to a number of health behaviours. This concentration focuses on the role of nutrition, exercise programs, and informal activity in population health promotion.
  • Clinical Exercise Physiology. The Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration focuses on incorporating exercise, activity education, and clinical skills into human performance, patient rehabilitation and chronic disease management programs. The program focuses on the study of applied physiology and how exercise, movement, and fitness intersect with health, disease, fatigue, and disability.

 

3. Research opportunities. Research opportunities are a fundamental part of your studies within the School of Health and Exercise Sciences and there are opportunities to work alongside faculty members to conduct research. You can also take on an Honours Project to perform research in your chosen area of study, as agreed upon by a faculty member.

 

4. Experiential Learning. The Health and Exercise Sciences degree builds a solid foundation through skill-building labs, practicums, and co-op placements. Within each concentration you will complete a community practicum, where you’ll gain experience in a supervised health-related work setting with a cooperating agency, private business, or industry.

 

What can you do after graduating?

As a graduate of this program, you will be an adaptable leader who has the ability to work with various populations to enhance their health and wellbeing. Your job opportunities could include becoming a nutritionist, health educator, exercise therapist, clinical exercise physiologist, or kinesiologist. You can also pursue graduate studies in a variety of health professions, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, athletic therapy, or medical school.

Events for Indigenous students

By Crissy Campbell on October 21, 2024

Events for Indigenous students

Choosing where you want to go to university is a big decision. We understand that you want to apply to the right school, so our knowledgeable and friendly advisors are here to help you

In addition to the events that we’re offering to all students throughout the fall, Indigenous students are also invited to join our Indigenous sessions tailored to you.

 

Indigenous events

At our Indigenous events, you will hear about what it’s like to be a UBC student at one of our two beautiful campuses.

There are four different kinds of events on offer from October to December:

 

Indigenous Campus Tours

Meet an Indigenous student ambassador who will highlight their favourite locations on either of our two campuses, show you Indigenous-specific spaces, and help you navigate programs and resources for Indigenous students. After the tour, an Indigenous Recruiter Advisor will be available to answer your questions.

To register for an Indigenous campus tour, please email indigenous.tours@ubc.ca.

 

All About UBC for Indigenous Students

Join our Indigenous Recruitment team for a one-hour introduction to UBC. You’ll discover what it’s like to be an Indigenous student at UBC, learn about the admission requirements, and find out how to apply. The Indigenous Recruitment team will also provide details on UBC’s Indigenous communities and spaces, the resources and services available at our two campuses, and the funding and awards that you can access. Your parents or guardians are also welcome to attend!

 

Indigenous UBC Application Workshop

Find out about UBC’s application process for Indigenous students with this hands-on workshop. Our Indigenous Recruiter advisors will walk you through a demonstration of UBC’s online application, and provide tips on applying for UBC’s Indigenous-specific awards. You’ll also learn about the programs and services for Indigenous students found on both campuses. Your parents or guardians are also welcome to attend!

 

Indigenous Finances at UBC Workshop

Learn about UBC’s Indigenous-specific awards and deadlines, and get tips for submitting your awards applications. Your parents or guardians are welcome to attend.

 

How to register for an event

  1. Visit our tours and events page
  2. Click “create account” or log inusing the buttons in the top right hand corner. When you create an account, make sure you self-identify as Indigenous.
  3. Based on your profile, we’ll show you a list of all the events available to you – just click the category you’d like to browse or search “Indigenous” to see events specifically for Indigenous students.
  4. To register, simply click the event card and follow the instructions to reserve your spot.

After you’ve created your account, you can find all of the events you’re registered for any time on the Your account page.

Please note: it may take up to 24 hours after creating your account for the system to allow you to register for events. If, after 24 hours, you’re still having issues with registering for events, please reach out to indigenous.recruitment@ubc.ca.

To register for an Indigenous campus tour, please email indigenous.tours@ubc.ca.

 

We’re looking forward to meeting you!

Should you work with an agent to apply to UBC?

By Crissy Campbell on October 18, 2024

Should you work with an agent to apply to UBC?

Have you considered working with an education consultancy, or agent, to apply to university? Researching and applying to overseas universities can be overwhelming, and an agent can sometimes simplify the process.

Before engaging with an agent, it’s important to know what your options are.

Do you need to work with an agent to apply to UBC?

No. Students are encouraged to apply directly to UBC and use the information provided in our Applying to UBC section. If you’re stuck or have a question about the application process, there are several ways you can connect with us:

What questions should you ask an agency?

Professional agencies follow standards of good practice, but not every agency is equal. If you work with an agency, you’re hiring them to perform a service for you and you should be free to ask some basic questions before committing.

  • Do you charge service fees to your clients, or do you have commission-based agreements with universities? If you charge service fees, what are they, and when should they be expected?
  • Are you certified by the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) or other organizations or associations? Which ones? (Note that AIRC has one of the strictest certification processes for agencies to become members.)
  • Ask the advisor you are working with about their experience. They should be knowledgeable about the institutions they are promoting:
    • How many years have they been advising students about universities abroad?
    • Have they have visited UBC or the institution you are considering, or even your country of choice?
    • Have they taken any training, such as the Canada Course for Education Agents?
  • If an agent claims to have an agreement with UBC or another institution, ask to see a copy of their active agreement (not the certificate of representation on the wall, but the actual agreement).
  • Do you have the qualifications to advise on Canadian visas and study permits?

 

Important tips

  • The entire UBC admissions process occurs online.
  • Agents are not involved in any of UBC’s scholarships – these are adjudicated by UBC alone. Students are automatically considered for entrance awards, while International Scholars awards require a nomination from your high school.
  • Please do not allow an agent to complete your UBC application on your behalf. This may jeopardize your application if UBC Admissions determines that your application is not an authentic submission.
  • You – not the agent – are responsible for submitting your application to UBC on time, paying your fees, and ensuring you meet the requirements. You are also responsible for completing all the other necessary steps to be considered for admission.

 

What an agent cannot do for you

  • Working with an agency does not increase your chances of admission or of obtaining a scholarship at UBC. All students are assessed on the merit of their grades and overall application.
  • An agent cannot write or assist in writing your personal profile or any part of your application.
  • An agent cannot submit false records or documents.
  • Agencies cannot access your UBC records without your consent. You must have completed a Third-Party Authorization in order for your agent to have access to your UBC information in the Applicant Service Centre.
  • An agent cannot submit payments for any UBC-related fees on your behalf.

And remember – we’re here to help. If you’re having difficulty with the application process, need to know more about UBC, or have any further questions about working with an agent, please contact us.

 

Degree Spotlight: Media Studies at UBC Okanagan

By Crissy Campbell on October 17, 2024

Degree Spotlight: Media Studies at UBC Okanagan

Are you fascinated by how technology can be used to make art? Do you hope to enter a career where you’ll work with still images, sound design, videos, or create games? UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Media Studies might be the perfect program for you.

 

What will you learn?

Media Studies at UBC Okanagan is much more hands-on than you might expect. The degree is a computational arts program, which means that you’ll have the chance to use many different technologies to build your creative projects.

In your first two years, you’ll study courses that include creative writing, cultural studies, digital humanities, media studies, and visual arts, and learn how to write computer code. Depending on your preferences and career aspirations, in your final years you can choose to focus on visual arts, or specialize in the degree’s custom-created computer science pathways.

 

Student Scoop

“[UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Media Studies program is] a very interesting degree because it takes a lot of practices from visual arts and computer science and blends them together… it exposes you to so many different things and later it allows you to narrow things down and specialize in a certain digital field.” – Kai H. Read about Kai’s experience in the Bachelor of Media Studies program. 

 

Why choose Media Studies at UBC Okanagan?

  1. Gain skills beyond a traditional Media Studies degree. The world is going digital. As a student of Media Studies at UBC Okanagan, you’ll not only learn the history and theory behind media and art, but discover how they can be transformed by technology. You’ll develop artistic, technical, and analytical skills, and sharpen your understanding of critical thinking, problem solving, and self-expression.
  1. Enjoy a self-directed, graduate feel. Art is a process of discovery, and so is this program. You’ll have the chance to focus on topic areas that you enjoy most, such as filmmaking, sound design, animation, game design, interactive art, or computer coding. The Bachelor of Media studies is a tight-knit learning cohort, and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to interact one-on-one with your professors. Study alongside others who are interested in discovering creative technologies, multimedia platforms, and art history. 
  1. Learn from scratch. You won’t need any prior experience in coding to enter the program, and you don’t need to be an expert in a particular medium. The Media Studies courses are designed specifically for this program, and you’ll develop a  streamlined set of computer science and critical thinking skills aimed at code-based art and design skills in creative arts and digital humanities.
  1. Collaborate with industry partners. Take part in the Capstone course and work together with community members and organizations on a full-year project. The course lets you foster meaningful connections with industry partners and use your multimedia skills to solve real-world challenges.
  1. Take part in co-op experience. Build your career confidence through co-op and explore work experience that challenges and inspires you. Co-op provides the opportunity for you to gain paid, full-time experience in a variety of work settings, and test out possible career options. You’ll benefit from a variety of support workshops, one-on-one coaching, and work experience relevant to your future career goals.

 

Degree spotlight: Bachelor of Management

By Crissy Campbell on October 16, 2024

Degree spotlight: Bachelor of Management

Are you looking to use your leadership skills to make a difference in the world? Do you want to steer organizations towards doing the right thing?

UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Management degree is designed to help you achieve those goals.

 

What will you learn?

While traditional business schools might direct students to chase profits, UBC Okanagan’s program will teach you how to incorporate social, financial, and environmental sustainability into the way organizations are run.

Your first two years will offer a broad overview of management and business principles, focusing on particular areas such as financial accounting, marketing, and management communications if you wish. Your third and fourth years will let you dive more deeply into topics that you care about, for example entrepreneurship or sustainability, while continuing to allow you to study a wide range of subjects. You’ll finish the program with hands-on experience creating real-life management solutions for one of UBC’s partner organizations.

After graduating, you’ll be ready to work within your community or beyond, launch your own business, and/or empower organizational change.

 

Student Scoop

Abby with her laptop on the UBC Okanagan campus

 

“The ability to be in a smaller tight-knit community while having access to the resources of a larger intuition is a large reason as to why I chose the Okanagan campus. I love being a big fish in a small pond and getting to pursue different opportunities in a competitive yet supportive environment has allowed me to put myself out there, learn from my mistakes, and more importantly try again! I also love that I’m not just a number, my faculty and professors know me by name and we’re able to have meaningful conversations about their research, shared interests, and their journey of getting to where they are today.” – Abby N. Read about Abby’s experience in the Bachelor of Management program.

 

What makes the program unique?

Like other programs at UBC Okanagan, the Bachelor of Management degree is your chance to experience life on a close-knit campus while gaining your education at one of the world’s top 40 universities. Here are five other facts you might not know about the program:

1. Apply your management knowledge to different fields. The Bachelor of Management at UBC’s Okanagan campus is designed to let you pursue your interests and learn what sectors you might like to enter after you graduate. You’ll have the opportunity to complete a minor in Computer Science, Cultural Studies, Economics, Sociology, or Psychology.

2. Work within your community. UBC Okanagan has strong ties to local businesses, and you’ll have the chance to make a difference in those organizations. The faculty also offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities, such as the capstone project course in your fourth year, during which you will address a specific community challenge presented by a local organization or business.

3. Gain work experience while you study. Build your career confidence through co-op placements and explore work experience that challenges and inspires you. Co-op placements provide the opportunity for you to gain paid, full-time experience in a variety of work settings, test out possible career options, and begin building a professional network – all before graduation. You’ll benefit from a variety of support workshops, one-on-one coaching, and work experience relevant to your future career goals.

4. Build new connections and friendships. You’ll be part of the Management Student Association on the Okanagan campus, which provides optional professional and social experiences for you during your degree, including conferences and competitions throughout the year.

5. Travel and learn. See the world through Go Global, a UBC exchange and study abroad program with more than 150 partner universities and allied institutions worldwide. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in an international experience while you work towards your degree.