Languages

at UBC's

Okanagan Campus

This program covers many regions of the world as you study linguistics and culture, and widen your understanding of world languages.

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Program information

  • Campus: Okanagan
  • Faculty: Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies
  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts
  • Length 4 yrs
  • Co-op Yes
    You can combine your studies with full-time, paid work at top local and international organizations.
  • Honours No
    You can study intense specialization in a single field.

This program is for students looking for an international perspective. You can take courses in Spanish and French, and can choose from a variety of classes in a third language, such as German, Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin. The study of languages provides an avenue of study for several regions of the world. You’ll graduate with not only language skills, but also with insight into global cultures and their impact on Canada and the world.

Experiential learning and research

You’ll access real-world learning experiences through community events organized by Kelowna’s French Cultural Centre. There are also opportunities to travel abroad and in Canada. UBC has study exchange agreements with 13 universities in Central and South America, and seven in Spain, if you wish to study abroad to enhance your coursework. You can apply to work in France as an English-language teaching assistant for an eight-month period. Plus, you can take advantage of the Canadian government’s five-week French-immersion bursary program to study at one of 20 institutions across Canada.

In fourth year, you’ll have the option of completing directed studies in French – working in French with a faculty member, where you will complete directed readings and research in a clearly defined area of French literature, culture, or language, culminating in the writing of a substantive assignment – or Spanish, where you will research topics in Peninsular Spanish or Spanish American literature, culture, language, and linguistics.

The Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies offers $2,500 undergraduate research awards that provide undergraduate students support to engage in research and creative activities over the summer months.

Your future

A UBC education will introduce you to people and ideas from around the world, open doors to new opportunities, and take you places you never imagined. You’ll graduate not only with expertise in your chosen field, but with the skills you need to continue growing, learning, and evolving with your career over time.

Program requirements

English-language requirements

English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the English Language Admission Standard.

General admission requirements

IB Diploma Programme

  • Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.

IB Certificate Courses

  • IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
  • IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the UBC Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.

Degree-specific requirements: Arts

  • No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission

Related courses

The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.

  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics and Computation
  • Second Languages
  • Social Studies
  • Visual and Performing Arts
Visit program website