The UBC Certificate in International Development received the 2013 International Program Excellence Award from UPCEA (The University Professional & Continuing Education Association). This award recognizes innovation, creativity and commitment in achieving international impact.
The award-winning UBC Certificate in International Development (CID) meets the growing need for trained professionals with knowledge of international development issues and the skills to work successfully in international environments. The 100% online (with the exception of the field study elective course), part-time certificate is designed for those working or planning to work in the field of international development, individuals interested in global issues and those considering future studies.
Required courses provide you with an overview of international development and intercultural communication issues while elective courses allow for specialization in specific subject areas.
Unique to this program is a focus on intercultural issues and skills in international development. Courses provide practical skills in intercultural communication, and examine the many cultural challenges to development including ethics, project planning and management and multicultural teamwork.
Another unique aspect of this program is the opportunity to participate in a field study in the Global South to learn directly from Southern development practitioners. Click here for highlights of a recent award-winning field study in Natal, Brazil.
Open sections below to view program information or contact program staff at 604.827.4203, email.
The UBC Certificate in International Development offers many advantages to participants who want to add international development knowledge and intercultural expertise to their skill set in order to contribute more effectively to development projects. The program features the following advantages:
The need for trained professionals with a combination of broad knowledge of international development issues and the skills to work successfully in new or multicultural environments and teams is central to the UBC Certificate in International Development. As a graduate, you will have knowledge and skills that can assist you in your work in international development.
Program Format
This part-time program consists of two required and three elective courses.
The length of each course varies from seven to eight weeks, the exception being the field study elective which is one week at an international location. The rest of the program is delivered 100% online and features experiential learning methods such as group discussions, skills practice, case studies, readings, practical written assignments and online discussion/learning among the participants and course facilitators.
The online, part-time format allows participants to work at their own pace and to choose which courses they wish to take. Participants are expected to complete the program within three years. Under exceptional circumstances, extensions may be granted. We strongly recommend taking only one course at a time if you are working or studying full time.
Program Fees
Fees are in Canadian dollars as follows:
You will save $50 per course if you register prior to the early bird deadline. You will save $100 per course if you register for all five courses at the same time (with the exception of the field study elective course). To register for all five courses at the same time, please call 604.827.4203.
All fees are subject to change.
Course Cancellation and Withdrawal Policies
Many of our expenses are incurred within the two-week period before the course begins. Our cancellation policy reflects the fact that few of these expenses can be recovered in the event of late cancellations.
UBC Continuing Studies may sometimes cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or other reasons. If this occurs, a full refund is processed and sent to you automatically. UBC Continuing Studies does not guarantee that a particular course will be offered at a particular time.
Assessment and Graduation Requirements
Students are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards and competencies established by facilitators, program administrators and an advisory board. At the end of each course, participants are notified of successful or unsuccessful completion. When the required courses are successfully completed, participants receive a UBC Certificate in International Development.
Technology Requirements
Broadband or wireless Internet connection is required to take this program, including the ability to play audio as some courseware includes voice lectures.
Computer operating systems must meet the following minimum specifications:
PC: Windows XP SP2 Home/Pro
Mac: Mac OS x 10.4.
The curriculum delivers a practical, hands-on program, in order to provide a broad overview of issues in international development. Your choice of electives allows you to specialize your skill set depending on your particular needs.
You should be prepared to spend five to seven hours per week completing learning activities, which includes readings, assignments, asynchronous group discussions, and other projects. Courses in the UBC Certificate in International Development feature peer learning and are discussion-based. Students respond to assigned questions by posting to an online discussion board. Everyone has access to everyone else's postings. Students’ responses to each other and to the instructor are the basis of weekly discussions.
Everyone's participation in these discussions affects the learning of everyone else. Posting on time and engaging with other people's work every week is key to one’s success and to the richness of the course for others. As such, you will be required to login to the course website at least every other day.
If you choose to participate in the UBC Certificate in International Development, you must first successfully apply to the program (see How to Apply section) before you begin registering for courses.
Required Courses (in order of compulsory sequence)
| Course Title | Upcoming Offerings | |
|---|---|---|
| Culture, Communication and Development | Sep 12-Oct 25, 2013 Jan 16-Feb 28, 2014 |
More |
| Dimensions of International Development | Oct 31-Dec 13, 2013 Mar 6-Apr 18, 2014 |
More |
Elective Courses (choose three)
| Course Title | Upcoming Offerings | |
|---|---|---|
| Education and Development | Oct 3-Nov 15, 2013 Mar 2-May 20, 2014 |
More |
| Evaluating International Development Work | Sep 19-Nov 1, 2013 May 22-Jul 4, 2014 Oct 30-Dec 12, 2014 |
More |
| International Field Study in Thailand: Buddhist Economics, Sufficiency Economy and Sustainable Livelihood (New)* | Oct 21-25, 2013 | More |
| Introduction to International Health and Development | Apr 24-Jun 6, 2014 | More |
| Issues in International Health Delivery | Oct 10-Nov 22, 2013 Oct 9-Nov 21, 2014 |
More |
| Migration and Displacement | Jan 23-Mar 7, 2014 | More |
| Project Planning and Proposal Writing | Feb 6-Mar 28, 2014 Sep 11-Oct 31, 2014 |
More |
Before applying to this program you must read and understand the terms and conditions in the program handbook. Please download and read the handbook carefully as it contains important information about the program and its policies.
You will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader to view the pdf document. Download the free reader. If you would prefer to receive the handbook in the mail, contact us by email with your complete name and full mailing address.
Courses are led by a team of facilitators who are international development specialists located across Canada and around the world.
Admission Requirements
The admissions process helps to ensure that the needs, intentions and expectations of participants are adequately matched to the program's objectives and capabilities.
To accommodate learners from a variety of backgrounds, the admission requirements for the UBC Certificate in International Development are fairly broad. However, all applicants must have the following:
To discuss eligibility, prior experience and program relevance, interested participants should call the Certificate in International Development Program Assistant at 604.827.4203, or email us.
Application Deadlines
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Applicants should apply at least three weeks in advance of beginning the UBC Certificate in International Development. It is recommended, however, that applicants apply much earlier as required courses tend to fill up quickly.
Application Process
Applicants should read and thoroughly understand the CID Program Handbook (see Handbook section) before applying to the program. Participants must apply and be accepted into the program before registering for courses. To discuss eligibility, prior experience and program relevance, please contact us.
Complete the following steps to submit your application:
Students and instructors discuss how the UBC Certificate in International Development can make an impact.
2012 Field Study in Natal, Brazil
Highlights from award-winning program
Culture, Communication and Development
Sep 12-Oct 25, 100% online
Evaluating International Development Work
Sep 19-Nov 1, 100% online
International Field Study in Thailand: Buddhist Economics, Sufficiency Economy and Sustainable Livelihood (New)
Oct 21-25, 2013