Whether you took a degree in the sciences and now have time to luxuriate in the arts, always wanted to take a university degree but didn’t get around to it, want to broaden your horizons without having to jump through prerequisite hoops, or are just searching for a structured way to indulge your desire for intellectual stimulation, the UBC Certificate in Liberal Studies may meet your needs. This program was designed so participants may explore the arts and humanities in more depth than could be achieved by taking non-related single courses, but without having to commit to the expense and time needed to complete degree-credit courses.

We aim to take into consideration the diverse interests and needs of participants, as well as recognize their different backgrounds. There is a high expectation of self-sufficiency on the part of the student, but also an opportunity to proceed at your own pace.

Fees are paid on a course-by-course basis and are listed in the current UBC Continuing Studies course calendar. The cost for the entire program is approximately $2,955 based on 2011 course fees and the 150 hours of completion.

Format
The UBC Certificate in Liberal Studies consists of a minimum of 150 contact hours, which equals approximately 15 to 17 courses/seminars. In addition to attending classes, participants must successfully complete assignments set by each instructor. Because analysis and critical thinking skills are central to the certificate, participants are required to take a critical thinking course.

During the fall and winter, courses are scheduled during the day, evening and weekend. In the summer term, the program Ageless Pursuits (a summer lecture series) provides an additional opportunity to earn course credits. Courses take place at various building locations on the UBC Point Grey campus and UBC Robson Square downtown Vancouver location.

Participants choose their own course load for each term. All courses offered by Arts and Humanities and listed in the UBC Continuing Studies Calendar (published three times a year) and are eligible for certificate credit. Please see the program handbook for details on other electives that may be applied to the program. By participating on a fairly intensive basis (e.g., taking three or more courses per term) it is possible to complete the program in two to three years. There is no limit to the amount of time a participant may take to complete the certificate program.

For full information on the program format and curriculum, please review the Program Handbook .

Required Courses
Participants must complete Critical Thinking: Theory and Practice (18 hours) as well as attend one introductory seminar (two hours) and four end-of-term seminars (total eight hours).

At the introductory seminar and end-of-term seminars (held each fall and winter term), participants meet with the program advisor and other certificate program students. These seminars provide an opportunity for participants to enjoy the university experience of sharing learning and knowledge, in a low-key and non-threatening environment.

Sample Programs
The following are two sample programs in the UBC Certificate in Liberal Studies. These examples include the required course, seminars and essay, and a selection of possible electives. Please note: The elective courses are examples only, taken from courses that have been offered in the past and some which may be offered in the future. Course offerings depend on the availability of instructors and other factors.

EXAMPLE A		EXAMPLE B
Required Courses	Credit hours	Required Courses	Credit hours
Introductory Seminar	2	Introductory Seminar	2
Critical Thinking: Theory and Practice	18	Critical Thinking: Theory and Practice	18
Four end-of-term Seminars	8	Four end-of-term Seminars	8
Graduating Essay	12	Graduating Essay	6
Total Required Hours	40	Total Required Hours	34
Possible Elective Courses	Credit hours	Possible Elective Courses	Credit hours
Avenues of Mysticism	12	Avenues of Mysticism	12
Writing with Style	15	The Psychology of Propaganda	10
Great Composers of the 19th Century	12	Great Composers of the 19th Century	12
Masterpieces of Russian Literature	12	Masterpieces of Russian Literature	12
Getting Ahead with Grammar	15	Mandarin Beginner I	20
French Art in the Hermitage	10	Art Through History	16
Exploring World Philosophy	15	Robert Schumann: Life and Work	12
The Architecture of London	10	Ancient Secrets	10
Green College Lecture Series	4	Film Analysis and Psychology of Mass Media	12
Architectural Traditions of the West Coast	6
Total Elective Hours	111	Total Elective Hours	116
TOTAL COURSE HOURS	151	TOTAL COURSE HOURS	150

Either participant could have completed the certificate in two to three years, taking two or three courses per term for four to five terms.

Program Requirements
The graduating essay is the final requirement for students to complete in order to obtain the Certificate in Liberal Studies. The graduating essay gives the student an opportunity to continue research on one of the topics considered during their course of study. The graduating student will present and lead a discussion of their paper with other certificate program participants at an end-of-term seminar.

Graduating Essay Samples
Click here to see abstracts of graduating essays completed by UBC Certificate in Liberal Studies students.

Instructors for the arts and humanities courses vary from term to term. To read their biographies, click on the course link in the Courses page.

Before applying to this Program you must read and understand the terms and conditions in the Program Handbook .

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.

Note: This program is currently under review and we are not accepting applications at this time. If you would like to be notified of program updates, please contact us.

The UBC Certificate in Liberal Studies is offered on a part-time basis with year-round admission. In order to apply for the program, participants should have:

• a university degree in any subject or equivalent professional and life experience
• a letter of intent, stating the student’s reasons for wanting to participate in the certificate program
• access to a computer to complete essays and assignments
• a current email account that is checked on a regular basis.

Writing Skills

Writing is a crucial component of this program. Applicants may be asked to provide a sample of their writing (500 words) for assessment. If the writing sample is not at university standard, applicants will be required to complete the UBC Writing Centre's course Writing with Style (AW 506). On occasion, the applicant may be required to complete the Writing Centre's course Getting Ahead with Grammar (AW 505).

The costs for the writing assessment and writing courses are not included in the certificate fees. See "Details & Fees" above for the full certificate cost.

Before applying to this program you must read and understand the terms and conditions in the Program Handbook (see section entitled "Handbook")