At Extended Learning (ExL), you can earn a certificate, award of achievement or micro-certificate. Designed with adult learners in mind, these programs offer you a focused yet flexible path for you to upskill or reskill, or explore new directions for your career.
Discover courses that are thought-provoking, forward-looking and relevant, with content that bridges real-world practice and theory, at one of Canada’s top universities. Demonstrate to employers and colleagues your commitment to your personal and professional development.
Our Programs At-a-Glance
| Credential Type | Approximate Number of Courses |
Minimum Hours of Learning Activities |
| UBC Certificate | 4-6 | 150 hours |
| UBC Award of Achievement | 4-6 | 120 hours |
| UBC Micro-certificate | 1-2 | 50 hours |
Certificate Programs
If you want to reskill to position yourself for a new career or future educational or accreditation[WK1] opportunities, consider a UBC Certificate. Learn in-depth about a topic or discipline over 150 hours or more of learning activities. UBC Certificates are approved by the UBC Senate, and are held to the same standards as degrees, specializations and courses.
Some certificate programs accept one group of students at the start of the program (called a cohort) that progresses through the program together, which affords you an opportunity to forge professional connections and friendships. To be awarded a UBC Certificate, a student must demonstrate proficiency in the certificate’s learning outcomes, and meet attendance and participation requirements.
For some certificate programs, you apply and are accepted into the program. For others, you register and successfully complete courses one-by-one that can be applied toward a certificate. Most of our certificates are part-time.
Explore:
- UBC Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Digital Media
- UBC Certificate in Biomedical Visualization and Communication
- UBC Certificate in Cloud and Technology Transformation
- UBC Certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
- UBC Certificate in French Language and Culture
- UBC Certificate in Indigenous Health Administration and Leadership
- UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies
- UBC Certificate in Key Capabilities in Data Science
- UBC Certificate in Organizational Coaching
- UBC Certificate in Practical and Business Spanish
Award of Achievement Programs
UBC Award of Achievement programs are shorter than certificates, and comprise a series of courses that deepen your skills in one subject area. Programs are designed to be flexible – in most (but not all) of our award of achievement programs, you can take courses in any order and choose from a group of electives. Some require an application or a letter of intent.
Explore:
- UBC Award of Achievement in Business English for International Professionals
- UBC Award of Achievement in Chinese
Micro-certificate Programs
UBC Micro-certificates, like the name suggests, are shorter in duration than UBC Certificate programs. Through 1-2 integrated courses (or more), you’re equipped with knowledge and an in-demand professional skill. Micro-certificates can be taken as a standalone credential or, depending on the program, can be stacked into more comprehensive learning opportunities. You don’t need to apply to a micro-certificate program – simply register for the courses.
Explore:
- UBC Micro-certificate in Anti-Racism
- UBC Micro-certificate in Artificial Intelligence Cloud Solutions Strategy
- UBC Micro-certificate in Blockchain Innovation and Implementation
- UBC Micro-certificate in Climate Action Planning: Foundations, Finance and Implementation
- UBC Micro-certificate in Cloud Transformation and Technology Strategy
- UBC Micro-certificate in Coaching Skills for Leaders
- UBC Micro-certificate in Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking
- UBC Micro-certificate in Cybersecurity Strategy and Risk Management
- UBC Micro-certificate in Diversity and Inclusion
- UBC Micro-certificate in Health Data Analytics: Opportunities and Applications
- UBC Micro-certificate in Introduction to Aquatic Data Sciences
- UBC Micro-certificate in Modelling for Marine Ecosystem-based Planning
- UBC Micro-certificate in Regulatory Affairs in the Life Sciences
- UBC Micro-certificate in Writing and Communication Skills for the Workplace
- UBC Micro-certificate in Writing Skills for Digital Content
Are your courses and programs for credit?
Like many other continuing education and continuing studies and university extension programs, ExL courses and programs are non-credit. This means that, at this time, ExL courses cannot be applied toward a UBC degree or for-credit programs.
If you’re applying for credit programs at other universities or colleges, institutions may consider your non-credit ExL courses in assessing your educational background. UBC Certificate and Award of Achievement programs can equip you with the skills and knowledge – and confidence – to apply for such programs.