Introduction to the Sustainable Blue Economy

In this program, you can expect to build the skills to turn your interest in oceans and sustainability into credible, hireable capability in Canada’s growing blue economy. You will learn how to read and synthesize research, work with data and communicate insights so you can contribute to projects and roles in areas such as policy, conservation, marine tourism, coastal planning and community-based initiatives.

By the end of this program, you’ll be able to:

• Identify your strengths and skill gaps related to the sustainable blue economy and create a plan for continued development
• Write a clear, engaging policy brief for decision-makers
• Ethically engage with and cite scholarly research
• Analyze and summarize data collected through research
• Summarize scholarly arguments and case studies
• Clearly communicate the latest research and examples from the sustainable blue economy to different audiences
• Establish a foundational understanding of the sustainable blue economy, including key challenges and opportunities for more just and sustainable futures

Introduction to the Sustainable Blue Economy was developed by UBC’s Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries in collaboration with partners such as the Students on Ice Foundation and Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. You benefit from leading ocean science research, interdisciplinary teaching and a supportive online experience designed for recent graduates, working professionals looking to advance and people seeking to shift their careers toward ocean and sustainability work.

This program is designed for people who care deeply about oceans and freshwater systems and want to turn that interest into practical skills they can use in their work. It is a good fit if you are starting out in fields such as environmental science, marine biology, sustainability or economics, or if you work in another area and want to bring a stronger sustainability and blue economy focus into your career. No previous experience in ocean studies is required.

Our students come from roles and sectors such as:

• Recent graduates in environmental science, marine biology, geography, political science or economics
• Staff in government, non-profits or community organisations working on climate, conservation or coastal issues
• Professionals in tourism, communications, education or business who want to connect their work to the blue economy

Upon completion of the program, you can expect to be better prepared for roles and sectors such as:

• Policy, research or program support related to oceans, coasts and freshwater
• Coordination and outreach roles with environmental NGOs, community initiatives or educational programs
• Positions in blue economy industries, including marine tourism, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture or related consulting and communications work

The total cost of the program is $1,620.

All fees are in Canadian dollars, subject to change and to GST (where applicable). For details on forms of payment accepted, please see How to pay.

Find more details on refunds, cancellations and transfers.

This micro-certificate consists of one twelve-week course totalling approximately fifty hours of online learning. You can take this course on its own, but to gain the most value and work toward a future credential in leadership in the sustainable blue economy, we recommend using it as a foundation before progressing to additional related courses as they are developed.

Required Courses

This program is delivered through a part-time 100% online format that combines weekly real-time classes with independent study. You join live sessions on Zoom to discuss case studies, practise skills and receive guidance, and you access readings, videos and other materials on Canvas between classes to deepen your understanding and work on your capstone project. Instructors provide feedback and are available for one-on-one support to help you connect the learning to your goals.

Expected effort

Expect to spend approximately four to five hours a week on this program, including real-time online classes, independent study and work on your assignments and capstone project.

Assessment

You are assessed on your meaningful participation in online discussions and in-class activities, as well as on your capstone project. To successfully complete the program, you must complete at least nine of eleven online discussion activities, attend and participate in most real-time classes and submit a final capstone project after receiving feedback on a draft.

Obtaining your micro-certificate

When you have successfully completed the program requirements, you will receive a digital badge recognising your UBC Micro-certificate in Introduction to the Sustainable Blue Economy.

Your instructors for this program are experts in oceans and fisheries who bring deep research, field and teaching experience to the classroom. They draw on interdisciplinary work in sustainability, ecology, policy and community engagement to help you connect blue economy concepts with real-world practice.

• Dr. Meaghan Karyn Efford. Lead curriculum developer and instructor for the Introduction to the Sustainable Blue Economy. A historical ecologist, archaeologist, and postdoctoral research and teaching fellow at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, Dr. Efford brings an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability education and is an expert in human-environment relationships over deep time.