For some, learning isn’t about achieving a set goal—it’s about pursuing passions, making connections, sharing ideas and gaining knowledge that guides and enriches your experiences.
Our immersive, university-calibre courses offer an opportunity to explore a wide range of topics in the arts, humanities, history, literature, music, science, politics and more. Taught by UBC faculty and affiliated instructors in a welcoming environment, each course is designed to inspire and inform and appeal to your love of learning.
Academic Explorations
UBC Academic Explorations are engaging and informative non-credit courses offered online in the fall and winter and in person in the summer at the UBC Vancouver campus. Participate in stimulating discussions, discover new ideas and perspectives, and meet others who value lifelong learning.
- Format: Online (winter and fall) or in person (summer)
- Duration: Varies from one week in person to five weeks for online courses
- Cost: $140-165 per course
Feel inspired, stimulated and connected
UBC Academic Explorations courses are designed for adult learners of all ages and backgrounds. You do not need any specific credential to enrol in these courses. Whether it’s been a few years since you’ve gone to school—or 50 years—UBC Academic Explorations offers a university experience for learners of all ages.
Fall and winter online
The fall and winter courses are offered as live online lectures. Once a week, at scheduled dates and times, you participate in a real-time online class delivered by your instructor using video conferencing. Watch your instructor’s lecture and ask questions in interactive Q&As. All lectures are recorded and shared with students for later viewing.
Summer on-campus
Summer courses are in-person morning lectures on the UBC Vancouver campus. Each lecture is 90 minutes in length. Engage in stimulating discussions and connect with new people in welcoming, relaxed classes.
- Make it a day on campus. Spend the day on campus and enjoy all that UBC Vancouver has to offer. With its many museums, galleries, parks and restaurants, UBC is a must-see destination for locals and tourists alike. Visit UBC. More information on parking on campus.
- Book a stay. Spend a night (or more) and enjoy a short walk to class in the morning. From the stylishly appointed West Coast Suites (where UBC alumni get a 5% discount) to our budget-friendly Pacific Spirit Hostel, UBC offers a wide choice of accommodation. Book your accommodation at Stay at UBC.
Our next offering of UBC Academic Explorations is online in January 2025. Subscribe to our emails to stay informed about future offerings.