Introduction
The Associate of Arts (AA) degree provides you with a broad foundation of knowledge. This 60-credit (20 courses) program prepares you for additional post-secondary education or to enter directly into the workforce. The AA degree is accepted for transfer into bachelor degree programs at University Canada West (UCW) and all British Columbia degree-granting institutions provided other admission requirements are met.
Students pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at UCW can gain a broader multi-disciplinary focus in their chosen field. Students can take on one of eight elective areas while completing the requirements of the Associate of Arts degree. You will not earn a formal credential by completing an elective area but it can be a great way to shape your Associate of Arts degree and help prepare you for your career or further study.
Graduates of the AA program will develop these skills:
Workplace problem-solving skills
Ability to work in teams
Leadership skills for the workplace
Communications and soft skills for employability
AA degree offers eight elective areas to choose from – accounting, economics, hospitality and tourism, management, marketing, media communication, psychology, and social justice.
In September 2021, UCW received 5 stars rating from the QS Stars higher education rating system, the world’s most popular source of comparative data on university performance.
As part of the QS Stars audit process, institutions receive an overall rating of between zero and 5+ stars, as well as a rating in at least eight of 13 key areas. We have achieved 5 stars in Teaching, Employability, Online Learning, Academic Development, Social Responsibilities, and Inclusiveness and 4 stars for Internationalisation. UCW is the third university in Canada, and the first in British Columbia, to receive a 5 Star rating from QS Stars. There are only a total of seven institutions in the United States and Canada to receive a 5 Star rating.
Why an Associate of Arts degree?
Learn to think critically and solve problems
Become an effective oral and written communicator
Develop the ability to work collaboratively
Acquire research and evaluative skills
Apply theoretical understanding to practice
Class Profile
All UCW Vancouver degree programs are offered on campus and online. UCW Vancouver is home to students from more than 34 countries around the globe. Communicating with fellow students and sharing experiences can further enhance your learning experience.
Course Structure
The Associate of Arts program is an interdisciplinary set of courses designed to provide core skills in writing, communication, and research as well as team performance. UCW Vancouver Academic Advisors can help with your course selection to meet your post-secondary education goals.
Tier 1: University Foundation 1
Tier 1 courses establish the basic university skills of research and writing while introducing you to a variety of disciplines and topics. Our experienced instructors will prepare you for continued academic success.
Two first-year English courses
One Science course
One Mathematics or Computing Science course
Two Humanities courses
Two Social Science courses
Two Arts elective courses
Tier 2 University Foundation II
Tier 2 courses build broader academic exposure and deeper exploration in a variety of subject areas. You have the opportunity to further demonstrate critical thinking, analytical, quantitative, and communication skills.
One (1) Lab Science course
Six (6) second-year Arts courses
Three (3) general electives
The Campuses
UCW has two easily accessible campuses in downtown Vancouver: 626 West Pender St. in the historic London Building and Vancouver House (opening in July 2020).
Our campus at 626 Pender Street is located only steps away from public transit, including the Waterfront SkyTrain Station, bus routes, and the SeaBus terminal. The vibrant and lively neighborhood is full of restaurants, stores, entertainment options, shopping centers, and gym facilities.
Our new campus, Vancouver House, is located in one of the highest-profile developments in Vancouver’s recent history. The campus will include more than 90,000 sq. ft. in the iconic Vancouver House Development, a globally recognized project designed by architect Bjarke Ingels of BIG.
UCW Vancouver House will be able to accommodate more than 3,400 students with the first term in the new facility expected to be July 2020.
Many of the world’s biggest companies have offices within walking distance of our downtown campus, providing students with unparalleled access to a network of prospective employers.
Vancouver has been named the third most liveable city in the world by The Economist and that liveability is evident as you stroll through the bustling scenic city.
Online Learning
University Canada West’s online programs are ideal for those looking to upskill without compromising their busy schedules. The flexible learning method will allow you to fit studying around your work and family commitments. You will benefit from access to a range of high-quality online learning resources such as video lectures, online forums, and one-to-one time with your lecturer.
Benefits of studying online
Studying online brings a variety of benefits such as providing the freedom to fit studying around your daily commitments. With access to HD video lectures and course materials, you won’t feel any less prepared than those who’ve studied on campus.
Online study is becoming increasingly popular because it allows you to obtain an academic qualification and significantly enhance your employability without putting your life or job on hold.
Experienced Faculty
Our faculty are experienced in both education and industry – professionals who have excelled in their field – and who use this to your advantage. They will provide you with case studies, the context for your study, even stories about their time on the job – anything and everything that will give you a more complete understanding of the industry you wish to enter.
Our faculty are superb teachers who are able to nurture new talent by developing strong relationships with their students and are proficient in real-world applications.
They are more than teachers: they also have extensive first-hand experience in business and maintain strong ties to Canada’s leading companies in order to provide you with real-time insight.
Career Services
The UCW Career Services department was created to facilitate an engaging partnership with students and alumni as they transition from higher education into the workforce environment and beyond. Through these partnerships, Career Services will bridge the gap between employers’ needs and employment opportunities for our students and alumni.
Career Services includes resources and workshops in group and one-to-one settings, but are not limited to assistance with:
Resumes and cover letters
Interviewing skills
Job search techniques
Networking and volunteer opportunities
Career advising
Career exploration
Personal branding on social media/LinkedIn
Job fair preparation
Career panels
Accessing the hidden job market
Internship resources
Career treks
Career fairs
Student Services
At UCW Vancouver, we pledge to support you every step of the way with student services staff who will answer any questions you may have. They’ll provide you with resume advice and even help you prepare for job interviews.
Through Student Services, students can access:
Writing and Numeracy Coaches
Academic Advising
Campus Information Sessions
Workshops and Seminars
Student Life and Student Committee Events, such as holiday parties, end-of-term socials, movie nights, and much more.
Entry Requirements
Canadian High School (Grade 12) diploma or equivalent with an overall average of C or better (2.0 on a 4.33 scale)
OR
Twenty-one (21) years of age or older and out of high school for at least two years, and
Documented success through academic, professional, or volunteer activities
AND
For students whose first language is not English, academic IELTS - 6.5 or better with a minimum of 6.0 in the writing band, or equivalent. More information is available in the English Proficiency section of this website.
Fees
For on-campus and online program fees for domestic and international students, please visit our Tuition Fees webpage.
