Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) 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 A.A. 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.

A.A. degree offers eight areas of focus to choose from – accounting, economics, hospitality and tourism, management, marketing, media communication, psychology, and social justice.

Graduates of the A.A. program will develop these skills:

• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Effective written and oral communications
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Application of theoretical understanding to practice
• Research and evaluative skills
• Mathematical and scientific reasoning
• Analysis, synthesis, and integration of knowledge
• Advanced reading comprehension

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.

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 up skill 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 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 of 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
• 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.