Some of these more in-depth programs can be taken as non-credit. You can gain immediate practical benefits in your chosen field upon successful completion but without credits that are transferable toward degree completion at UVic (or another institution). It's important to think about your longer term goals when applying. Contact the relevant program area if you are unsure.
Diploma programs are usually longer than certificate programs and require a larger number of courses to be completed.
Some courses from different programs may be taken individually and still offer the chance to earn a valuable credit.
Many of our individual courses can be taken for the pure joy of learning but if you have specific academic goals you should consider applying to one of our Diploma programs. The diploma option requires formal admission to UVic as well as admission to the program (a certificate option requires admission to the program only).
If you wish to receive academic credit for individual courses but are not pursuing either a diploma through Continuing Studies or an undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria, you may be able to take courses in some of our programs with “unclassified” credit status. You earn credit in an unstructured format and can transfer credits to a diploma if you apply at a later date. To participate on an unclassified basis, you must seek admission to UVic and you should be involved in related professional activities.
People who already have a degree or advanced professional credentials but who still want to enhance their professional knowledge often choose the certificate option when applying to our programs.
Non-credit participants receive a certificate of completion as an alternative to academic credit for course work. Non-credit participants are expected to complete all class work and assignments, and should be involved in related professional activities. It is important to note that it is not possible to have credit awarded retroactively if you participate in courses on a non-credit basis.
If you’re not sure which route is best for you, contact program staff in the program you’re considering and they will be happy to provide more information.
If you are involved in an academic program at another university or college and wish to take one or more courses in one of our Continuing Studies programs for transfer credit, you can apply for admission as a "visiting student." You must acquire a Letter of Permission from your institution to ensure that the credits are acceptable and then apply for admission to UVic in the visiting student category. This allows you to register as a credit student on a course-by-course basis, and you are not required to submit transcripts.
Transfer credit options and conditions can change so it’s important to discuss this with Continuing Studies program coordinators when you make your application.
In order to perform security updates on the UVic servers, there will be intermittent outages this Thursday, February 16 from 6:30-8:30 am (Pacific Time). You may not be able to log in to your courses during this time.
If you experience any problems logging in after 8:30 am on Thursday, February 16, please contact the Onlinehelp Desk at 250-721-8476 (toll-free 1-888-721-8476 in North America) or by email at dehelp@uvic.ca.
