Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies (Co-op Optional)

at University of Victoria Canada

As a humanities student, you'll explore languages, literature and philosophy. You'll learn how people have created the world and how they, in turn, are created by it. You can immerse yourself in the study of old and new global cultures. And you'll explore the complexities, contradictions and beauty of the world around you.

Apply to UVic as an Area Undecided student if you're interested in the humanities, but aren't ready to pick a program. You can use your first year to decide on a direction for your studies and have flexibility in what classes you can take, then declare your program when you're ready.

Storytelling is the one of the most fundamental and ancient ways of making meaning of our world, and your ability to communicate is critical to success in life and work. You’ll discover the joy of crafting vivid language, images, characters and details into stories, poems, stage plays and films to inspire readers and audiences to feel and think deeply—and to change the world in the process.

Areas of focus:-

• Creative non-fiction
• Fiction
• Playwriting
• Poetry
• Screenwriting

Geography aims to study the relationships within and between human and natural systems, with an emphasis on the spatial nature of these processes. Our department emphasizes the integration of these components by providing our students with a strong theoretical foundation on people and environment interaction. Experiential learning forms a major part of our teaching through field studies, community engaged activities, and our co-op program.

Areas of focus:-

• Biophysical geography
• Environmental geography
• Geomatics
• Human geography

Medieval Studies involves interdisciplinary explorations of early cultural practices and artefacts, many of which continue to shape the modern world. Our first-year courses are designed as gateways and samplers, presenting the diversity of the discipline. Encounter medieval manuscripts, and learn about a range of intellectual and artistic achievements in the past. 

History is serious business. Many conflicts are the result of historical myths passed off as truths to those without the tools to evaluate them critically. The ability to recall and evaluate the past is fundamental to the functioning of human society. We need to understand the paths that brought societies to where they are today. History gives us the tools to reflect on who we are, where we have come from, and where we might go.

Economics is a way of thinking, analyzing society’s choices given limited resources, using quantitative and analytic tools. These tools are used to address a wide range of issues, e.g., markets, health, environment, finance, and public policy. We offer major and honours BA or BSc programs, with the possibility of a business or finance option, and a double major in Financial Mathematics and Economics.

Areas of focus:-

• Business economics
• Financial economics

Economics is a way of thinking, analyzing society’s choices given limited resources, using quantitative and analytic tools. These tools are used to address a wide range of issues, e.g., markets, health, environment, finance, and public policy. We offer major and honours BA or BSc programs, with the possibility of a business or finance option, and a double major in Financial Mathematics and Economics.

Areas of focus:-

• Business economics
• Financial economics

This program will give you a comprehensive understanding of computational systems and software. Computer scientists use their problem-solving skills to work in finance, health care, film, music, gaming, aviation and almost every other industry. As an ever-expanding field of study, a computer science degree provides you with exceptional career opportunities.

Areas of focus:-

• Computer communications and networks
• Computer graphics and gaming
• Software engineering
• Theory

Curious how to go from idea to art? Like working with your hands? By combining classroom learning and hands-on practice with collaborative, creative and critical thinking, you’ll become a well-rounded, flexible contemporary artist. Our emphasis on studio time and dedicated mentorship ensures you’ll have essential skills for today’s rapidly changing and increasingly visual world.

Areas of focus:-

• Drawing
• Extended media
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpture
• Video art

Explore the impact of political decisions and the effects they have on us as individuals and as a society. You will focus on critical issues including Indigenous politics, minority rights and identity, migration and refugee movements, privacy and surveillance, democracy, human security, and international law.

Areas of focus:-

• European Studies