Vancouver Island University

Highlights

Vancouver Island University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a natural environment which is located in Canada"s gorgeous west coast town of Nanaimo. VIU provides students to explore their own potential and to explore and understand the world in which they live. The VIU is a medium-sized school according to major Canadian Universities, thus providing an education based on experience and small classes (35 people) and a one-to-one communication with instructors.

- Located 2 hours from Vancouver (20 minutes by plane)
- 2 hours from the capital, Victoria
- The famous surfing center is 2.5 hours away from Tofino.

Rankings:


# 5 university in British Columbia
uniranks

# 34 in Canada and Shortlisted
Global Teaching Excellence Award in 2018

Admission reqirements


English Test Requirement

IELTS 5.5 (no band lower than 5.0)

OR

TOEFL 71 (no subtest below 17)

Academic Preparation 4 (AP4)

IELTS 6.0 (no band lower than 5.5)

OR

TOEFL 80 (no subtest below 19)

Academic Preparation 5 (AP5)

IELTS 6.5 (no band lower than 6.0)

OR

TOEFL 88 (no subtest below 20)

Graduate Preparation

Why Vancouver Island University?


- The university was named a finalist for AdvanceHE’s coveted 2018 Global Teaching Excellence Award – one of 17 finalists chosen from more than 400 submissions worldwide.

- The university was named a finalist for AdvanceHE’s coveted 2018 Global Teaching Excellence Award – one of 17 finalists chosen from more than 400 submissions worldwide.

- VIU offers programs that range from graduate and undergraduate degrees to vocational and trades diplomas and certificates, as well as continuing education programs. A thriving university that plays an important role in the educational, cultural and economic life of the region, VIU’s main campus is in Nanaimo on the east coast of Vancouver Island. There are also regional campuses in Duncan and Powell River, and a centre in Parksville/Qualicum. 

- Through academic programs and other aspects of campus life, students are encouraged to participate in a variety of applied, experiential and research activities. Opportunities for undergraduate learning include traditional disciplines such as the arts and sciences as well as skills training in health, education, business, graphics, interior design and many other fields. VIU offers master’s degrees in business administration, educational leadership, special education, sustainable leisure management, community planning and geographic information systems applications.

Programs

Highlights
Credential: Bachelor Degree
Program Length: 4 Years
Options: Major, Minor
Location Offered: Nanaimo
Fees: 6736 CAD (for domestic students) / 17.919 CAD (for International Students)

The Bachelor of Anthropology Program

Anthropologists are concerned with understanding the structure and functioning of social groups through minimally invasive participant observation and other “qualitative” techniques in their own communities, as well as in other countries. They follow a holistic approach that offers a humanistic understanding of society, and the way people solve their own problems. VIU’s program encourages the application of anthropological theory, knowledge and methods in areas such as “race” relations, cultural sensitivity training, archaeology, resource management, human rights facilitation, as well as the interaction of culture and the environment. Anthropologists are also concerned with the evolutionary biology of our species and the history of cultures around the world. Linguistic anthropologists study language and its role in cultural transmission.

The department of Anthropology offers undergraduate course work at three levels: 100 (introductory); 200 (second year); and 300-400 (advanced). The 300-400 level courses may be taken by either third or fourth year students. Students may take an upper-level course before completing all of their lower-level courses, however, no upper-level courses may be taken within a subfield (i.e., Social Anthropology, Archaeology, or Biological Anthropology) unless the 200-level course in the same subfield has been completed.
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Highlights
Program Length: 4 Years
Location Offered: Nanaimo

The Art and Design Department controls entry into its programs by having an admissions process including a portfolio requirement (see requirements below) and interview.
Art students must bring to the interview a 100-300 word written statement on reasons and goals for seeking enrolment in Visual or Applied Art.

Application Portfolio Requirements

A minimum of 10 examples of artwork that may include some of the following:

*Original drawings in a variety of media.
*Original paintings or illustrations in a variety of media.
*Original collages or mixed-media pieces exploring specific themes.
Photographs, slides, and/or digital files of three-dimensional artwork such as installation, sculpture, and pottery.
Traditional and digital photography utilized as a means of personal expression and/or communication.
Graphic print work such as linocuts, woodcuts, silkscreens, etc.
Multi-media productions including video and/or new media.

You may enrich your portfolio presentation with a maximum of three examples of items such as:

- Photographs of mural art.
- Photographs or originals of various crafts such as quilting, stitchery, fashion design, or jewelry design.

Notes on Admission

- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.
- Non-Art students may take one Visual Arts studio course per semester without departmental permission, providing that course prerequisite has been met.
- Registration in any of the department"s courses doesn"t guarantee automatic entry into a subsequent program.
APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM
Highlights
Credential: Master Degree
Program Length: 2 Years
Location Offered: Nanaimo
Fees: 20500 CAD (for domestic students) / 28.939 CAD (for International Students)

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the program, students must hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized university in any discipline, and meet the following admission criteria:

- A minimum average of "B" calculated in the last two years of the undergraduate degree, with a review of the entire degree.
- Applicants whose previous degree was obtained in a country where English is not the primary/official language and from a university where English was not the language of instruction must meet one of VIU’s English Language requirements for Graduate Programs.
Acceptance and satisfactory review of the following items by the Admissions Committee:
- Résumé
- Three letters of reference (from academic or professional referees) as well as a statement of interest addressing each of the following areas:
- Areas of research interest;
-Statement of career interest; and
- Statement of volunteer and/or career experience.
- Meeting these minimum requirements is no assurance of admission: admission will be a competitive process with the selection of candidates depending on an intensive review process. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Recommendations for Admission

It is recommended that students interested in admission to the Master of Community Planning obtain volunteer or paid experience relating to the specialization areas of this program prior to submitting their application. Students must also give careful consideration to their proposed area of research interests: lack of an interest that fits with the focus of this program may negatively impact the student"s application.

Notes on Admission

Preference will be given to candidates with:

- An area of research interest that meshes with the focus areas of the Program.
- A statement of career interest that shows a clear understanding of the opportunities available in Planning.
- A statement of volunteer or career experience that supports the two previously referenced documents.
- Evidence of high academic achievement.
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Highlights
Credential:
Bachelor Degree
Program Length: 4 Years
Location Offered: Nanaimo
Fees: 7200-8000 CAD per a year (for domestic students) / 18.000-19.000 CAD per a year (for International Students)

Admission Requirements

- General admission requirements apply.
- Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design students must submit the following to support their application:
- A portfolio
- A 100-300 word written statement on reasons and goals for seeking enrolment in the program and indicating research about the profession
- A résumé including two references
- Applicants" portfolios should include 6-12 items. The work can come from a variety of mediums, including, but not limited to:

- hand rendered sketching (pencil, ink)
- painting (water colour, oils, acrylics)
- collage (mixed media, other)
- photography
- 3D sculpture or prop building
- writing (essays, poems, blogs)
- digital work (commissioned or not)
- jewelry making
- pottery
- fabric work (original sewing, needle work)
- motion (video, digital)
- websites (blogs, animation)
- sound (music, recordings)
- journals (sketching, writing)
- process sketch books
Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

The degree program will be limited to 24 students. Transfer students must proceed through the same admission process. For students outside the Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design program, some program courses will have spaces available for elective purposes. Students from other disciplines may be permitted to apply for spaces providing they have met the required prerequisites and program requirements, and have permission from the department. Course applicants from other programs may be required to submit a portfolio and other documentation and be screened for required hardware and software experience in order to enter individual courses.

Admission with Advanced Standing

Admission to the Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design at the second or third-year levels may be possible based on available seats and will be determined on the basis of a portfolio interview and credit equivalencies determined by all of the above plus review of course outlines from the transferring institutions and/or PLA. Official post-secondary transcripts are required. Candidates with an Applied Arts Diploma in Graphic Design from Vancouver Island University who have been interviewed and meet the requirements for continuing students will qualify for entry into the third year but may not be guaranteed a seat as enrolment in limited.
APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM
Highlights
Credential: Bachelor Degree
Program Length: 4 Years
Location Offered: Nanaimo
Fees: 8400 CAD per a year (for domestic students) / 19.600 CAD per a year (for International Students)

Admission Requirements

General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with minimum “C” grade for students enrolling in English 115.
- A minimum "C" grade in one of Principles of Mathematics 11, Applications of Mathematics 11, or Foundations of Mathematics 11.
- All students seeking enrolment in the Bachelor of Interior Design program must have an interview with the Faculty Selection Committee prior to admission.
- Bachelor of Interior Design candidates must bring the following to the interview:
- A 100-300 word written statement on reasons and goals for seeking enrolment in the program and indicating research about the profession;

- A resume;
- A portfolio demonstrating aptitude as described below:
- A minimum of 10, maximum of 15, examples of artwork that should include:
- 2 - 3 Original black and white drawings in a variety of media.
- 2 - 3 Original paintings or illustrations in a variety of media demonstrating the use of colour.
- And a variety of examples from the following to make up the balance:
- Original collages or mixed-media pieces exploring specific themes.
- Photographs, slides, and/or digital files of three-dimensional artwork such as installation, sculpture, and pottery.
- Traditional and digital photography utilized as a means of personal expression and/or communication.
- Graphic print work such as linocuts, woodcuts, silkscreens, etc.
- Photographs of mural art.
- Photographs or originals of various crafts such as quilting, stitchery, fashion design, or jewelry design.

Notes on Admission


- Due to the nature of the contemporary work place, students should be familiar with fundamental computer skills such as word processing before considering an education in Interior Design, to ensure they can complete course work.
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Admission with Advanced Standing


Admission to the Bachelor of Interior Design at the second and third year levels may be possible based on available seats and will be determined on the basis of credit equivalencies determined by all of the above plus review of course outlines from the transferring institution and/or PLA. Candidates with an Applied Arts Diploma in Interior Design from Vancouver Island University will qualify for entry into the third year but may not be guaranteed a seat as enrolment is limited.
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Highlights
Credential: Post-Degree diploma
Program Length: 2 Years
Location Offered: Nanaimo
Fees: 6736 CAD (for domestic students) / 17.919 CAD (for International Students)

Admission Requirements

This program is designed for students who have recognized Bachelor"s degrees and wish to complete an academic credential equal in scope to a language minor. New students will be placed in language courses according to ability, experience, and previous education. Native French and Spanish speakers should consult with the department regarding exemption from lower-level requirements.

Program Regulations

Students must obtain a minimum "C+" average in all required first and second year courses, and then complete 18 credits of upper-level courses related to their language of specialization.
APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM
Highlights
Credential: Bachelor Degree
Program Length: 4 Years
Location Offered: Nanaimo
Fees: 6400 CAD per a year (for domestic students) / 17.119 CAD per a year (for International Students)

Admission Requirements

Successful audition to show musical competence or potential.

Notes on Admission


Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

The Jazz Studies Program

The Jazz Studies program will foster the acquisition of professional skills in a variety of performance genres. It will offer hands-on experience of group music making through ensembles, and promote skills in the fields of: music performance and its study; musical theory and composition; music history in general and jazz music history in particular; theoretical and applied keyboarding; instrumental and choral conducting; theoretical and applied computer technology; multi-track recording and film scoring; theoretical and applied sound recording; library and on-line research; techniques and practices fundamental to the music and entertainment industries; and music as a business.

The program is modular in structure. Students select Music elective courses on the basis of their musical needs, progressing from course module to course module and from year to year. The structure offers students considerable choice and flexibility in fulfilling program requirements. It is supportive of the development of primary musical skills, but flexible and adaptable, and conducive to effective use of space and time.
APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM
Highlights
Credential: Diploma
Program Length: 2 Years
Location Offered: Nanaimo
Fees: 6047 CAD per a year (for domestic students) / 17.119 CAD per a year (for International Students)

Admission Requirements

- General admission requirements apply.
- English 12 with minimum “C".
- Successful audition to show musical competence or potential.
- Notes on Admission
- Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

The Diploma in Jazz Studies Program

Students interested in the diploma must apply to the Bachelor in Jazz Studies. Upon successful completion of the first 2 years of the Bachelor program, students will be eligible to receive the Jazz Diploma.

Students who have successfully completed the first two years of VIU’s Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies will be eligible for a Diploma in Jazz Studies, or they can continue their studies and complete the degree.

The Jazz Studies program will foster the acquisition of professional skills in a variety of performance genres. It will offer hands-on experience of group music-making through ensembles and promote skills in the fields of: music performance and its study; musical theory and composition; library and Internet research; theoretical and applied keyboarding; theoretical and applied computer technology, multi-track recording and film scoring; theoretical and applied sound recording; techniques and practices fundamental to the music and entertainment industries; music history in general and jazz history in particular; and music as a business.

The program is modular in structure. Students select Music elective courses on the basis of their musical needs, progressing from course module to course module and from year to year. The structure offers students considerable choice and flexibility in fulfilling program requirements. It is supportive of the development of primary musical skills, but flexible and adaptable, and conducive to effective use of space and time.

The program includes an academic component that requires home assignments, self-discipline and good time management skills. Becoming an accomplished musician requires practice, and students should be prepared to work long hours practicing their music.
APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM
Highlights
Credential: Bachelor Degree
Program Length: 4 Years
Location Offered: Nanaimo
Fees: 6736 CAD per a year (for domestic students) / 17.719 CAD per a year (for International Students)

The BA Theatre Minor Program

Admission Requirements (Requirements for a Minor)

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below.

Years 3 and 4: Students taking the BA Minor in Theatre must complete a total of 18 credits selected from the following list of upper-level Theatre courses.
Note: All upper-level Theatre courses have 1st and 2nd year prerequisite courses that must be completed prior to starting the 3rd year.

Students who have completed the two-year Bachelor of Fine Arts — Theatre Transfer program or the Technical Theatre Diploma program will have met all the prerequisites for any upper-level Theatre courses.
APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM
Highlights
Credential: Bachelor Degree
Program Length: 4 Years
Options: Major / Minor
Location Offered: Nanaimo
Fees: 6736 CAD per a year (for domestic students) / 17.719 CAD per a year (for International Students)

Admission Requirements

- Students entering first year courses must come to the Art Department Portfolio/Interview Session with a portfolio that meets the Application Portfolio Requirements. Students will be advised of the status of their application as soon as possible following their interview with the Selection Committee. For interview dates, please contact the Admissions office, 250-740-6400.
- Admission to upper-level courses is based upon a portfolio review by the Art and Design review committee.

The Visual Arts Program

Vancouver Island University offers an opportunity for undergraduates to study Visual Art as a Major or Minor in a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree. Both options provide an opportunity for students to complement their degree in Visual Art with courses in other disciplines, including Business, Marketing, Theatre, Biology, History, Psychology, Anthropology, Education, Sciences, Media Studies and Creative Writing.

The BA Major offers a professional focus on all aspects of studio art, as well as academic classroom experience. Students may take this degree with a wide variety of electives or they may combine this Major with a Minor in another discipline. The latter may be appropriate to an individual student"s academic and/or career goals, enhancing their preparation for a competitive job market. Both options strengthen employment or postgraduate study opportunities and equip students with technical, critical thinking, visual literacy and career adaptability skills.

A BA Minor in Visual Art may be combined with a Major or a Minor in another academic discipline and is appropriate for students contemplating a number of professional choices.

In years one and two, the BA Major and Minor in Visual Art emphasize art-making in a broad range of media with associated techniques and provide a conceptual foundation within the context of contemporary art and art history. In years three and four, the curriculum broadens into greater emphasis on interdisciplinary content, contemporary working methods and cultural theory.

Note: All students enrolled in Art or Design studio courses offered within VIU"s Art and Design department must complete mandatory safety training session(s) before they will be allowed to use the department"s facilities. Each student must purchase and use safety equipment as specified by the department and sold through the VIU Campus Store.
APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM
Highlights
Credential: Diploma
Program Length: 2 Years
Location Offered: Nanaimo
Fees: 6436 CAD (1st year), 7876 CAD (2nd year) (for domestic students) / 17.619 (1st year), 19059 CAD (2nd year) (for International Students)

The Program

Students may apply for VIU’s Visual Art Diploma upon successful completion of 60 credits and a minimum Grade Point Average of 1.84. Of the 60 credits, 45 must be within the Art Department and include 6 credits of Art History with a minimum grade of “C”. Advanced students may apply for transfer credits from other institutions.

Note: All students enrolled in art or design studio courses offered within VIU’s Art and Design department must complete mandatory safety training session(s) before they will be allowed to use the department’s facilities. Each student must purchase and use equipment as specified by the department and sold through the VIU Campus Store.


APPLY TO THIS PROGRAM