Linguistics and Language Studies associate certificate
The Linguistics and Language Studies associate certificate introduces students to the study of language and how it is structured, learned, and used in diverse cultural and social contexts. Students complete coursework in core areas of linguistics, such as phonology, language acquisition, and sociolinguistics, alongside intermediate-level proficiency in an additional language. This credential provides foundational knowledge and skills that support further study and employment in fields such as language education, Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), translation, speech-language support, and intercultural communication.
Entrance requirements
Non-UFV students may apply directly for admission to the Linguistics and Language Studies associate certificate only. Current UFV students wishing to complete the associate certificate may do so by program declaration through the Academic Advising Centre. Students must ensure that they meet course prerequisites.
Applicants must meet the Entry-level English language proficiency requirement. For details on how this requirement may be met, see the English language proficiency requirement section of the calendar.
Secondary school entrance
One of the following:
B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
Mature student minimum 19 years of age before the first day of classes.
University entrance (for students who have attended some post-secondary school)
One of the following:
Completion of a minimum of 9 credits in courses numbered at the 100 level and above, with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on all credits attempted.
Completion of a post-secondary career or technical diploma (minimum of two years post-secondary credit) from a recognized Canadian or International post-secondary institution, with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 (equated to the UFV grading scheme), calculated on all courses taken.
Other admission categories
This program is open to international students.
When to apply
Applications are accepted for entrance to the
Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application
process.
Additional documents required for a complete application:
Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding UFV) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.
Basis for admission decision
Applicants who meet the entrance requirements will be admitted in order of
their application date. This date is set when an application, all required
documentation, and the application fee have been submitted.
The Linguistics and Language Studies associate certificate can be completed on either a part-time or full-time basis.
Program outline
Course
Title
Credits
LING 101
An Introduction to Language
3
LING 110
An Introduction to Phonology
3
or LING 202
Language Acquisition
LING 210
Language, Culture, and Society
3
Plus:
Any 200-level or above language course in French, German, Halq’eméylem, Japanese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian, or Spanish (see Note)
3
Note: Students who have gained second language competency through other means may contact Modern Languages to inquire about an assessment.
Students should consult an Academic Advisor to ensure that their course selections align with the associate certificate requirements and any other program they may pursue.
Transferring courses
Students should consult with an Academic Advisor at UFV if interested in transferring
courses into the certificate. Likewise, students wishing to transfer courses in the certificate
to other institutions should contact the institution to which they intend to transfer, or refer
to the B.C. Transfer Guide for transfer details.
Undergraduate continuance
Students enrolled in undergraduate courses (courses numbered 100 or higher) must maintain an undergraduate Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.00 to remain enrolled in Good Academic Standing at UFV.
Students in Good Academic Standing will have no registration limits placed on them. Failure to meet the minimum CGPA requirement will result in restrictions on registration and may eventually lead to academic suspension from undergraduate studies at UFV. Students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation are limited to registering in 10 credits. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar. Academic standing is governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92).
Residency
Students must complete at least 25% of the credits required at UFV.
Graduation requirements
To be eligible to graduate, students must have completed the Linguistics and Language Studies associate certificate with a minimum program GPA of 2.00 and a minimum CGPA of 2.00 calculated on all 100-level or higher UFV courses attempted.
See the Graduation section of the calendar for more information.