Bachelor of Arts (BA)
For students looking for an international perspective, the study of both French and Spanish provides an avenue of study to several regions of the world. The French and Spanish major offers students a comprehensive learning experience that includes such international opportunities as the Go Global study abroad program, English-language teaching assistant in France, and International Partnerships.
Acquire strong fluency in French and in Spanish through courses in grammar, conversation and translation, while exploring all aspects of Hispanic and Francophone studies, including culture, literature, cinema, history and politics.
Whether you want to teach French or Spanish, be a journalist, embark on an international career, hold a federal position, dream of being a politician, or work in other Hispanic or Francophone cultures across the globe, a UBC degree in French and Spanish can lead to all sorts of great opportunities.
UBC Okanagan’s liberal arts degree prepares students for global citizenship by integrating foundational knowledge with interdisciplinary opportunities in social justice, sustainability and Indigenous content. Students who earn a BA degree graduate with a broad range of knowledge and the ability to think critically, be creative, problem solve and communicate effectively.
Put your classroom learning to the test with Co-op job placements throughout the region and beyond. Co-op helps you to gain beneficial skills such as how to build your resumé, apply for jobs, expand your professional network and earn money to pay for tuition.
The core of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program with a French and Spanish Major consists of courses in French and in Spanish covering language, literature and culture.
The language-learning aspect of the program covers practical skills and daily application of both languages, as well as skills that are transferable to a work environment and an academic setting.
The language courses are designed to improve skills in reading, composition and oral communication, and foster critical analysis of cultural material and intercultural understanding.
Students have the option of spending a semester abroad studying and experiencing life in a Spanish-speaking or French-speaking environment.
Students may supplement their major with a cross-disciplinary approach by taking related courses in Latin American and Iberian Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Cultural Studies, Human Geography, Anthropology, Economics or History. These additional courses contribute to the broadening of students’ understanding of language and communication.
UBC Okanagan’s French and Spanish program offers a wide variety of foundational and advanced courses that cover linguistics, translation, literature, culture and more.
Sample courses:
View course descriptions for the 2020-2021 academic year. Browse here for more French and Spanish courses and descriptions and program requirements.
Detailed information on the Spanish program can be found in the Okanagan Academic Calendar, a comprehensive guide to all programs, courses, services, and academic policies at The University of British Columbia:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in French and Spanish:
Undergraduates can complete a BA with a major in French and Spanish by completing 54 credits in French and in Spanish combined, with 36 credits at the 300 and 400 level.
After obtaining your BA with a major in French & Spanish, you can apply to the 16-month Bachelor of Education program to complete a teaching degree. You can specialize in teaching French as a second language (French Immersion, Core French) or French as a first language (in a Francophone school).
For your application to be considered, you’ll need to do three things:
Then, UBC will take a closer look at your application. We’ll read your Personal Profile to get a sense of who you are and what you’ve achieved. We’ll also look at all of your Grade 11 (junior level) and Grade 12 (senior level) courses, paying special attention to the courses that relate to the degree you’re applying to.
Find your specific requirements at you.ubc.ca
Students are encouraged to declare their major in Spanish at the end of their first year in order to take the prerequisite second-year courses. Refer to the Academic Calendar for required courses.
Application Deadlines
Plan ahead to ensure you meet important deadlines and other target dates listed at you.ubc.ca.
Tuition Fees
UBC Okanagan’s fees compare favourably with universities of the same high calibre. See Financial Planning for helpful resources, and add up your first-year costs with our Cost Calculator.
Apply to UBC’s School of Engineering at you.ubc.ca—there are just five steps in the application process. Soon you could be studying at one of the world’s top universities.
Check out the steps to apply to UBC, and be sure to choose “Okanagan campus.”
Or let our Student Recruitment & Advising experts guide you: call 1-877-807-8521.
Earn a UBC degree respected by employers around the globe, and secure a career as a bilingual educator, community worker, development agency worker, or translator; or continue your education to work in professions such as law, teaching, and international relations.
Learn and earn with Co-op, a paid opportunity for students to enrich their education with work experience. At UBC’s Okanagan campus, sign up for Co-op to: build your resumé with professional experience; learn valuable tips on how to successfully apply for jobs; expand your network of industry contacts; and earn money to pay for tuition. Inquire about Co-op by phone at 250.807.9623 or by email.
Obtain a DELE Diploma, an official and international accreditation of a person’s degree of proficiency in Spanish. DELE Diplomas are internationally recognized and enjoy great prestige—not only among public and private educational institutions and authorities, but also in the business world and chambers of commerce. DELE Diplomas are granted by Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Spanish Ministry of Education.
After obtaining your BA with a major in French and Spanish, you can apply to the 16-month Bachelor of Education program to complete a teaching degree. You can specialize in teaching French as a second language (French Immersion, Core French) or French as a first language (in a Francophone school).
Students can pursue a master’s or PhD through the Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS) program at UBC Okanagan. The IGS program allows students to develop multi- and interdisciplinary course and research programs to suit their interests.
Learning experiences beyond the classroom help prepare you for a career and life after university. Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.
Get a financial boost to start your research experience and help pay for travel and other expenses. Merit-based cash awards also look impressive on your resumé.
Find out what students, faculty, and alumni have to say about UBC’s Okanagan campus: ourstories.ok.ubc.ca.
The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the 40 best universities in the world. In the psychology program at UBC’s Okanagan campus, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally respected university while studying in a close-knit learning community.
On the first day of university, faculties offer “Meet the Faculty” sessions where you can get to know the Dean, professors, and the staff who provide student support. It’s all part of UBC Okanagan’s new student orientation: CREATE.
Attend an orientation tailored to your needs as an aboriginal student, domestic student, international student, or student living in residence. You can even register your parents for an orientation that includes a workshop and campus tour.
Take advantage of the many opportunities to get involved and stay active—from workout space in the new Hangar Fitness Centre, to athletic courts, intramurals, fitness classes, and varsity athletics.
Learn more at Sports and Recreation, which includes links to fitness facilities, sport clubs, intramurals and recreation programs, as well as the nationally ranked UBC Okanagan Heat varsity teams that compete in the Canada West Universities Athletics Association.
Meet new people while living in a study-oriented environment with easy access to academic and personal support.
UBC Okanagan offers modern residence living surrounded by hiking and biking trails. One of the newest residences, Purcell, includes a rooftop patio that offers a panoramic view of the campus and the Okanagan Valley.
Find out more about living in residence at you.ubc.ca.
UBC’s Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people—the fourth fastest growing population in Canada. In fact, the Okanagan Valley is rated one of the best communities in Canada to grow your business.
More than 160 buses travel daily from campus to key locations such as Kelowna’s cultural district and thriving downtown waterfront. The campus is two minutes from the Kelowna International Airport, one of the Top 10 busiest airports in Canada.
UBC Okanagan is situated within the First Nations territory of the Okanagan Nation, whose spirit of stewardship for the land is reflected in the university’s respect for sustainability.
A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards and orchards, and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan Valley features sweeping stretches of lakeside and endless mountain trails for biking and hiking.
Explore the Okanagan lifestyle at you.ubc.ca.
