Our Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication program provides you with an opportunity to develop a broad knowledge of media, cultural studies, and business. In addition, students will develop theoretical and practical skills that are relevant to careers in professional writing, journalism, public relations, communications, and advertising.
The program focus is found in a sequence of courses in media and communications. At the same time, it integrates business courses to create an interdisciplinary degree that provides a sound foundation for work in media and communications organizations, as well as other communications-related business careers. Team activities are an intrinsic part of many courses and build team skills vital for real-world success, as well as providing a collegial learning environment.
Elective Area - Communications Management
One of the fastest-growing fields in communications is communications management. By taking selected advanced business courses and applying them to communications projects, this elective area provides training for those who hope to manage complex communications projects and departments in any industry.
In September 2021, UCW received 5 Stars rating from the QS Stars higher education rating system, the world’s most popular source of comparative data on university performance.
As part of the QS Stars audit process, institutions receive an overall rating of between zero and 5+ stars, as well as a rating in at least eight of 13 key areas. We have achieved 5 stars in Teaching, Employability, Online Learning, Academic Development, Social Responsibilities, and Inclusiveness and 4 stars for Internationalisation. UCW is the third university in Canada, and the first in British Columbia, to receive a 5 Stars rating from QS Stars. There are only a total of seven institutions in the United States and Canada to receive a 5 Stars rating.
Why the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication?
Learn to evaluate and integrate all types of media and communication.
Demonstrate media research techniques and methodologies.
Create ethically and legally sound content for a variety of mediums and markets.
Integrate media and content to communicate persuasively to specific audiences.
Apply communication techniques to business problems and contexts.
Class Profile
UCW Vancouver is home to students from many different countries around the globe. Communicating with fellow students and sharing experiences can further enhance your learning experience.
Course Structure
The Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication (BA) program is an interdisciplinary set of courses designed to provide core skills in writing, communication, research, and team performance. There is also a focus on the understanding of media and communications and how they function in the contemporary business world.
Tier 1 University Foundation
Tier 1 courses are your entry into the BA program. They establish the basic university skills of research and writing whilst introducing you to the knowledge needed for each program. The instructors of these courses know they are your entry point and work hard on all the basics to ensure you successfully complete your degree.
Introduction to Anthropology
Introduction to Business
Mass Media and Society
Science elective
Academic Writing
Contemporary Literature: Drama and Narrative
Foundation Mathematics
Moral Philosophy
Fundamentals of Psychology
Tier 2 Disciplinary Foundation
Our Tier 2 courses are more advanced than the level of study during Tier 1. Expect to find the standards more rigorous and work more intense. These courses are taken concurrently with your Tier 3 courses.
Business Environment
Communications Theory
Information Gathering
Writing for the Media
Visual Communications in Mass Media
Statistics
Marketing Management
Organizational Behavior
Tier 3 Disciplinary Applications
Tier 3 courses develop your core skills and understanding of business. Taught by instructors who are both experts in their fields and experienced professionals, you will acquire the knowledge necessary to make you an excellent practitioner in the world of commerce.
Social Media
Legal and Ethical Issues in Mass Media
Technical Writing and Business Communications
Research Methodology
Professional Communications –Written and Oral
Media and Government
Public Relations in Practice and Theory
Tier 4 Integrative Applications
Tier 4 courses are the final step in your program. They provide the opportunity to integrate and refine your knowledge. You will complete your program alongside your research project. This allows you to put your energies into a project of your choice that highlights the depth of your education.
Communication Strategy
Communication Capstone 1
Communication Capstone 2
The Campuses
UCW has two easily accessible campuses in downtown Vancouver: 626 West Pender St. in the historic London Building and Vancouver House
Our campus at 626 Pender Street is located only steps away from public transit, including the Waterfront SkyTrain Station, bus routes, and the SeaBus terminal. The vibrant and lively neighborhood is full of restaurants, stores, entertainment options, shopping centers, and gym facilities.
Our new campus, Vancouver House, is located in one of the highest-profile developments in Vancouver’s recent history. The campus will include more than 90,000 sq. ft. in the iconic Vancouver House Development, a globally recognized project designed by architect Bjarke Ingels of BIG.
Many of the world’s biggest companies have offices within walking distance of our downtown campus, providing students with unparalleled access to a network of prospective employers.
Vancouver has been named the third most liveable city in the world by The Economist and that liveability is evident as you stroll through the bustling scenic city.
Online Learning
University Canada West’s online programs are ideal for those looking to upskill without compromising their busy schedules. The flexible learning method will allow you to fit studying around your work and family commitments. You will benefit from access to a range of high-quality online learning resources such as video lectures, online forums, and one-to-one time with your lecturer.
Benefits of studying online
Studying online brings a variety of benefits such as providing the freedom to fit studying around your daily commitments. With access to HD video lectures and course materials, you won’t feel any less prepared than those who’ve studied on campus.
Online study is becoming increasingly popular because it allows you to obtain an academic qualification and significantly enhance your employability without putting your life or job on hold.
Experienced Faculty
Our faculty are experienced in both education and industry – professionals who have excelled in their field – and who use this to your advantage. They will provide you with case studies, a context for your study, even stories about their time on the job – anything and everything that will give you a more complete understanding of the industry you wish to enter.
Our faculty are superb teachers who are able to nurture new talent by developing strong relationships with their students and are proficient in real-world applications.
They are more than teachers: they also have extensive first-hand experience in business and maintain strong ties to Canada’s leading companies in order to provide you with real-time insight.
Career Services
The UCW Career Services department was created to facilitate an engaging partnership with students and alumni as they transition from higher education into the workforce environment and beyond. Through these partnerships, Career Services will bridge the gap between employers’ needs and employment opportunities for our students and alumni.
Career Services includes resources and workshops in group and one-to-one settings, but are not limited to assistance with:
Resumes and cover letters
Interviewing skills
Job search techniques
Networking and volunteer opportunities
Career advising
Career exploration
Personal branding on social media/LinkedIn
Job fair preparation
Career panels
Accessing the hidden job market
Internship resources
Career treks
Career fairs
Student Services
At UCW Vancouver, we pledge to support you every step of the way with student services staff who will answer any questions you may have. They’ll provide you with resume advice and even help you prepare for job interviews.
Through Student Services, students can access:
Writing and Numeracy Coaches
Academic Advising
Campus Information Sessions
Workshops and Seminars
Student Life and Student Committee Events, such as holiday parties, end-of-term socials, movie nights, and much more.
Entry Requirements
Secondary School Applicants who have graduated from a British Columbia secondary school (high school) or equivalent are required to have, at minimum, the equivalent of a BC high school (Grade 12) diploma, with an overall average of C.
If you have graduated from high school but do not meet the minimum grade levels, you may still be considered for admission if you have successfully completed at least 30 academic post-secondary credits at a recognized institution.
AND (If Applicable)
Students whose first language is not English must submit an IELTS score of at least 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in the writing band) or equivalent (TOEFL, PTE, etc.)
OR successfully complete UCW’s University Access Program (UAP) by earning an average of at least 70% in their UAP courses.
If a student can demonstrate that they graduated from a recognized degree program in an English-speaking country, the English IELTS score or equivalent requirement may be waived.
Special Admission:
The Admissions Committee may consider an applicant for special admission if the applicant does not otherwise qualify for admission but demonstrates a combination of education and work experience that indicates the ability to be successful in their program of study. Generally, such applicants must:
Be over 21 years of age on or before the first day of classes;
Have been out of high school for at least two years;
Receive approval from the Admissions Committee.
Fees
Tuition fee for on-campus BA program for domestic students: $36,840
Tuition fee for on-campus BA program for international students: $76,800
Tuition fee for online BA program for domestic and international students: $33,640
For more details, please visit our Tuition Fees webpage.
