Diversity and Inclusion

The UBC Micro-certificate in Diversity and Inclusion provides a safe space for participants to examine diversity efforts, and build and implement inclusive practices that foster belonging in organizational and community settings.

The selected courses focus on the applications of intercultural and diversity concepts and build your repertoire of strategies for supporting movement from performative diversity to actionable inclusion, with the goal of enhancing creativity, innovation and success in the workplace and beyond.

For those looking for a more comprehensive program, see the UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies. You have the option to transfer completed courses from the UBC Micro-certificate in Diversity and Inclusion toward the certificate.

The UBC Micro-certificate in Diversity and Inclusion offers:

• a focus on concepts, tools, strategies and skills to support an engagement of diversity and strategies to build inclusive practices
• content that can be applied to your own contexts and assignments that build on your expertise
• an online format that is accessible globally; benefit from discussions with others from around the world
• an experienced instructional team of diversity and inclusion practitioners.

Use this table to easily compare all of our equity, diversity and inclusion programs.

You may have lived experience as a member of a marginalized community or you may be an ally hoping to engage in socially just and inclusive change within organizations. Most importantly, this program is for you if you recognize that diversity and inclusion work is ongoing and difficult, and that it requires critical examination of power and privilege in ourselves, our work environments and society.

You might be a:

• manager, executive or leader
• human resource practitioner
• organizational development specialist
• healthcare and community service professional
• educator, administrator or student service personnel
• community development worker

Courses range from $1,115-$1,295. The minimum cost to complete this program including course materials and the non-refundable application fee of $175 is $3,520. Earlybird pricing is available for all courses.

All fees are in Canadian dollars and subject to change. Fees are subject to GST where applicable. Fees may be paid by Visa®, Visa® Debit, Mastercard®, American Express®, money order or certified cheque.

This program is eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant. To learn more about this grant available to BC residents see the “StrongerBC future skills grant” information below.  

For details on UBC’s payment policies, please see Refunds, Cancellations and Transfers.

Designed and taught by professionals with lived experience and committed allies, the curriculum reflects the voices and perspectives of members of equity-deserving communities.

Our curriculum blends your experience with our concepts, theories and methods to translate aspirational diversity into an ongoing commitment to build and implement a robust organizational framework that prioritizes inclusion. Broaden your understanding of diversity and inclusion principles, and hone in your ability to work cross-culturally, by examining specific cases, analyzing your own experiences and collaborating with fellow participants and facilitators.

To complete the program, you must take the required course, Strategies for Effective Intercultural Communication, and two elective courses, for a total of 120 hours of course work.

Required Courses

Elective Courses

This part-time program consists of one required and two elective courses, totalling 120 hours of course work.

Depending on which elective courses and options you choose, you can complete this program 100% online. Some courses offer real-time, virtual classes or in-person learning.

Courses are facilitated by educators, practitioners and experts, and have a start and end date. You progress through the course with the same group of students. All of the courses are open for registration to anyone at any time.

Expected effort

For each course, be prepared to spend approximately seven hours per week completing learning activities, including readings, assignments, posting and responding to online group discussions, and other projects.

You are required to log in to your course at least every other day. We strongly recommend taking only one course at a time if you are working or studying full-time.

Technology requirements

To take this program, you need access to:

• an email account
• a computer, laptop or tablet, using Windows or macOS
• the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
• a reliable internet connection

Assessment

Courses are graded as complete/incomplete. You’re evaluated based on standards and competencies established by facilitators, program administrators and an advisory board. At the end of each course, you will be notified if you successfully met the requirements for the course.

The admissions process helps to ensure that the needs, intentions and expectations of participants are adequately matched to the program's objectives and capabilities.

To accommodate learners from a variety of backgrounds, the admission requirements for the UBC Micro-certificate in Diversity and Inclusion are fairly broad. However, all applicants must have the following:

• at least six months of international or intercultural volunteer or work experience
• post-secondary education and/or extensive life experience
• fluency in the English language, including good written and verbal communication skills
• the academic, interpersonal and communication skills to support active participation in this dynamic program
• at least five to seven hours a week to spend on a course
• minimum technology requirements as outlined in the program format section.

Application steps

You must apply and be accepted into the program before registering for courses. To discuss eligibility, prior experience and program relevance, please contact us.

Complete the following steps to submit your application:

1. Complete the online application form. You will need to include a letter of intent (max. 500 words). This should include personal and/or career goals, interests and program expectations.
2. You will be directed to pay the $175 non-refundable application fee online.
3. Once you have been accepted into the micro-certificate program, you can begin registering for courses.