Bachelor Of Arts - History at VIU - Vancouver Island University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-12-11

Program overview

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Program Overview

Enrich your understanding of the past to help prepare for the future with VIU’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History program. This degree takes students on a journey through time, exploring a wide array of topics, from politics and war to social movements and cultural phenomena. Whether you choose a history major or minor, you will gain essential historical context that serves you in various fields. Graduates of the History program excel in critical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation, which are vital skills in any career or post-graduate program. The program prepares students for diverse careers in education, law, heritage, journalism, marketing, public service, and the film and video game industries.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Arts in History program is designed to be completed in 4 years and requires a total of 120 credits. The program offers various options, including:

Honours
Major
Minor

Students must fulfill all institutional B.A. degree requirements, including:

Years 1 and 2: Minimum “C” average in 18 credits of 100- or 200-level History courses.
Years 3 and 4: Minimum 30 credits in History courses numbered 300 and above.

Students may also take a double major in History and another subject, provided they meet the degree requirements for both majors. The program is fully available at the Nanaimo campus and partially available at Cowichan and tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River).

Featured Experiences

Engagement with primary and secondary texts to develop critical understanding.
Opportunities to explore various methodologies and historical perspectives.
Participation in specialized Honours courses for those pursuing the Honours program.
Research opportunities under faculty supervision in the Honours Thesis course.

Career Options

The Bachelor of Arts in History equips graduates with skills applicable to various professional fields. Here are some potential career paths:

Educator: Teach history at elementary, secondary, or post-secondary levels.
Lawyer: Utilize critical thinking and analytical skills in legal practice.
Journalist: Research and report on historical and contemporary issues.
Heritage Consultant: Work with organizations to preserve and promote historical sites.
Marketing Specialist: Apply storytelling and analytical skills in marketing campaigns.

Graduates are well-prepared for roles in research, library and archival work, public service, and politics, making the History program a versatile choice for future careers.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-12-11

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply as an international student for admission to Vancouver Island University (VIU), you must meet the following requirements:

Graduation from high school or equivalent. (Refer to the High school completion equivalency list by country)
Proof of meeting English language requirements.

For applicants who attended high school in English-speaking countries:

International students who are BC high school graduates must have a minimum grade of “C” in English 12 for direct entry into an academic program.
International students who have completed high school in English, in a country where English is considered the official language, must have a minimum grade equivalent to a grade of “C” in English 12 in British Columbia.

For applicants from countries where English is not the official language:

Must submit a recognized English Language Proficiency test (valid within the past 2 years).
Conditional acceptance may be granted for students who meet academic requirements but not the English language requirement, pending completion of VIU’s English Language Centre program.

Academic programs may have additional Academic Requirements and course prerequisites. Please check your specific program requirements.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To meet the English language requirements for academic programs at Vancouver Island University, students must have completed one of the following tests (valid test results must be no older than 2 years):

Test	Minimum score
TOEFL Paper Based Test	550 (no section below 56)
TOEFL IBT	88 (no section below 20)
IELTS (Academic)	6.5 (no band below 6.0)
CAEL	60
C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)	176 overall
C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)	176 overall
English Studies 12 (BC)	Min. C
Pearson (PTE) Academic	60 (no section below 60)
Duolingo English Test	125 (no band less than 115)
International Baccalaureate English A1/A2	Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL) grade 3 or higher
VIU English Language Centre	Successful completion of University Preparation Level 5 (UP5)
Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition	Grade 2 or higher
Recognized university where English is the language of instruction.	Completion of six credits of post-secondary English composition and literature with a minimum grade of C
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE)	English at the O-level with a minimum grade of C or 4
CAEL online	60
Pearson (PTE) Online	60 (no section below 60)
TOEFL iBT Home Edition	88 (no section below 20)
ILAC Pathway Program	Successful Completion of Pathway 3.3

Please note: Although VIU will accept online English proficiency tests as noted above for admission to VIU, IRCC may require you to provide proof of English language proficiency using a traditional in-person test when applying for your Study Permit.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!