Social Services Diploma at Vancouver Island University

Programme overview

Social Services professionals dedicate themselves to helping people live better lives and build stronger communities. The Social Services diploma program at VIU gives you a strong foundation in developmental psychology, adolescent and child development, trauma resiliency and conflict resolution. With a social services diploma you become an advocate for human rights and social justice, helping to protect vulnerable people.

Faculty: Human Services | Duration: 2 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

What you will study

Courses include Alternative Conflict Resolution in Criminal Justice Systems, Developmental Psychology I, Developmental Psychology II, Introduction to Social Work Practice, Introduction to Social Welfare in Canada, Families in Context, Introduction to Group Work in Child & Youth Care Practice, Interpersonal Communication Skills.

Career pathways

Graduates of the diploma program will gain skills to prepare them for work in a broad range of social services positions, including supervisory/administrative roles and more specialized direct service roles with community agencies, private service providers, and some government services.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

General admission requirements apply.; English 12 with a minimum "C" grade, or equivalent.; Volunteer or paid employment in the human services field.; Résumé and two current letters of reference.; Submit a Personal Profile.; Interview may be required.; Notes on Admission; Students who have completed a Human Services Certificate (e.g., Community Support Worker or Special Education Assistant) at VIU, or elsewhere, or have completed one or more years of University-level courses, may request to have some coursework recognised towards program requirements.. For further information, please contact the program Chair.; Individuals who have gained knowledge and skills, through considerable experience in the field and through non-formal learning, may wish to explore Prior Learning Assessment towards credit.; Fieldwork and/or practicums will require a satisfactory criminal record check prior to...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Most programmes start in September; January intake is offered for some bachelor's degrees and other programmes; many programmes offer alternative start dates throughout the year.

Applications for most academic programs open October 1 in the year before the program start date (applications for programs beginning September 2027 open October 1, 2026); deadlines vary by program.

Application fee: domestic undergraduate $46.98, domestic graduate $121.86, international all programs $156.06 (non-refundable); no application fee for Adult Basic Education.

Apply through the official page: https://www.viu.ca/apply

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