How do I get started?

Have I met the Academic Writing Requirement?

To ensure that you have an opportunity to develop the advanced literacy skills expected at the university level, all undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program are required to complete a 1.5 unit AWR-designated course. The courses that meet the AWR are ENGL 135, 146, 147, and ENGR 110.

Students can satisfy the requirement in one of the following ways:

1. Successfully complete ENGL 135, 146, 147 or ENGR 110.

2. Have one of the following qualifications:

• a score of at least 86% on the BC English 12 Provincial Examination or English 12 First Peoples Provincial Examination within the three years immediately prior to admission
• a final grade of at least 86% in an approved English 12 equivalent course from other Canadian provinces within the three years immediately prior to admission
• 1.5 units of transfer credit for ENGL 135, 146 or 147, ENGR 110, or AWR-designated (ACWR) level credit. (NOTE: Although ENGL 115 will no longer be offered as of May 2012, previous credit for this course will continue to be accepted.)
• a degree from a recognized English-speaking university

For more information, please see the Academic Writing Requirement page.

Where do I look for information?

If you know what program you plan to follow: The first year program outlines listed on this site are to assist you with course selection. They list the required first year courses for each program offered at UVic, as well as for professional programs at other institutions.

If you have not decided on a program: We recommend that you take a broad range of courses selected from the list of courses recommended for first year students in order to explore the options available to you.

How do I read the outlines?

Most outlines will present a list of required courses and the necessary prerequisites (if any) for each course. Prerequisites are separated by semi-colons (";") and must all be met in order to register in the course.

Each program outline may also present a list of suggested courses or identify the number of electives needed to round out a full course load. Electives are courses that are not specifically required for your chosen program and can be chosen from any department/faculty, as long as the course is not restricted to a specific program. When choosing your electives for your first year, please select them from the list of courses recommended for first year students.  Make sure to pay attention to any restrictions that may be listed.

Clicking on the name of any course will take you to the course description in the academic calendar, which also identifies any prerequisites for the course.

Where do I go for help?

Read the answers to the frequent questions, especially the general questions and those related to your specific faculty or program. This information will clear up a lot of confusion about registration. If you would like to speak with someone about your course selection or program planning, academic advisers are here to assist you.

Once you have decided on your courses for first year, visit the Registration 101 site to learn how to build a timetable and register for your courses.