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Biology co-op students study raccoons in unorthodox "office"

Thomas Diesch and Ashley Currie, biology students researching raccoons in the Gulf Islands, as research associates collecting data on their location and numbers and the impact they have on songbirds and inter-tidal species.

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Working with local organizations to foster learning and community engagement

Political science student Katheryn Jones’ work had a global impact. She spent a co-op term with the Q'ente Textile Revitalization Society. The non-profit society works directly with weavers of the Sacred Valley region of Peru by providing an outlet to sell textiles in North America.

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Co-op experience in Australia

Ashley Burbidge (biology) poses with Jessie, one of the students from the Australian boarding school she worked at in 2011.

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Improving quality of life for those with special needs

Sociology student Shane Morrissey spent a co-op term working for CanAssist, a university-based organization dedicated to developing and delivering technologies, programs and services that improve the quality of life of those with special needs.

Co-operative education

Put your learning in motion with co-op

At UVic, learning extends beyond the classroom. One in four UVic students takes part in our extremely popular co-operative education program (co-op), which allows you to alternate terms in class with paid work terms in positions related to your field of study.

UVic's co-op program is one of the largest and most respected in Canada, and our co-op grads are more likely to land a job sooner, be promoted faster and earn a higher salary than graduates who didn't take part in co-op.

As a co-op student, you'll:

Learn more about co-op programs. Contact your co-op program listed below for details and how to apply.

Co-op programs

Program Email Phone Staff listing
Biochemistry and Microbiology 250-721-8813
Biology 250-721-8637
Business 250-721-6054 Staff list
Chemistry 250-721-7155
Computer Science and Math 250-472-5800 Staff list
Earth and Ocean Sciences 250-721-7713
Engineering 250-472-5800 Staff list
Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education 250-472-4690
Health Information Science 250-721-6458
Humanities, Fine Arts and Professional Writing 250-721-8841
Law 250-721-8195
Physics and Astronomy 250-721-7713
Public Administration 250-721-8061
Social Sciences 250-721-8689
International coordinator (co-op abroad) 250-721-6076

Career development support

You can access career development support at any time through our Career Services offices. Services include:

Career offices
  • Main Co-op and Career office (All programs except Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, and Law)
    Phone: 250-721-8421
    Email:
    Building: CSB 110 (map)
  • Business Co-op and Career office
    Phone: 250-721-6087
    Email:
    Building: BEC 112 (map)
  • Engineering and Computer Science/Math Co-op and Career office
    Phone: 250-472-5825
    Email:
    Building: ECS 210 (map)

Student experiences

co-op feature: Robin ParharRobin Parhar completed a co-op work term with a real estate and property management company in Duncan, BC.

She was able to gain great insights into this industry and learned that bringing enthusiasm and willingness each day to her job (which came naturally for her anyway!) were qualities highly valued by her employer. These qualities resulted in Robin exceeding her employer's expectations.

Wondering what it's like to be a co-op student, or what sort of jobs you could try? Check out our co-op student stories!