Program delivery

The Masters in Indigenous Language revitalization is delivered in an intensive format with classes being held on the UVic campus. You will attend classes for approximately 3 weeks during the first summer, then several 5 to 8-day sessions throughout the year. During those sessions, an entire course will be taught.

You will need to have access to a computer, the internet, and email to be successful in the program. Much of the coursework is done through an online learning platform and outside of the intensive sessions.

Please see the Academic Calendar for courses and admissions requirements.

Graduate Student Handbook

The Graduate Student Handbook has been created by the Indigenous Language Revitalization Graduate Advisory Circle to help you navigate the University of Victoria systems. We hope you find the handbook useful for learning more about the programs, the University and the many support services available to you.

We wish you the best of luck with your studies and we are honored to be a part of your educational journey.

Program Goals

To ensure a generation of language experts will have the language and academic skills to participate and lead successful language revitalization efforts in Indigenous communities and to develop language scholars who will have the expertise to support post-secondary instruction in the revitalization, recovery and maintenance of Indigenous Languages.

Offered jointly through the University of Victoria Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Education.

Applications

The next intake for this program will be in 2024.

Application deadline: January 31, 2024

Coursework

Graduate Certificate: 6.0 units

Master's Degree in Arts or Education: 16.5 - 18.0 units (including 6.0 from Certificate)

*The project option leads to M.Ed (16.5 units) and is the standard program for admission. The thesis option leads to M.A. (18.0 units) and requires further application and approval after the completion of coursework. 

Coursework Schedule for 2024-24*

*Sample schedule - exact schedule of coursework will vary for each cohort

Admissions Information

Indigenous Education in the Faculty of Education in partnership with the Department of Linguistics in the Faculty of Humanities offers a full-time Graduate Certificate program in Indigenous Language Revitalization, which ladders into a Master's Degree. For applicants to the Certificate or Degree program, the admission requirements are:

A baccalaureate degree (or equivalent from another country) from an accredited and recognized institution

A grade point average of 5.0 (B) in the work of the last two years (30 units) leading to this baccalaureate degree

Or, mature student category - 4 years of professional experience since graduating with a baccalaureate degree

Or, Exceptional Entry admission for students with modified academic requirements

First priority will go to applicants who are fluent/literate or semi-fluent/literate in any Indigenous language. A reference letter attesting to the applicant’s interest and level of fluency will be required from either the relevant language authority (if one exists) or another person or organization recognized by the Indigenous Education Graduate Program Committee. Contact the Graduate Secretary for examples of appropriate people or organizations to use as references.

Application Process

All applicants must complete and submit the following:

1. The online application form to the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Applicants will be required to pay the application fee via credit card.
2. Two confidential assessment reports provided by two references, who can be a professional colleague, professor or other academic authority, or an Indigenous Language Authority or recognized equivalent confirming fluency in an Indigenous language (admission via modified academic requirements). Forms will automatically be sent to your referees during the online application process via email.
3. Statement of Intent (500-word max). State your goals with respect to your education and how you would like to build on your practical experience in Indigenous Language Revitalization in Indigenous Communities. Submitted electronically during the online application process.
4. Transcripts (can be unofficial transcripts), submitted electronically during the online application process.

Exceptional Entry information

Applicants without an undergraduate degree, but who have achieved significant, relevant work experience, who have shown evidence of the ability to complete major projects, and have demonstrated sufficient skills and abilities to complete a demanding academic course of study will be considered for admission to this
program.

Applicants for Exceptional Entry must complete the online admission process, as well as provide the following in their admission package:

1. A portfolio containing evidence of a minimum of 10 years learning achieved in the field, providing rich examples of products created or projects completed, with role or contribution specified, including
   but not limited to:
   • Language CD’s, DVD’s, video and audio tapes, artwork, photographs, curriculum, translation work, work on orthography, documenting reference materials.
   • Journal, school programs, community events organized, taped interviews, proposal submissions, stories, written work, reports, and reflections for their portfolios.
   • Mentorship or apprenticeship work with linguists, educators, anthropologists, ethnobotanists
2. A complete CV/Resume or profile demonstrating the extent and longevity of their experience in language revitalization.
3. An official transcript of all academic courses attempted with the past ten years (or covering a longer period of time if the applicant wishes)
4. One additional letter of reference attesting to both your achievements in the field, and to the likelihood that you will be successful in graduate-level studies.

For support during the application process, contact the Graduate Secretary:

Phone: 250.721.7824
Email: iedlpa@uvic.ca