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Indigenous Education
A group photo of IED PDP students gathered together in D282 on campus.

Bachelor of Education - Indigenous Post-Degree Professional Program

Designed for those who already hold an undergraduate degree, this 20-month program is a direct pathway to becoming an elementary or middle school teacher. It will provide aspiring teachers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, with a relevant, relational and transformative education designed to foster a deeper understanding of First Nations, Inuit and Métis histories and cultures and ways of knowing and being.

Graduates are eligible to apply for a Professional Teaching Certificate from the BC Ministry of Education.

Admission requirements
Program structure
Estimated program costs
Apply now
Contact an adviser

Indigenous-focused experiential learning

Learn directly from professors and guest instructors from the Department of Indigenous Education. You'll gain knowledge about Indigenous worldviews, languages and traditions, enriching your understanding of teaching and learning.

Build your teaching practice

Thrive in a program that prioritizes building meaningful connections with all those around you, from peers to instructors, community members, mentors and future employers. You'll have many opportunities to develop a unique teaching style and professional identity through hands-on and observational experiences in local classrooms. 

Field experience

An intergenerational group of people outdoors, working together to process wool. An older woman with gray braided hair closely examines the wool, while a younger woman holds a large clump of it over a sink. A child looks on with interest, and two women in the background observe the activity, with one holding a smartphone. The setting includes lush greenery, creating a warm and collaborative atmosphere.

Cultural & community connections

Students in this program will take part in multiple off-campus cultural learning experiences, like visits to museums, art galleries, Indigenous art studios and community spaces. 

You'll also visit a variety of local schools to observe unique classroom settings and discover innovative teaching approaches across diverse communities.

A wooden carving of a traditional Indigenous figure with colorful painted details, featuring a dramatic headdress of six extended, multicolored beams radiating outward. The figure is mounted on the front of a wooden structure, beneath a sloped roof. Two red, circular Indigenous designs are positioned symmetrically on either side of the figure. The sky is bright and clear in the background.

Practicum

Get your feet wet with two practicums during this program, where you'll have opportunities to test-drive your teaching skills with support from mentor teachers and Indigenous Education field advisers.

These transformative experiences connect theory to practice, growing your cultural awareness, adaptability and a richer understanding of the environments that shape learning.

I am a settler who moved from Ontario for this program. In the first week, I knew I was in the right place; we danced the Red River Jig with a local Métis Elder and spent most of our class time outside learning from the flora in the campus forest. Throughout the next few months, we spent afternoons leading lessons by the ocean, processing wool in an Elder's backyard, and working in a community garden.

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the program included the small cohort of like-minded, driven and passionate peers who challenged and supported me. Almost every day, we engaged in deep heart work, examining who we are as people and educators and critically reflecting on our own biases. 

I am now excited to move forward with the toolkit I filled up throughout this program. My goal is to create inclusive learning environments that are experiential and grounded in respect for each other, our community and the land. 
—Jessica, class of 2025

Program structure

This program is composed of 30.0 units typically taken over 5 terms or 20 months. Students attend this program in a cohort and are provided with a course schedule for each session. In addition to school visits, there are two practicums; a 6-week practicum and a 10-week practicum to support your development into a professional school teacher. 

 Total 30.0 UVic units
  Fall term

Spring term

 Summer term

Year 1

 4 courses (6.0 units)

3 courses (4.5 units)
+ 6-week practicum (1.5 units)

 4 courses (6.0 units)

Year 2

4 courses (6.0 units)

 2 courses (3.0 units)
+ 10-week practicum (3.0 units)		 -

 

Sample courses

  • IED 302: Literacy and Language in Indigenous Elementary Education
  • IED 303: Foundations of Indigenous and Canadian Education
  • IED 336: Technology Innovation in Indigenous Education
  • IED 373: EL TELNIWT and Indigenous Education
  • IED 402: Instructional Practices of Reading
  • IED 403: Curriculum and Instruction in Indigenous-focused Science
  • IED 404: Curriculum and Instruction in Indigenous-focused Social Studies
  • IED 405: Curriculum and Instruction in Indigenous-focused Mathematics
  • IED 486: Culturally Relevant Arts-Based Pedagogy for Education
  • IED 490: Situating Ourselves with Transformative Inquiry and Practice
Visit the UVic academic calendar to see the full course listing for this program.

Admission requirements

Eligibility for this program includes both course and grade requirements (academic requirements) and experience requirements. Students must have: 

  • a letter of application that indicates why you are choosing this program
  • a summary of your relevant experience outlining your practical experience working or volunteering with youth or in community
  • an undergraduate degree from an accredited university
  • a demonstrated proficiency in written English (see Written English Competency Requirement)
  • a grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on your most recent 30 units

How to apply:

  1. Visit the UVic undergraduate admissions website to see the detailed admission requirements for this program and to learn about important dates. 
  2. Prepare your application materials, including your letter of application and summary of experience.
  3. Connect with an IED advisor if you have any questions.
  4. Submit your application online through EducationPlannerBC. 
See admission requirements

Learn more

Do you have questions about this program? Email ied.practicum@uvic.ca or call 250-721-7824 to connect with our team.