Social Justice Studies

Why choose Social Justice Studies at UVic?

Want to make a real difference in the world? Social Justice Studies at UVic helps you understand and challenge inequality—while gaining practical experience you can apply in your career and community.

• Explore how social justice initiatives shape today’s world.
• Learn from scholars, researchers and activists who are working on real issues—from human rights to environmental justice.
• Build the skills to think critically, communicate clearly and take meaningful action.

You’ll graduate with a strong foundation in social justice—and the ability to apply it in fields like policy, non-profits, education and community leadership.

Customize your degree

Shape your studies around what matters most to you. You can focus on theory, practice—or both.

Theories of social justice and injustice

• Understand how inequality and injustice are created and sustained.
• Explore how scholars and activists explain social systems—and the pathways to building a more just and equitable society.

The practice of social justice

• Learn how change happens in the real world.
• Study activism, social movements and allyship.
• Explore what works in different contexts—and how you can contribute to meaningful change.

Earn while you learn

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

• Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
• Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
• On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
• Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.

Student life & community

Get involved with community partners

• Take part in events, workshops and volunteer opportunities that address real issues—both on campus and in the Victoria community.
• Build connections while gaining experience.

SJS Course Union

• Join a student-led community passionate about social justice.
• Attend talks from visiting speakers, take part in fundraising events and collaborate on initiatives that make an impact.

Hands-on learning

• Research opportunities - Dive deeper into topics that matter to you. Many courses include individual or group research projects, helping you build critical thinking and academic skills.
• Practicum opportunities - In Practising Social Justice in the Field, you’ll complete 50 hours with a community partner. Apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting—and graduate with employable skills.

Career possibilities

Turn your passion for social justice into meaningful work. This program builds skills in research, communication, advocacy and critical thinking—valued across many sectors. Graduates pursue roles such as:

• Community organizer
• Human rights advocate
• Policy or research assistant
• Non-profit program coordinator
• Social services professional 

You can combine this program with majors like Political Science, Sociology or Environmental Studies to expand your career options.

Admission

Diploma program

Apply to the Division of Continuing Studies for the Social Justice Studies diploma program.

Minor program

This is a minor program that can be added to your primary degree to broaden your studies. You can declare your minor after one or more years of full-time study at UVic.

Your academic advisor can help you plan your courses to ensure you meet the requirements of both your major and minor programs.