Pre-core course guide
1. Know your timeline
- May: UVic deposit due and housing application deadline
- early June: Find your registration date and time in Online Tools
- mid-June: Course registration for fall and spring terms
- July/August: Find out about orientation for September
2. Shape your pre-core years
Make the most of your first 2 years. In addition to your required courses, you should choose electives that fit with your goals and interests.
This is your time to broaden your knowledge through a diverse selection of topics, dive into areas of curiosity and challenge, and build a foundation for your business knowledge and tools later on.
Elective focus
Take 1 or more of these course bundles to gain knowledge in topics and areas you find interesting and that are relevant for all business leaders.
Each Elective Focus consists of 5 courses (7.5 units). You will not earn a formal credential but it can be a great way to shape your first 2 years in BCom and prepare you for core. Some courses appear in more than one Elective Focus. You can also use the list below for inspiration to select individual electives.
Recommended courses
These courses are highly recommended for all BCom students
- ECON 104 - Principles of Macroeconomics
- ECON 205 - Managerial Economics
- ES 200 - Introduction to Environmental Studies
- PHIL 201 - Critical Thinking
- SOCI 100A - Introduction to Sociology: Understanding Social Life
- THEA 122 - The Acting Experience
- THEA 150 - Public Speaking
- COM 100 - Understanding World-Class Organizations and ENT 100 - Introduction to Entrepreneurship (2 business electives in pre-core)
Certificates
Earn an additional credential alongside your BCom degree by adding any of these optional 10.5-unit certificates. Simply take the courses in your pre-core years and declare your certificate.
In your fourth year you will apply to graduate for the certificate at the same time that you apply to graduate from BCom! Talk to a BCom advisor if you need help declaring your certificate.
Career connection
Take courses that connect with a career you might be interested in!
3. Pick your fall and spring courses
- review course availability in the UVic timetable
- in the UVic Calendar
- build an “ideal” course plan for your first year by using the optional Plan Ahead tool
- be flexible by thinking of a few back up courses in case your first choices are full or not offered
- write down or save all the relevant course codes and course registration numbers (CRNs)
- think of what your second year might look like, but remain flexible as course selection may be different next year
Be flexible with your course planning: the courses in this guide may not be offered every academic session and some courses may have prerequisites. . Check the for course availability.
Study plan
Below is a recommended study plan for the BCom pre-core years: the 6 required courses listed below and notes about when to take your 21.0 units of non-business electives. The order in which the required courses are displayed is recommended for a balanced schedule and academic success.
Use a blank timetable or the Plan Ahead tool, and map out a conflict-free schedule that fits your learning style, including alternate courses and/or sections if some are full or unavailable. Remember that some courses have more than one required component, including lectures (A), labs (B) and tutorials (T). .
Year 1
Fall term courses (September-December)
| Course | Section | CRN |
|---|---|---|
| ECON 103 | ||
| 1 of: ATWP 135, ENSH 101, or ENSH 102 | ||
| 4.5 units of electives |
Spring term courses (January-April)
| Course | Section | CRN |
|---|---|---|
| Math 151 | ||
| 6 units of electives |
Year 2
Fall term courses (September-December)
| Course | Section | CRN |
|---|---|---|
| STAT 252 | ||
| ATWP 250 | ||
| COM 200 | ||
| COM 204 (this is a non-credit, required, pass/fail course) | ||
| 3 units of electives |
Spring term courses (January-April)
| Course | Section | CRN |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 units of electives |
Refer to our Program Planning Worksheet for more information.
Good things to know:
4. Register
- learn about registration a few days before you plan to register
- register as early as you can, ideally right on your registration date and time
- review important dates for 2023-2024, such as the
5. Ask for help
- registration support: 250-721-8121 or studentsupport@uvic.ca
- BCom advisors: 250-472-4728 or advisor@uvic.ca
Get to know the BCom advisors and don’t hesitate to book an appointment or send an email whenever you have a question. Come prepared to your advising appointments and write down your questions.
Frequently asked questions:
- I am not sure my course schedule is well balanced. Any tips?
- Where on campus can I get help with my MATH 151 course?
- I am not sure I am studying in the most effective way. Any suggestions?
- I am interested in accounting, which courses should I take?
- I have a learning disability: where on campus can I get the right support?