The University of Victoria (UVic) has announced it will be offering a new course for people considering a career in computing at the West Shore Collaborative Post-Secondary Campus in Langford.
Developed by UVic’s Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) the new Computing Gateway Program, is an entry program providing the first two years of coursework for students in one of UVic's computing-focused degree programs: computer science, data science and software engineering.
This is the first time entry into these three programs at UVic is being offered together, according to a release from the university. The program allows students to experience courses that lead to any of the three fields, and defer for up to two years the need to make their specific program choice.
The full-time or part-time program will be offered in small, cohort-like classes with a dedicated instructional team on hand to support student success.
“The new Computing Gateway Program is an excellent route for those who are interested in computing and want to keep their options open, and for those who function well in collaborative, team-working environments,” said Dr. LillAnne Jackson, associate dean of undergraduate studies in UVic’s ECS faculty.
Students will be able to learn for up to two years in the program, with the option to transfer to a specific program at UVic’s Gordon Head campus if they’d like to continue their academic studies, adds Jackson.
Applications for September 2025 entry into the Computing Gateway Program are open until April 15.
Alongside UVic, the one-stop campus will also house students from Royal Roads University, Justice Institute of BC, Camosun College and the Sooke School District. Classes are scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025.
“Community-based education in the heart of Langford through the new campus is exciting because it means that locally based students can learn where they live, as well as offer them exciting future opportunities to further their education through pathways to UVic’s many top degree programs,” said Dr. Mina Hoorfar, dean of the faculty of ECS at UVic.
