*30% discount applies for Canadian Forces members and veterans
Delivery
Hybrid Mode (in-person and online guided learning)
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Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code:52.0501 International students graduating from the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication program may be eligible to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) if they meet all the eligibility criteria as outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Students graduating with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate degree DO NOT need to meet the CIP field of eligibility requirement.
What is Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication
The Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication (BABC) is an interdisciplinary program that will develop your knowledge of media, cultural studies and business alongside theoretical and practical skills. The communication methods learnt and media training students get throughout this program are relevant to careers in professional writing, journalism, public relations, communications and advertising.
Graduates of the BABC program will be able to
Use communication theories to assess basic issues in cultural contexts.
Critique communication media influence on audience perceptions of issues, events, products and services.
Evaluate the effectiveness and integration of all types of media and communications.
Demonstrate communication-oriented research and information-seeking strategies.
Create ethically and legally sound content for a variety of forms of media and markets.
Integrate media and content to communicate persuasively to specific audiences.
Apply communication methods to business problems and contexts.
Demonstrate critical thinking and reflection skills in course deliverables.
Work productively in a collaborative environment.
Business Communication Class Profile
UCW is home to students from many different countries around the globe. Communicating with fellow students and sharing experiences can further enhance your learning experience.
Hybrid Mode Delivery Model
Courses in the hybrid BABC program are taught using a hybrid learning model that blends on-campus classes and online guided learning. Each course is scheduled to have 2.5 hours of on-campus class and 1.5 hours of online guided learning per week during weeks 1-10 of each 12-week term. Final revisions, examinations and culminating evaluations are completed during weeks 11/12.
The BABC program is also available as a formal online program. To learn more about the differences between the hybrid and formal online version of the BABC program, please refer to the resources on the Undergraduate Programs webpage.
Learning Methods
The BABC program focuses on many different forms of media. There is a strong focus on how media and communications function in the contemporary business world.
Lectures and class discussions
Studying academic literature
Analysis of case studies
Practical team tasks
BABC Course Structure
Students will join a cohort when they start their first term and will progress through the first term of their program together by taking three core courses. Core courses will be offered on multiple days and at different times.
In subsequent terms, students have the flexibility to choose the sequence in which they enrol in courses if they meet the pre-requisite requirements.
Students pursuing a BABC degree part-time will progress at a different pace through the cohort system.
Elective courses are offered in accordance with the annual course rotation plan published by the University. Students are encouraged to review the course rotation plan and consult with Academic Advisors to create a program plan that fits their needs.
For further information about the Cohort System see this FAQ.
ENGL 100 - Academic Writing
BUSI 100 - Business Fundamentals
CPSC 111 - Business Analytics
Block 1
COMM 140 - Business Communications
ECON 105 - Economics for Business
COMM 102 - Mass Media & Society
COMM 105 - Conversational Writing Tools 3
COMM 205 - Writing for Media. Pre-requisite: Completion of 15 credits including ENGL 100
Elective 1 (1XX or 2XX)
Elective 2 (1XX or 2XX)
Elective 3 (1XX or 2XX)
Elective 4 (1XX or 2XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 15 credits
Block 2
COMM 260 - Content Creation Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits including COMM 105
BUSI 201 - Business Environment Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits
MRKT 201 - Marketing Management Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits
ORGB 201 - Organizational Behaviour Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits including ENGL 100
PHIL 210 - Business Ethics Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits
MRKT 223 - Digital Marketing Strategy Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits including MRKT 201
WORK 298 - Career Preparation Pre-requisite: Completion of 30 credits
Elective 5 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 45 credits
Elective 6 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 45 credits
Block 3
COMM 360 - Digital Storytelling Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits including COMM 105
Elective 7 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits
Elective 8 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits
Elective 9 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits including BUSI 100
CPSC 311 - Data Visualization & Stories Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits including CPSC 111
COMM 312 - Professional Communications Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits including COMM 140
PUBR 304 - Risk and Crisis Communication Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits including COMM 205
Elective 10 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits
Elective 11 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 60 credits
Block 4
COMM 405 – Writing: Media Communications-2 Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits including COMM 205
MGMT 401 - Project Management Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits
Elective 12 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits
COMM 496 – Current Communication Topics Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits including COMM 405
Elective 13 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits
Elective 14 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits
COMM 410 - Communication Strategy Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits including COMM 405
Elective 15 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits
Elective 16 (3XX or 4XX) Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits
WORK 490 - Communication Capstone Project Pre-requisite: Completion of 90 credits including WORK 298 and COMM 410
Elective Area
The University follows professional trends in industry closely and develops elective areas that reflect the best professional standards in specific fields. Although students cannot earn a formal credential by completing an elective area, it can be a great way to shape their degree. Currently, UCW offers the following elective area in the Business Communication degree:
One of the fastest growing fields in communication is communication management. By taking selected advanced business courses and applying them to communications projects this elective area provides the training for those who hope to manage complex communications projects and departments in industry. To complete the Communications Management elective area students must, in addition to the required core courses, take:
MGMT 403 (3)—Strategic Management
Students examine the governance, corporate social responsibility and strategy of an organization including the development, formulation and implementation of business level and corporate strategy. Students explore tools used in the development and formulation of strategy and that ensure effective and efficient management of performance. They develop concrete plans for organizational transformation based on case studies using environmental scanning and industry analysis tools. Prerequisite: Completion of 60 credits. Non-Course Prerequisite/ Corequisite: Highly recommended in Tier 4
BUSI 323 — E-Business
The Internet is growing as a basis of commerce. Issues of website design, transaction effectiveness and financial security are evaluated within the context of the business models used by corporations. The so-called “brick and click” value proposition is compared with pure Internet plays. Legal and intellectual property questions are also discussed. Students learn to match e-business techniques to organizational strategies.
MRKT 302 — Integrated Marketing Communications
Marketing communication is a key part of business and society. Students examine how the various forms of marketing communications are used to help fulfill the overall strategy of the enterprise. The role of integrated marketing communications in marketing is explored in a practical way and the relationship among the planning process, creative strategies and media selection are examined. Students analyze the social and economic roles that integrated marketing communications play in profit and non-profit organizations. Prerequisite: MRKT 201
OPMT 301 — Operations Management
This course investigates the development and administration of activities that are involved in transforming financial, human, physical and natural resources into products and services. Quality and productivity are critical outcomes of logistical operating systems. Students explore system-wide methods of integrating efficient processes, both technical and human. Prerequisite: BUSI 100
MGMT 401 — Project Management
In the contemporary business environment, project teams serve as a fundamental component of organizational operations. This course provides a comprehensive examination of project management, focusing on the effective management of project teams and the achievement of successful project outcomes. Upon completion, students will possess the necessary skills to lead and manage project teams, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with strategic objectives. Prerequisite: BUSI 100 and Completion of 60 credits.
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Students must remain in Good Academic Standing to continue their studies at UCW. For full details about Academic Standing, refer to the current Academic Calendar here.
Entry Requirements
Canadian High School (Grade 12) diploma or equivalent with an overall average of C or better (2.0 on a 4.33 scale)
AND
Academic IELTS – 6.5 or better with a minimum of 6.0 in the writing band, or equivalent (for students whose first language is not English). More information is available in the English Proficiency section of this website.
You can complete the English pathway courses (University Access Program) in order to meet the English proficiency requirements of the Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication program.
A Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) is required for prospective international students studying at UCW. To learn more, visit the PAL page on our website.
Graduation Requirements
UCW students must fulfill the program requirements in place at the time of their intake. For full details about Graduation Eligibility please refer to the current or relevant publication of the Academic Calendar.
Victoria Garcia
BABC Student from Columbia
"UCW is a dynamic and diverse university that prepares students for success in the global workplace. I chose UCW because of their excellent professors, beautiful campus and great location. I decided on the business communication program because I have a strong passion for communication and this program will give me the tools to pursue a career in this field."
"The degree really did make a difference. As soon as I could put that I had a degree, I immediately started getting job offers, especially in communications, which is what I wanted to do. So even though I had almost 20 years of experience doing communications, I wasn’t being considered for the majority of communications jobs, only project management jobs."
"What I like about my program is that on one side, I have all the business knowledge of how to run a business and how to create a company. On the other hand, I have the communication techniques and know how to say things better."
Tuition deposit for international students: $8,800
First term tuition deposit for domestic students: $650
*30% discount applies for Canadian Forces members and veterans on all programs.
**Additional costs related to textbooks and materials for each course are not included in tuition. Textbooks cost an average of $105 per course.
Tuition and fees at UCW are reviewed annually and adjusted, typically by up to 5%. Any changes take effect in January and will be communicated to students a few months in advance via email, prior to the start of the affected term.
This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister effective July 22, 2024, having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the Minister. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).
Explore UCW
Get all the details about programs, admissions and student life in one easy-to-access guide.
A Bachelor of Arts in Communication opens doors to a wide range of careers across industries. Graduates often pursue roles in public relations, corporate communications, digital marketing, journalism, media planning, content creation, social media management and internal communications. The program provides strong foundations for leadership roles in business communications, where clear and effective messaging is critical.
Successful professionals in business communications typically possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking, intercultural competence, digital literacy and the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences. The BA in Communication program at UCW emphasizes the development of these skills through practical assignments, group projects, and real-world case studies.
Yes, UCW’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication program is suitable for international students. It offers a global perspective on communication practices and is taught by faculty with industry experience. UCW’s diverse classroom environment helps students build strong cross-cultural communication skills.
The BA in Communication at UCW can typically be completed in four years of full-time study. However, accelerated options or credit transfers may shorten the duration for eligible students. Part-time study options may also be available, depending on the student’s needs.
A Bachelor of Arts in Communication focuses on the theoretical, creative and strategic aspects of communication, such as media studies, public relations and storytelling. In contrast, a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication may lean more toward technical or quantitative fields like data analysis, communication technologies or scientific research. UCW’s BA in Communication program emphasizes business applications, making it ideal for students pursuing leadership roles in communication-heavy industries.
Yes, UCW offers the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program both online and hybrid mode (in-person and online guided learning). The online delivery is designed to be flexible and interactive, giving students the opportunity to engage with instructors and classmates virtually while balancing other commitments.
Core subjects in the Bachelor of Arts in Communication program at UCW typically include:
Academic Writing
Business Fundamentals
Business Analytics
Business Communications
Economics for Business
Mass Media & Society
Conversational Writing Tools
And more
These courses are designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of modern business communications in both local and global contexts.
Explore our campuses
University Canada West is an innovative business and technology-oriented institution located in the heart of vibrant Vancouver. Established in 2004, UCW offers a range of career-focused programs including the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts in Business Communication, Associate of Arts and Master of Business Administration. Courses are offered at our two downtown Vancouver campuses and online too. Offering courses online brings flexibility to education, allowing those who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to gain respected qualifications.
