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The Human Development, Learning, and Culture (HDLC) program at UBC explores the connection between research and educational practice, integrating theoretical frameworks with practical solutions for real-world learning challenges. Studies examine how learning and development occur, particularly how cultural influences shape these processes, across diverse settings like classrooms, extracurricular activities, workplaces, and digital environments. These investigations employ multiple theoretical perspectives, including constructivist, cognitive, sociocultural, and social-emotional approaches. The program actively involves students in both research and teaching experiences during their studies.
The curriculum focuses on three key domains: a) learning and human development, b) cultural influences and diversity, and c) research methodologies encompassing both qualitative and quantitative approaches, as well as experimental and developmental designs. The HDLC doctoral program bridges theoretical concepts with their practical implementation in educational contexts.
Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) must have completed one of the following requirements prior to admission: a master's degree (or equivalent) from an approved institution, with clear evidence of research ability or potential and a minimum overall average in the B+ grade range (76-79% at UBC) in all graduate courses; a bachelor's degree, with one year of study in a master's program with 12 credits of first-class average, of which, normally, 9 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 9 credits must be of first-class standing, and clear evidence of research ability or potential. Transfer directly into a doctoral program is normally accomplished after the first year of study and will not be permitted after the completion of the second year in a master's program; or in exceptional cases, applicants who hold an honours bachelor's degree with an overall average in the A grade range and who demonstrate advanced research ability may be granted direct admission to a doctoral degree program on recommendation of the admitting graduate program and approval of the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants to graduate studies are: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 90 overall with a minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing & Speaking (Internet version); minimum score of 22 in Reading & Listening and a minimum score of 21 in Writing (paper version); or IELTS (International English Language Testing Service): minimum overall band score of 6.5, with no individual component score less than 6.0; or MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery): minimum overall score of 85, with a final score of 3 in the speaking test.