On Sept. 2, the John Horgan Campus in Langford opened its doors to students from the University of Victoria (UVic), Camosun College, Royal Roads University, the Justice Institute of BC and School District 62.
UVic is offering 18 Continuing Studies courses this fall and spring, and expects to launch the Computing Gateway program there in fall 2026. As UVic expands into the West Shore, courses at the new campus will be built according to the needs of the community. Potential areas of expansion include courses in executive education through the Gustavson School of Business, a post-degree elementary education program through the Faculty of Education and more Continuing Studies and micro-credential programs to meet local demands.
Rendering of the West Shore Campus, courtesy of hcma.
"We've seen a great uptake in our courses at the new campus this fall, which tells us that there's definitely a demand on the West Shore," says Jo-Anne Clarke, dean of Continuing Studies at UVic. "We're hoping to work with local businesses, communities and First Nations to create new and innovative programs based on the demand we're seeing."
The Computing Gateway program, an entry program that provides the first two years of coursework for students in one of UVic's computing-focused degree programs: Computer Science, Data Science and Software Engineering, is expected to be launched in September 2026. The program is designed to be offered in small cohort-like classes and is the first time entry into these three similar discipline programs at UVic are being offered together. Students will then transfer to the Gordon Head campus to complete their degree.
Having UVic in Langford, along with partner institutions, will enable greater access to post-secondary education to learners who want to stay close to home, including underserved First Nations communities.
"This collaborative campus focuses on the future of higher education by helping to remove barriers for Indigenous learners," says Qwul'sih'yah'maht, Dr. Robina Thomas, acting president of the University of Victoria. "We hope it will improve access and opportunities for current and potential students from First Nations throughout southern Vancouver Island."
A community open house is taking place at the John Horgan campus on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 2-4 p.m. UVic, Camosun College, Royal Roads University and the Justice Institute of BC will have information booths to showcase their program offerings.
