Diploma
Under 1 Year

Diploma in Computer Science Fundamentals

Build a strong foundation in programming, databases, and cybersecurity. This program prepares students for entry-level tech roles or further studies in computer science.

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Lay the Groundwork for a Tech Career

The Diploma in Computer Science Fundamentals at Western Community College provides students with a strong foundation in computer science principles. The program prepares students for further studies or entry-level positions in the tech industry, focusing on both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

  • Comprehensive coverage of fundamental computer science concepts.​
  • Preparation for advanced studies or entry-level tech positions.​
  • Focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge.​

Next Intakes

Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.

Career Opportunities

Embark on Your Tech Journey

$37*

Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate

*Based on Canada Job Bank

Graduates can pursue various roles in the IT sector, including:

  • Junior Software Developer: Assist in developing software applications.​
  • IT Support Specialist: Provide technical support to users.​
  • Systems Administrator: Manage and maintain computer systems and networks.

Why Study at Western Community College

Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.

  • Installment-based, low tuition fee.
  • Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
  • Part-time or full-time class schedule.
  • Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).

Begin Your Path

Admission Requirements

  • 19 years old and Grade 12/GED or equivalent;

Language Proficiency Requirements:

To demonstrate language proficiency, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Option 1:
Evidence that 3 years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8–12), or 2 years if the Grades are 10, 11, or 12, have been successfully completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Completion of Grade 10 English (or higher) with a minimum grade of C is required.
This may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a BC Adult Graduation program, or providing international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS.

Option 2: 2 years of full-time post-secondary education* have been completed in the program’s language of instruction in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages (includes international education credentials recognized through WES, ICES, and IQAS).
*Language development courses (i.e., ELL courses) cannot be included in this calculation.

Option 3:
Standardized Language Test
Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test. Test results should be valid at the time of enrollment.

Name of English language assessment/testMinimum score(s)/level(s)*
IELTS AcademicMinimum overall score of 5.5
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBTMinimum overall score of 46
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)Minimum overall score of 40
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
Duolingo English Test (DET)Minimum overall score of 95
Pearson Test of English (PTE) AcademicMinimum overall score of 43
Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE)Minimum overall score of 160 or ‘C’. Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)).
Cambridge LinguaskillMinimum overall B2 level
LANGUAGECERT AcademicMinimum overall B2 level
The Michigan English Test (MET)Minimum overall B2 level
iTEP AcademicMinimum overall score of 3.5
EIKENMinimum placement of Grade Pre-1

Validity period of above Language Assessment Tests is two years.

Option 4
Mature student applicants:
Applicant is 19 years or older at the start of the program and is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above.

Applicant provides attestation that they have completed at least three years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, and Applicant completes an Accuplacer English Assessment (Next Generation: Reading, Writing and WritePlacer) and achieves the following minimum scores:

Accuplacer ComponentMinimum score
Writing235
Reading235
WritePlacer4

Note: Assessment of Prior Education Where English is the Language of Instruction
As an option for proof of English language proficiency, institutions may accept evidence that an applicant has successfully completed a specified minimum of full-time secondary or post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction. Documentation demonstrating this evidence must be provided in English.

Education completed (in English) in the following countries will be considered as counting toward an assessment of prior education in English:

The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:

American SamoaDominicaLesothoSt. Kitts & Nevis
AnguillaFalkland IslandsLiberiaSt. Lucia
Antigua and BarbudaFijiMaltaSt. Vincent & the Grenadines
AustraliaGambiaMauritiusTanzania
BahamasGhanaMontserratTrinidad & Tobago
BarbadosGibraltarNew ZealandTurks & Caicos Islands
BelizeGrenadaNigeriaUganda
BermudaGuamSeychellesUnited Kingdom
BotswanaGuyanaSierra LeoneUS Virgin Islands
British Virgin IslandsIrelandSingaporeUSA
CanadaJamaicaSouth AfricaZambia
Cayman IslandsKenyaSt. HelenaZimbabwe

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Take the next step toward your future!

Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.

Apply Now

Course OUtline

Core Courses in Diploma in Computer Science Fundamentals

Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required for a successful career as a Technician Support Specialist.

This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

640

Total program
hours

$37*

Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate

97%

Graduate Employment Rate

Name of Course# of Hours
Evolution and Introduction to the Computers Technology40
Data Storage and Manipulation40
Operating Systems60
Computer Networks and Internet Technologies40
Computer Algorithms40
Data Structure and Abstraction60
Database System60
Software Engineering60
CG and Graphics Editor Software60
Programming Language Techniques and S/W Packages80
Final Term Lab Work and Presentation100
Total Duration640 Hours

Program Duration

Hours: 640
Weeks Full-Time: 32

Fee Structure

Tuition & Financing


We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.

Domestic Students

$6,000

Particulars (Expanded View)

Application Fee

$250

Tuition Fee

$5250

Books

$500

International Students

$9,000

Particulars (Expanded View)

Application Fee

$250

Tuition Fee

$8250

Books

$500

Finance Options Available

Western Community College offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation.

BC Student Loan

In-house Financing

Student Line of Credit

Scholarships

Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.

Finance Options

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