Computer Science

Join the Co-op program to jump-start your career by gaining valuable experience in the growing Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) sector with focus on the software and computer services industries. Our students get to work in some of the hottest areas such as data sciences, enterprise software development, mobile applications, telecommunications, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, video gaming, consumer devices, project management, business analysis, and academic research to name a few. While a majority of our employers are from the Lower Mainland we have been able to create opportunities and place students in other parts of Canada, the U.S.A., Asia, and Europe.

Application Deadlines

There are several entry points for admission to the Computer Science Co-op.

  1. First year – Applications are due in Term 2 (early March)

For applying in first year you must take CPSC 110, CPSC 121, and CPSC 210 in first year.

  1. Second year – Applications are due either in Term 1 (early October) OR in Term 2 (early March)

For applying in second year you must have either already completed or are enrolled in CPSC 210 at the time of application

All of above options will provide you with similar Co-op experiences. Since Co-op placements are competitive, good academic grades and personal projects play an important role in securing a Co-op placement. Therefore, if you are not ready to take CPSC 210 in first year then take this course either in the summer after the first year or the second year.

Computer Science (BSc)

Apply in Year Application Deadline Date
1 (Term 2) Thursday, March 4, 2021
2 (Term 1) Thursday, October 7, 2021
2 (Term 2) Thursday, March 4, 2021

Computer Science (BA and BCom)

Apply in Year Application Deadline Date
2 (Term 1) Thursday, October 7, 2021
2 (Term 2)

Thursday, March 4, 2021
3 (Term 1) Thursday, October 7, 2021

Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS)

Apply in Year Application Deadline Date
1 (Term 1) Thursday, October 7, 2021
1 (Term 2) Thursday, March 4, 2021

 

Apply to Science Co-op Now

We’ll run you through the application requirements, and then you’ll be prompted to create an account in SCOPE, the UBC Science Co-op Information System.

Application Requirements

Computer Science Co-op Applicants must:

  • Have and maintain a minimum average of 68% or B-
  • Be a full time student, majoring in CPSC or in the process of declaring CPSC as a major
  • Have a minimum of 30 credits remaining in your degree, excluding the current term (at the time of application)
  • Have completed CPSC 110 and are in the process of completing CPSC 121 and CPSC 210 (or have completed transfer equivalents)
  • BCS applicants should be in the process of completing CPSC 110
  • Demonstrate maturity as well as strong communication, self-motivation, time management and teamwork skills
  • Be flexible and willing to relocate outside of Vancouver 

Co-op Overview PDF

Work-Term Schedules

Schedule A for BSc Students - Spring Application

Year Fall Winter Summer
1 Study Term 1 Study Term 2 + Apply to Co-op        -
2 Study Term 3 Work Term 1  Work Term 2
3 Study Term 4 Study Term 5 Work Term 3
4 Work Term 4 Study Term 6 Work Term 5
5 Study Term 7 Study Term 8        -

Schedule B for BSc Students - Fall Application

Year Fall Winter Summer
1 Study Term 1 Study Term 2        -
2 Study Term 3 + Apply to Co-op Study Term 4        -
3 Work Term 1 Work Term 2 Work Term 3
4 Study Term 5 Study Term 6 Work Term 4
5 Study Term 7 Study Term 8        -

Schedule for BCS Students- Fall Application

Year Fall Winter Summer
1 Study Term 1 + Apply to Co-op Study Term 2 Study Term 3
2 Work Term 1 Study Term 4 Work Term 2
3 Study Term 5          -

Schedule for BA or BCom Students- Spring Application

Year Fall Winter Summer
1 Study Term 1 Study Term 2        -
2 Study Term 3 Study Term 4 + Apply to Co-op        -
3 Study Term 5 Work Term 1 Work Term 2
4 Study Term 6 Study Term 7 Work Term 3
5 Study Term 8 -        -

Schedule for BA or BCom Students - Fall Application

Year Fall Winter Summer
2                                      Study Term                                     Study Term                                                 -                                                
3 Study Term APPLY Co-op Workshops
4 Work Term Work Term Work Term
5 Study Term Study Term & Graduate  

The above schedules are highly recommended by the Co-op Program in order for students to complete their program within the shortest time frame. Alternate scheduling is available in consultation with your Co-op Coordinator.  

Sample Jobs and Companies

AbeBooks
Software Developer Do you want to develop production code that will have a real impact on the business’s bottom line and the performance of a global online marketplace? AbeBooks.com - part of the Amazon.com Inc. group of companies - is looking for a Co-op software engineer with a passion for technology and proven ability to learn quickly and apply new tools. If you are excited about the kinds of technologies it takes to develop and manage a large scale global marketplace, with thousands of international sellers listing more than 140 million new, used, rare, and out-of-print books, we’d like to meet you. As a member of one of our core agile development teams, you will use tools like Apache Camel, Tomcat, Maven, Spring, JMS and AJAX to extend and enhance a wide range of systems, from buyer and seller registration, through search and inventory management, to order and payment processing. The diversity of these systems ensures that this position offers a broad and exciting range of technical challenges and opportunities. The successful candidate will have the following qualifications: Experience developing with Java 5/6 Experience with Relational databases and SQL Solid understanding of OOD/OOP Solid background in algorithms and data structures Excellent communication skills Able to learn quickly and dive deeply to understand systems and diagnose problems.
AppNeta
Software Development in Test Job Responsibilities: Design and develop automated tests, using an understanding of the underlying technologies and software testing principles Monitor product quality using continuous integration tools, create defect reports and verify software fixes Communicate and collaborate with team through requirements and test case reviews, status reports, meetings, etc. Requirements: Worked with one or more of Java, PHP, Python, Ruby, C#. Java preferred, not mandatory. Driven to coordinate with developers what needs to be tested and how best to design the tests. Meticulous with organizing and maintaining your scripts and test cases Great communication skills in analyzing and tracking your test results across multiple frameworks, versions, and releases Comfortable working in Linux environments. Interest in working with distributed web architecture/SaaS environments Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills
Blackbird Interactive
Software Engineer Required Qualifications: C# programming experience, or knowledge of C++ or Java and ability to learn quickly. Ability to refine loose requirements and work independently in a fastpaced collaborative environment. Brains, enthusiasm, and a desire to innovate. This position is best suited to an experienced student. Other Desirable Qualifications: Linear algebra and trigonometry; profiling and optimization; game development experience; RTS game playing experience.
SAP
Product Manager Qualifications / Skills and Competencies Preferred Demonstrated business skills combined with technology oriented training Is a big picture thinker who can conceptualize and solve problems that span relevant disciplines and domains Can independently drive initiatives Is well organized with a project-like approach to structuring work assignments Has ability to work collaboratively with groups in various functional areas of SAP, both locally and remotely Has strong written and verbal communication skills Likes to work in a team environment, driving initiatives independently and jointly Likes to contribute to the plans and activities of other team members Appeals to someone that likes to have specific objectives with flexibility in how to shape your own work Likes to interact and have fun in the team Nice to have some knowledge of our SAP products Experience working with portal and collaboration technologies a benefit Can commit for an 8-month full time internship Work Experience Experience in the context of some or all of the following beneficial project management, product management, solution management, customer support, best practice development, change management, and / or other product development or customer related roles. SAP product experience is beneficial

 

Apply to Science Co-op Now

We’ll run you through the application requirements, and then you’ll be prompted to create an account in SCOPE, the UBC Science Co-op Information System.

Made a mistake on your application?

Just log into SCOPE and edit your application. For technical support contact science.coop@ubc.ca.

Explore Computer Science: Visit the department site.