Advanced Communication Design Diploma

Why Choose North Island College?

• A cut above the rest. In response to industry and employer input, NIC’s programs include an increased number of advanced technology courses. As a result, NIC grads develop a higher level of technical expertise when compared to many other diploma and even degree graduates in the province.
• Professional experience counts. On-the-job experience is an integral part of the programs, giving you increased personal confidence, a stronger understanding of client expectations and direct professional connections.
• Innovation. Today’s employers and businesses value creative problem solving, and at NIC, you’ll discover challenges that require more than just facts to solve. Advanced communication design instructors look for innovative, creative solutions, preparing you for your future career.
• Develop your style. At NIC, you'll learn in smaller classes from experienced instructors who are focused on your success. You'll have greater access to resources, plus the professional guidance and encouragement you need as you develop your personal style. 

Program Highlights

The advanced diploma program builds on either the Web Development diploma or the Communication Design diploma. The first two years follow the highlights outlined in those programs.

During the third year, students complete their training with the remaining Interactive Media courses. For example, students who have achieved the Web Development diploma learn the fundamentals of communication design, while students who have finished the Communication Design diploma learn the skills of web development. In this way, all graduates of the Advanced Communication Design diploma possess a comprehensive knowledge of interactive media. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for membership with the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, the professional body for communication design.

With a strong combination of design and programming abilities, graduates can adapt rapidly to the changing industry and are qualified to manage a high level of client communication needs—whether in print, online, or both.

Career Opportunities

In today's job market, countless industries require the combined technical and design expertise of an advanced communication design graduate. Professions range from graphic and web design, advertising and publishing to e-commerce, game and multimedia production or design. Career positions may include, but would not be limited to, those listed under the two-year Communication Design diploma, plus graphic designer for print and interactive media, web developer, web consultant, multimedia project coordinator, business owner & operator, e-commerce site designer, and motion graphics designer. 

Admission Requirements

• C in Provincial English 12, NIC ENG 060, ENG 098, ESL 090 or equivalent, or English assessment testing;
• Fine Arts Declaration form.

There are three ways of gaining admission to the Advanced Communication Design program:

1. As a full-time student: This requires the submission of a Declaration form and Statement of Expectations. A student should complete the program within three years of acceptance.
2. As a part-time student: This requires the submission of a Declaration form and Statement of Expectations. Students are encouraged to complete the program within six years of acceptance.
3. As a non-program student: This is for students who would like to access the courses one at a time without committing to the program. On the NIC Application for Admission form, Students should choose University Studies as their program name. These students will only be admitted to individual courses after program students have enrolled and if there are spaces remaining. In the meantime, these students will be wait listed and will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. If a non-program student wishes to join the program full- or part-time at a later date, they will then be required to submit a Statement of Expectations and Declaration form. The courses they have taken will be counted toward the program if there hasn't been too long a gap in their studies. All prerequisites and co-requisites will still be required.

Program Requirements

Year 1

• IMG-102 Computer Graphics I
• IMG-103 Computer Graphics II
• IMG-105 Communication Design I
• IMG-110 Web Tools I
• IMG-111 Web Tools II
• IMG-112 Typography
• BUS-162 Basic Marketing Principles & Practices
• FIN-110 Drawing & 2-Dimensional Language I
• FIN-111 Drawing & 2-Dimensional Language II 

Year 2

• IMG-100 Programming for Web Design I
• IMG-120 Web Animation
• IMG-130 Project Management
• IMG-290 Portfolio Project I
• IMG-208 Communication Design II
• IMG-209 Communication Design III
• IMG-210 Web Tools III
• BUS-152 Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management
• BUS-368 Advertising and Marketing Communications
• FIN-247 Introduction to Digital Photography
• Work term (4 weeks)

Year 3

• IMG-201 Programming for Web Design II
• IMG-202 Web Programming III
• IMG-206 Advanced Interactive Design
• IMG-230 Web Server Administration
• IMG-240 Emerging Technologies
• IMG-250 Web Game Development
• IMG-260 E-Commerce
• IMG-390 Portfolio Project II

BUS-361 E-Business

• Elective
• Work term (4 weeks)

plus one English course from the following:

• ENG-107 Introduction to Creative Writing: Fiction & Non-Fiction
• ENG-108 Introduction to Creative Writing: Poetry & Drama
• ENG-115 Essay Writing and Critical Analysis
• ENG-120 Introduction to Literature: Short Stories and the Novel
• ENG-121 Introduction to Literature: Poetry and Drama
• ENG-125 Composition & Indigenous Literature I
• ENG-126 Composition & Indigenous Literature II
• ENG-160 Effective Organizational Writing

Download a printable graduation checklist below:

• Advanced Communication Design Diploma Checklist