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 graduates 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 program. Work place practicums give you increased personal confidence, a stronger understanding of client expectations and direct professional connections.
• Innovation. Today’s employers and businesses value creative problem solving skills. At NIC, you’ll face challenges that require more than just facts to solve, and you’ll develop an innovative approach that employers will appreciate.
• 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.
• Want to go further? Your Communication Design diploma counts as credit toward the Advanced Communication Design diploma, giving you a seamless path to greater knowledge and opportunity. 

Program Highlights

NIC's Interactive Media programs provide the skills needed for today and tomorrow. Part time study is available but, because technology changes rapidly, students are encouraged to complete their studies as quickly as they can.

During the first year, students explore the fundamental skills necessary to communication design, such as graphic design, drawing, computer software, and basic marketing principles.

The second year allows students to familiarize themselves with more specialized tools and skills, such as motion graphics, programming, project management, and entrepreneurship. Students complete a portfolio project and four-week work term.

Career Opportunities

With experience in both print and web applications, graduates will qualify for positions at a wide variety of organizations, such as advertising agencies, design studios, new media production firms, web design companies, and internet marketing agencies. Career positions may include, but would not be limited to, graphic designer, web designer, book and editorial designer, digital artist, and flash designer.

Admission Requirements

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

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

• As a full-time student: This requires the submission of a Declaration form and Statement of Expectations. A student should complete the program within two years of acceptance.
• 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 four years of acceptance.
• 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 a 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 BUS 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)

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:

• Communication Design Diploma Checklist