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;

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. A student should complete the program within two years of acceptance.
• As a part-time student: This requires the submission of a Declaration form. 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 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 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
• CPS 146 Database Fundamentals
• FIN 247 Introduction to Digital Photography
• Optional Work term (4 weeks non-credit)

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