Advanced Digital Design and Development Diploma
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Diploma |
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International applicants welcome - PGWP eligible | CIP code 11.0801 |
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Overview
You'll learn:
- Web communication with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress
- Swift, Java, Xcode, and Android Studio to develop real smartphone apps
- To design products optimized for web and mobile devices
- Build expertise in both development and design through integrated courses
- Work on capstone projects using industry-standard tools and workflows
You'll graduate ready for careers in design, web development, app development, game development and programming.
Requirements and courses
Supplies
You’ll have access to iMac and Mac mini workstations with all the software you need, plus a scanner and printer. While an ergonomic mouse or drawing tablet is optional, it may be useful to have a laptop for work on and off-campus.
Here are the minimum specs recommended:
- Processor: x86_64 CPU architecture; 2nd generation Intel Core or newer, or AMD CPU with support for a Windows Hypervisor
- Operating system: 64-bit Microsoft Windows 10
- RAM: 16 GB or more
- Graphics card: Minimum Direct 3D DDI Feature Set: 10. For Intel GPU, drivers released in 2014 or later are necessary.
- Hard disk space: 8 GB
- Processor: ARM-based chips, or 2nd generation Intel Core or newer with support for Hypervisor Framework
- Operating system: MacOS 10.15 (Catalina) or higher
- RAM: 16 GB or more
- Graphics card: GPU with Metal support; 2 GB+ of GPU memory
- Hard disk space: 8 GB
Careers
Our graduates have found employment as software engineers and designers, computer systems developers and programmers and web designers.
$96,125*
Annual median estimated earnings for software developers and programmers in BC.
Career profileCosts
Check the table below for estimated costs for the full program.
Curious about funding?
Financial support is available. Learn more about financial aid and awards.
How to apply
"Studying at NIC helped me to discover my own personal reservoir of creativity and to develop a design thinking mindset. I learnt both design and development and that gives me a unique and balanced perspective on all of my projects. Being able to both code and design provided me with insight into a multitude of potential career possibilities and led to my current position as a web developer."
Natasha Yarmie - NIC Digital Design and Development alum
“I originally graduated with a computer science degree but I knew that I would need more hands-on, practical training so that I could make myself valuable in the web development industry. That's exactly what NIC gave me. I was able to use my existing knowledge as a launch pad to develop relevant in-demand skills that are used everyday in the Canadian tech industry."
Unnikrishnan Thankappan - NIC Digital Design and Development alum
Choose a specialization
Focus on design
Immerse yourself in design as you explore branding, typography, digital marketing, graphic design, video production, user experience design, and front-end web development.
Focus on development
Learn industry-standard programming languages and tools for developing effective websites, browser-based applications, and mobile apps for Android and Apple devices.
Frequently asked questions
No prior experience is required. The program is beginner-friendly, but having basic computer skills will be helpful.
Yes, there are many options in the design and development programs, including certificates and diplomas, differing mainly in length and focus. Certificates typically take about a year, while diplomas last two years or more. Certificates cover foundational topics like web development, mobile apps, and graphic design, while diplomas build on these foundations and allow for specialization in areas like web development or design. To choose the best fit for your goals, consider speaking with a member of the Future Students team.
Yes, the program includes optional co-op placements to help you gain real-world experience and build connections in the industry.
It's better to apply for the diploma straight away to avoid two separate applications, but if you completed the certificate program and then want to upgrade to the diploma you can apply and discuss more with an educational advisor for course planning. International students please reach out to our international team to get the most up-to-date requirements.
NIC offers flexible learning options, including online and hybrid courses, to accommodate different schedules and learning preferences. Pre-requisites and admissions requirements are still required for online courses. Reach out to a member of the Future Students team for more information.
Yes – students enrolled in general University Studies can take courses in this program, but seats are prioritized for full-time Digital Design and Development students. Earned credits will count toward the program if you decide to join, but prerequisites and co-requisites still apply.
No, you will need to complete a Bachelor's degree before taking the NIC post grad programs. After completing this program, you can transfer to another institution to finish a Bachelor's degree. The BC Transfer Guide has detailed information on tradfer credits. A member of our educational team can help plan your education path with you too.
