Digital Design and Development Post-Graduate Certificate
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Post-graduate certificate |
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International applicants welcome - PGWP eligible | CIP code 11.0801 |
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Applications open. |
Overview
You'll learn:
- Website development using HTML, CSS and JavaScript
- A foundation in programming and app development with Android Studio
- Princples of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design
- Use AI-driven tools to enhance your design and development workflows
- Create graphics and content for digital platforms
- Develop a capstone project from concept to launch
- Modern tools, software and workflowes used in the industry
You'll graduate with a portfolio that reflects your strengths and interests. Whether you choose to enter the workforce or continue into the post-graduate diploma, this certificate sets you up for success in the digital economy.
Requirements and courses
Careers
Our graduates find work as software engineers and designers, computer systems developers and programmers and web designers.
Costs
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
Frequently asked questions
No prior experience is required. The program is beginner-friendly, but having basic computer skills will be helpful.
Yes, there are different options depending on how in-depth you want to go. Certificates usually take about a year and focus on the core skills you need to get started in design and development. Diplomas are longer — typically two years — and build on those basics, giving you more time to specialize and explore advanced topics.
If you’re unsure which path fits your goals, the Future Students team is a great resource to help you decide what works best for your interests and timeline.
AI is changing the digital world, but it isn’t replacing human creativity — it’s a tool that works best when guided by skilled people. Studying web and app development, graphic design or digital marketing is still valuable, especially when you learn how to work with AI, not against it.
In the Digital Design and Development programs, you’ll gain hands-on skills in your field and learn how to use AI to boost your creativity, productivity and impact. While AI can handle repetitive tasks, it still takes people to make smart decisions, bring originality and ensure quality.
The industry needs creative thinkers who know how to integrate AI into their work — not just rely on it. These programs will help you graduate with the up-to-date skills employers want and the confidence to adapt and thrive in a fast-moving digital world
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.
Yes, you can definitely keep studying after finishing the certificate. Many students
continue into the diploma program — some apply right away, while others decide to
upgrade later. It’s usually easier to apply for the diploma from the start to avoid
doing a second application, but if you’ve already completed the certificate, you can
still apply and plan your next steps with an educational advisor.
You might also choose to transfer into another program at NIC or even work toward
a bachelor’s degree elsewhere. The BC Transfer Guide has more details, and our team is here to help you figure out the best path. If you're
an international student, be sure to connect with our international team for the most up-to-date info.
