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Grad cap icon Certificate
icon International applicants welcome - PGWP eligible | CIP code 11.0801

This is an academic credit program offered through the Faculty of Arts, Science and Management. 

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Location

Length

Delivery

Comox Valley
Fall
1 year In-person
Full-time or part-time

Applications open.

Overview

You'll learn:
  • Website layout design—visual hierarchy, colour and typography
  • Responsive web page design using HTML, JavaScript and CSS
  • Website development, using WordPress and other content management tools
  • User experience (UX) and interface (UI) design principles
  • Graphic design fundamentals for web, social and branding
  • Writing for websites, blogs and digital platforms
  • Workflows and software commonly used in the industry

Apply now     

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:

Careers

Our graduates often find employment in computer software development firms, information technology consulting companies, advertising agencies and more as web designers, front end developers, game designers, UI/UX designers and more.

$63,173*

Annual median estimated earnings for web designers.

Career profile
*based on WorkBC data

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

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.

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