Web and Mobile Application Development Diploma
 |
Diploma |
 |
International applicants welcome - PGWP eligible | CIP code 11.0801 |
Stay connected
Get program updates and event news straight to your inbox.
Applications open. |
Overview
You'll gain hands-on experience by managing digital projects and simulating real-world workflows by working independently and in teams.
You'll learn:
- Website design and development, using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and modern frameworks
- Interactive content design for web and social platforms
- Develop apps for mobile platforms using platform-appropriate IDEs
- Back-end tools such as PHP, MySQL and APIs
- Create custom WordPress themes and plug-ins
- Version control, testing tools and responsive design techniques
- Princples of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design
- Professional workflows and applications
You'll develop a portfolio of work showcasing your strengths and gain a range of skills. After graduation, you can kickstart your career or take the next step by transferring to a Bachelor’s program to deepen your expertise.
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 program graduates are prepared to work as mobile app developers, web developers, game developers and other similar fields in the computer programming industry.
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
"At NIC, I gained the tools to be able to work through problems and learn on my own. That’s a huge benefit in programming. You can take your own initiative and use those building blocks to adapt to any situation."
Gregory Tinga - NIC Mobile Application Development program alum
"Studying in the Mobile App Development program was a great opportunity for me. I already had experience as a software developer and the program gave me the foundational skills to get started in the industry and open my eyes to the many possibilities and opportunities I could have programming for smartphones. I absolutely love mobile development and today I am employed by one of the biggest tech companies in Canada."
Lucas Storti - NIC Mobile Application Development certificate alum
"In the Web and Mobile App Development program, the coursework gave me the skills to hone my passion for software engineering in a professional setting. I needed a streamlined education that would get me into the industry with confidence and competence. NIC catapulted me into a career where I’m working the hours I want with the pay that ensures a secure future."
Ian McKenzie - NIC Web and Mobile Application Development diploma alum
"I’ve always been interested in coding and building websites and apps. This program has allowed me to take that interest and turn it into a career."
Destiny Lewis - NIC Web and Mobile Application Development alum
"I’m happiest in a challenging, dynamic environment, and love math, organization, and puzzles, so I’ve found coding to be very rewarding. My program covers everything I’ll need in my career, and has given me a lot of hands-on coding and design experience so far. My instructors have been fantastic, and are probably my favourite part of the program."
Montana Pistell - NIC Web and Mobile Application 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.
