Digital Design Essentials Microcredential

Program Overview

The Digital Design Essentials Microcredential equips professionals with essential design skills needed to generate professional-quality visual content across digital platforms. Comprising two focused courses, participants will gain proficiency in graphic design, branding, visual communication, and content creation utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and Figma. Upon completion, students will compile a portfolio showcasing their creative and technical capabilities.

Courses Offered

1. Digital Design Essentials I
   Develop foundational design principles while creating professional-quality graphics using Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva.
2. Digital Design Essentials II
   Advance design skills with Figma and industry-standard workflows while building a portfolio of digital assets for various platforms.

Target Audience

This microcredential is tailored for:

• Marketing and communications professionals
• Small business owners and entrepreneurs
• Content creators and social media professionals
• Administrative professionals responsible for creating visual content
• Graphic designers seeking to enhance their digital design toolkit
• Individuals looking to cultivate confidence with Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, and Figma

Application Deadlines

Details on application deadlines have not been specified in the provided content.

Tuition and Fees

Each course is priced at $525.00. UWinnipeg alumni qualify for a 10% discount on tuition fees.

Program Duration

The Digital Design Essentials Microcredential consists of two courses, totaling 72 instructional hours (36 hours per course). Courses may be taken individually and applied toward the microcredential.

Learning Objectives

Participants will learn to:

• Apply design principles to craft effective visual communications.
• Create professional-quality digital assets using industry-standard tools.
• Design content suitable for digital marketing, social media, presentations, and web platforms.
• Utilize branding and visual storytelling techniques across various media.
• Develop a portfolio that highlights creative and technical skills.

Accreditation

Upon successful completion of both courses, participants are eligible to receive the Digital Design Essentials Microcredential. This credential acknowledges the ability to create professional-quality digital designs using industry-standard software, demonstrating practical skills that are highly valued in marketing, communications, and creative industries.

Technical Requirements

Students are required to maintain a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.

Additional Comments

• Application for the microcredential is possible after successfully completing both required courses.
• Courses may be taken individually before fulfilling the requirement for the full microcredential. University of Winnipeg alumni are eligible for a 10% tuition discount.

The University of Winnipeg Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE) is the continuing and professional education division of The University of Winnipeg, one of Canada's leading liberal arts and sciences universities. Since 1972, PACE has been nurturing minds and advancing careers through high quality, dynamic and innovative programs, offering more than 600 full-time and part-time programs, courses and seminars across a wide range of career and academic fields.

PACE is located in Buhler Centre in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It operates under the academic umbrella and outstanding reputation of The University of Winnipeg, which is recognised nationally for academics, inclusion and socially just values. PACE students have access to UWinnipeg's broader campus community, facilities and student services while benefiting from PACE's focused, career-aligned and flexible programming.

Mission and educational philosophy

In a world of constant change, lifelong learning is a means to success. PACE's mission is to expand the potential of every student through a unique education model that blends university-level academics with practical, hands-on experience. Programs are designed in high-growth career fields with strong employment prospects, and are continually evolving to meet the changing needs of the job market.

The success of students is at the heart of everything PACE does. PACE provides unparalleled advantages including small class sizes and industry-aligned programs taught by accomplished professionals who bring real-world knowledge directly into the classroom. PACE's connections to industry leaders, professional associations and the local community provide additional benefits and often serve as a bridge to employment. 96% of PACE students reported satisfaction with the quality of their education.

Full-time diploma programs

PACE's full-time diploma programs are designed in collaboration with industry to prepare graduates for in-demand careers, delivered in just over one year. They combine applied learning, experienced instructors and real-world projects to enable graduates to transition confidently into the workforce. Current full-time programs include:

• Advanced Project Management and Technology Diploma (Hybrid)
• Applied Data Analytics Diploma (In-Class)
• Artificial Intelligence Diploma (In-Class)
• Business Analysis and Transformation Program (Hybrid)
• Construction Project Management Diploma (Hybrid)
• Educational Assistant Diploma (Hybrid)
• Human Resource Management Diploma — Accelerated (Hybrid)
• Strategic Communications and Digital Marketing Diploma (Hybrid)
• Supply Chain Management Diploma (Hybrid)

Part-time programs and courses

PACE's part-time offer spans evening, weekend and online formats, making it accessible to working professionals, career changers and lifelong learners at every stage. Over 600 part-time programs, courses and seminars are available across areas including project management, human resources, business management, network and ICT security, big data and machine learning, marketing, public relations and strategic communication. A dedicated Part-Time Timetable and online registration system allow students to plan and manage their studies flexibly.

Corporate Solutions

PACE's Corporate Solutions division works directly with organisations to design and deliver customised workplace training. From skill upgrading to leadership development and sector-specific professional development, Corporate Solutions provides tailored programmes that meet the needs of Manitoba employers and their teams, delivered on-site or at PACE facilities.

55 Plus Program

In partnership with The University of Winnipeg, PACE supports the 55 Plus Program, which offers mature learners the opportunity to audit regular UWinnipeg courses and engage in lifelong learning at the university level.

International students

PACE welcomes international students from around the world to its full-time diploma programs, offering a pathway to career-focused Canadian post-secondary education in Winnipeg. Dedicated support covers admission requirements, the study permit and immigration process, tuition and fees for international students, homestay and accommodation, student life and living in Winnipeg, and graduation and future pathways. PACE also runs regular live webinars for prospective international students and publishes detailed fact sheets and publications. International student success stories are featured on the PACE website, highlighting the career outcomes of graduates from a wide range of countries.

Pathways to UWinnipeg

PACE provides formal pathways for students to continue from PACE diploma programs into degree programs at The University of Winnipeg. Transfer credit arrangements allow eligible PACE graduates to apply their completed coursework towards a UWinnipeg undergraduate degree, extending the academic value of a PACE qualification and opening doors to further university-level study.

Internships and career development

Work-integrated learning is a core feature of PACE's full-time programs. Students have access to internship placements with industry partners, career development activities including résumé writing, interview preparation and job search support, networking opportunities, guest speakers and career fairs. PACE's industry connections across Manitoba mean that internship partners and employer contacts are embedded into program design from the start.

Industry partners

PACE works with a broad network of industry and community partners across Manitoba to ensure programs remain current, relevant and directly connected to the job market. Partners contribute to curriculum development, provide internship placements and participate in networking and career events. Current partners include:

• ACI Manitoba (Creative Manitoba)
• Winnipeg Harvest
• Investors Group
• People First HR Services
• CPA (Canadian Payroll Association)
• Great-West Life
• Canadian Youth Business Foundation
• Vine Multimedia
• George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation
• Pinnacle
• Pembina Trails School Division
• Seven Oaks School Division
• Organization and Staff Development, Government of Manitoba (with a formal articulation agreement for credit transfer toward UW Professional Studies programs)

Why UWinnipeg PACE

1. Over 50 years of professional, applied and continuing education since 1972, under the academic umbrella of The University of Winnipeg
2. More than 600 full-time and part-time programs, courses and seminars across high-growth career fields, delivered full-time, part-time, evenings, weekends and online
3. Full-time diploma programs designed with industry and delivered in just over one year, combining applied learning, real-world projects and career development
4. Small class sizes taught by experienced industry practitioners, with a 96% student satisfaction rate
5. A clear pathway from PACE diploma programs into undergraduate degrees at The University of Winnipeg through formal transfer credit arrangements
6. Internship programmes and employer connections built into full-time programs, with a broad Manitoba industry partner network
7. A welcoming, inclusive and socially just university environment in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, one of Canada's most multicultural cities