| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
Program Overview
Interactive Media Design
Overview
From touchscreen applications and websites to motion design and video, interactive media designers create the User Experience (UX). In this intense and cutting-edge program, students learn to design and produce illustrations, photography, infographics, and animations for anything interactive. Graduates of this program become skilled compositors, able to create motion graphics, virtual environments, and integrated media content.
Intakes and Availability
| Date | Domestic Availability | International Availability |
|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | Open | Open |
| January 2026 | Open | Open |
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
Tuition
- Year one domestic: $3,188 (CAD)
- Year one international: $15,775 (CAD)
Semester 1 Courses
- Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
- Web Technologies (COSC 1105)
- Design and Conceptual Process (CWD 1400)
- Web Design 1 (CWMD 1100)
- Digital Illustration and Imaging (CWMD 1200)
- Photography for Integrated Media (CWMD 1300)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Career Options
- UI/UX designer
- Design manager
- Production manager
- Motion graphic designer
- Multimedia designer/developer
- Web designer
Experiential Learning
- Field placement component that offers an opportunity to connect with developers working within the profession and be exposed to current industry practices and trends.
Program Transfer, Degree Completion, and Additional Credentials
- Graduates can proceed to the second year of Durham College’s Contemporary Web Design program and complete the program in another two semesters.
- Graduates may also be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities.
Tech Requirements
- A Mac-based laptop is recommended.
- Membership in Adobe Creative Cloud is included in student fees.
- Microsoft Office is available for free for students from Microsoft through their DC Mail account.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Complete both individual and collaborative interactive media projects effectively.
- Use best practices and tools to design and develop dynamic, rich-media content.
- Contribute to the assessment of the requirements of an interactive media project.
- Contribute to the development, budgeting, planning, and professional presentation of an interactive media project.
- Design a media project (interface, navigation, graphics, text treatment) using current best practice design and development principles, and applying conceptual and theoretical frameworks.
- Build effective and dynamic Web sites and/or mobile applications.
- Identify and analyze ethical and professional issues arising in an online environment.
- Apply research and conceptual skills to propose possible solutions for mobile/multimedia/Web development problems.
- Use creative and critical thinking techniques in the effective design, development, and implementation of an interactive media project.
- Contribute to the assessment of the financial, technical, and artistic success of an interactive media project.
Program Details
In this program, students use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects, as well as contemporary web-based coding frameworks, to understand User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design. They learn to create compelling visual assets for interactive animated and motion infographics. They are also taught digital and traditional illustration techniques and develop a proficiency in interactive storytelling.
Students will learn to use HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript to create intuitive, animated, and interactive website interfaces and layouts based on user-centric motion and design principles. There is an emphasis on developing good visual design skills using HTML and CSS as primary tools.
You will be introduced to layout, typography, digital color theory, and strategies for using these skills in a variety of integrated media projects. You will also learn to use a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera and basic capture, edit, and printing techniques.
You will produce animated and visual assets for integrated media projects, such as web apps, interactive infographics, virtual environments, marketing installations, and touchscreen presentations.
Costs
The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication and do not include the cost of textbooks.
- Year one domestic: $3,188 (CAD)
- Year one international: $15,775 (CAD)
Semester 1 Costs
- Tuition: $1,594.23
- Program Fee: $396
- Ancillary Fee: $493.77
- DCSA Ancillary Fee: $430
- Total: $2,914
Semester 2 Costs
- Tuition: $1,594.23
- Program Fee: $0
- Ancillary Fee: $493.77
- DCSA Ancillary Fee: $120
- Total: $2,208
Semester 3 Costs
- Tuition: $1,594.23
- Program Fee: $221
- Ancillary Fee: $474.19
- DCSA Ancillary Fee: $430
- Total: $2,719.42
Semester 4 Costs
- Tuition: $1,594.23
- Program Fee: $0
- Ancillary Fee: $474.19
- DCSA Ancillary Fee: $120
- Total: $2,188.42
Courses
Semester 1
- Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
- Web Technologies (COSC 1105)
- Design and Conceptual Process (CWD 1400)
- Web Design 1 (CWMD 1100)
- Digital Illustration and Imaging (CWMD 1200)
- Photography for Integrated Media (CWMD 1300)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Semester 2
- Coding for Design (COSC 1212)
- Web Design 2 (CWD 2100)
- Prototyping for Interactive Media (CWMD 2200)
- Video and Audio Production (CWMD 2300)
- Interactive Design and Animation 1 (CWMD 2500)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Semester 3
- Interactive Design and Animation 2 (CMP 3100)
- Design Studio 1 (CMP 3200)
- Motion Graphics 1 (CMP 3300)
- Hosting Fundamentals (CMP 3401)
- Interactive Media (CMP 3501)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Semester 4
- Design Studio 2 (CMP 4100)
- Interactive Design and Animation 3 (CMP 4200)
- Motion Graphics 2 (CMP 4300)
- Portfolio Development (CMP 4400)
- Collaborative Projects (CMP 4500)
- Industry Preparation (FTVL 4404)
- Field Placement (FWK 4505)
Program Outline
Outline:
Program Content and Structure:
- Develops skills in design and production of illustrations, photography, infographics, and animations for interactive media.
- Graduates become skilled compositors and can create motion graphics, virtual environments, and integrated media content.
Course Schedule:
Semester 1:
- Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
- Design and Conceptual Process (CWD 1400)
- Web Design 1 (CWMD 1100)
- Digital Illustration and Imaging (CWMD 1200)
- Photography for Integrated Media (CWMD 1300)
- Web Technologies (CWMD 1500)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Semester 2:
- Web Design 2 (CWD 2100)
- Prototyping for Interactive Media (CWMD 2200)
- Video and Audio Production (CWMD 2300)
- Interactive Design and Animation 1 (CWMD 2500)
- Coding for Design (CWMD 2601)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Semester 3:
- Interactive Design and Animation 2 (CMP 3100)
- Design Studio 1 (CMP 3200)
- Motion Graphics 1 (CMP 3300)
- Hosting Fundamentals (CMP 3401)
- Interactive Media (CMP 3501)
- General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
Semester 4:
- Design Studio 2 (CMP 4100)
- Interactive Design and Animation 3 (CMP 4200)
- Motion Graphics 2 (CMP 4300)
- Portfolio Development (CMP 4400)
- Collaborative Projects (CMP 4500)
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- UI/UX designer
- Design manager
- Production manager
- Motion graphic designer
- Multimedia designer/developer
- Web designer
Potential Work Environments:
- Advertising agencies
- Corporate in-house departments
- Educational institutions
- Web and graphic design studios
- Interactive and motion design studios
- Media and publishing companies
- Self-employment
- Web studios
Durham College
Overview:
Durham College is a public college located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It offers a wide range of full-time and part-time programs, including diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships. The college is known for its focus on experiential learning and its commitment to providing students with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
Services Offered:
Durham College provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) offers tutoring, workshops, and other resources to help students succeed academically.Career Development:
The Career Development Centre assists students with career planning, job searching, and resume writing.Co-operative Education:
Many programs offer co-op opportunities, allowing students to gain practical work experience in their field.Financial Aid:
Durham College offers a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to help students finance their education.Health and Wellness:
The Campus Health and Wellness Centre provides a range of services, including counselling, health education, and fitness programs.Housing:
Durham College offers on-campus housing options for students.Library:
The college library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and databases.Student Association:
The Durham College Student Association (DCSA) represents the interests of students and provides a variety of social and recreational activities.Campus Safety:
Durham College has a dedicated Campus Safety department that provides security services and emergency response.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Durham College offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a variety of clubs, organizations, and activities, including:
Athletics:
Durham College has a competitive varsity sports program, as well as intramural and extramural sports.Esports:
The college has an Esports Gaming Arena where students can compete in various video games.Student Events:
Durham College hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and guest speakers.Social Media Hub:
The college has a dedicated Social Media Hub where students can connect with each other and stay up-to-date on campus news.Key Reasons to Study There:
Experiential Learning:
Durham College emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with real-world experience in their chosen field.Career-Focused Programs:
The college offers a wide range of programs that are designed to prepare students for specific careers.Strong Industry Connections:
Durham College has strong relationships with local businesses and organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships and job placements.Supportive Campus Environment:
The college provides a supportive and welcoming environment for students, with a variety of resources and services available to help them succeed.Academic Programs:
Durham College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Full-time Programs:
Diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, and apprenticeships in a variety of fields, including business, technology, health care, and the arts.Part-time Programs:
Professional and part-time learning opportunities for individuals looking to upgrade their skills or pursue a new career.Online Learning:
A variety of online programs and courses available for students who prefer to learn remotely.Other:
- Durham College has two campuses: Oshawa and Whitby.
- The college is committed to diversity and inclusion, with a dedicated Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
- Durham College is a smoke-free campus.
-
The college has a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing its environmental impact.
-
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages of studying at Durham College, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to choose this institution.Entry Requirements:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status AND Grade 12 English (C or U)
