Digital Design and Development Post-Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

Digital Design and Development Post-Graduate Certificate

Overview

Expand your skills for a career in digital design and development with this one-year post-graduate certificate in web and app development. The program builds a strong foundation in essential web and mobile development skills, preparing you for opportunities in this high-growth industry. Upon completion, you'll be ready to step into the field or continue with our Post Graduate Diploma, specializing in either Web or Mobile App Development to further deepen your expertise.

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

Location

• Comox Valley

Length

• 1 year

Delivery

• Full-time or part-time
• In-person

Overview

You'll learn:

• Website development using HTML, CSS and JavaScript
• A foundation in programming and app development with Android Studio
• Principles 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 workflows 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

Admission Requirements

• An accredited bachelor's degree with a minimum of three academic years from a recognized institution.
• C+ in Math 10 or equivalent or successful Math assessment
• C in English 12 or equivalent or successful English assessment or IELTS 6.0 or equivalent

Course Requirements

• DGL - 101 Digital Culture
• DGL - 103 HTML and CSS
• DGL - 104 Application Development Foundations
• DGL - 105 Digital Graphics
• DGL - 111 User Experience and Interface Design
• DGL - 113 Introduction to JavaScript
• DGL - 309 Advanced Capstone Project 1
• One of the following:
  • CPS - 100 Computer Programming I
  • CPS - 102 Computer Programming with C++
  • CPS - 114 Algorithms and Programming
• One of the following:
  • ENG - 104 Foundations of Academic Writing
  • ENG - 170 Writing Digital Content
  • Note: Students who do not have a band score of Academic IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 20, PTE 50, CAEL 60 or higher in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking will be required to take ENG 104 instead of ENG 170.

Completion Requirements

• A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required.
• Courses counted toward the prerequisite degree may not also be counted toward the post graduate certificate.
• This program is designed to be completed within one year of full-time study.
• Must be completed within 3 years.
• A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed at North Island College.

Careers

Our graduates find work as software engineers and designers, computer systems developers and programmers and web designers.

• Annual estimated earnings for software engineers and designers: $112,289
• Annual estimated earnings for web designers: $63,173

Costs

Domestic

• Tuition: $3,645
• Lab: $215
• Student Union: $205
• Learner Resource: $175
• Health and Dental: $285
• Total: $4,525

International

• Tuition: $14,905
• Lab: $215
• Student Union: $205
• Learner Resource: $175
• Health and Dental: $285
• Student Services Fee: $920
• Total: $16,705

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need prior coding or design experience to enroll?
  • No prior experience is required. The program is beginner-friendly, but having basic computer skills will be helpful.
• I see there are different design and development learning options, including certificates or diplomas. What's the difference?
  • 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.
• Is there any point in studying web and app development, graphic design, or digital marketing when AI is becoming so advanced? Won't AI make these jobs obsolete?
  • 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.
• Can I register for individual courses without enrolling in the full program?
  • 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.
• Can I keep studying after completing the certificate, or apply for the diploma later on?
  • 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.