Digital Design and Development Post-Graduate Diploma

Program Overview

Digital Design and Development Post-Graduate Diploma

Overview

Advance your education with a post-graduate diploma in digital design and development, specializing in web development or mobile app development.

Program Features

• Build responsive websites using advanced CSS and JavaScript
• Work with server-side languages like PHP and MySQL
• Develop custom WordPress themes and plug-ins
• Design and launch dynamic, database-driven websites

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

Web Development Stream

• CPS - 146 Database Fundamentals
• 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 - 123 Introduction to PHP
• DGL - 203 Advanced CSS
• DGL - 211 Project Management for Digital Product Development
• DGL - 213 Applied Javascript
• DGL - 223 WordPress Development
• DGL - 233 Advanced WordPress Development
• DGL - 309 Advanced Capstone Project 1
• DGL - 409 Advanced Capstone Project 2
• 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 - 170 Writing Digital Content
  • ENG - 104 Foundations of Academic Writing
• Plus one elective totaling 3 credits

Mobile Application Development Stream

• CPS - 146 Database Fundamentals
• 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 - 114 Introduction to Mobile App Development
• DGL - 204 Programming for Mobile App Development
• DGL - 211 Project Management for Digital Product Development
• DGL - 213 Applied Javascript
• DGL - 214 Advanced Mobile App Development
• DGL - 309 Advanced Capstone Project 1
• DGL - 409 Advanced Capstone Project 2
• 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 - 170 Writing Digital Content
  • ENG - 104 Foundations of Academic Writing
• Plus two electives totaling 6 credits

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 diploma
• This program is designed to be completed within two years of full-time study
• Must be completed within 5 years
• A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed at North Island College

Supplies

• iMac and Mac mini workstations with all the software you need, plus a scanner and printer
• Optional: ergonomic mouse or drawing tablet, laptop for work on and off-campus
• Minimum specs recommended:
  • Windows: x86_64 CPU architecture; 2nd generation Intel Core or newer, or AMD CPU with support for a Windows Hypervisor
  • MacOS: ARM-based chips, or 2nd generation Intel Core or newer with support for Hypervisor Framework

Careers

• Software engineers and designers
• Computer systems developers and programmers
• Web designers

Costs

• Domestic:
  • Tuition: $7,265
  • Lab: $420
  • Student Union: $410
  • Learner Resource: $350
  • Health and Dental: $570
  • Total: $9,015
• International:
  • Tuition: $29,810
  • Lab: $420
  • Student Union: $410
  • Learner Resource: $350
  • Health and Dental: $570
  • Student Services Fee: $1,840
  • Total: $33,400

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need prior coding or design experience to enroll?
  • No prior experience is required
• I see there are different design and development learning options, including certificates or diplomas. What's the difference?
  • 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.