Program Overview

Web Design Fundamentals Certificate

Overview

The Web Design Fundamentals Certificate program is designed to provide students with foundational web technology skills to build user-friendly, intuitive websites, key communication design principles, and web-based standards. Our graduates often pursue careers in communication design, web and graphic design, and front-end scripting.

Location

• Comox Valley

Length

• 1 year

Delivery

• In-person
• Full-time or part-time

Admission Requirements

• C in English 12 or equivalent or successful English assessment

Course Requirements

• DGL - 101 Digital Culture
• DGL - 102 Graphic Design Foundations
• DGL - 103 HTML and CSS
• DGL - 105 Digital Graphics
• DGL - 111 User Experience and Interface Design
• DGL - 112 Typography
• ENG - 170 Writing Digital Content
• DGL - 223 WordPress Development
• One of the following:
  • CPS - 100 Computer Programming I
  • CPS - 102 Computer Programming with C++
  • CPS - 114 Algorithms and Programming
  • DGL - 203 Advanced CSS
  • DGL - 221 Introduction to Social Media
• Plus one elective totaling 3 credits chosen from 100 or 200 level university transfer courses

Completion Requirements

• A minimum GPA of 2.00 is required
• Must be completed within 4 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 needed
• Scanner and printer
• Optional: ergonomic mouse or drawing tablet, laptop for work on and off-campus
• Minimum specs recommended:
  • Windows:
    • 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
  • MacOS:
    • 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

• Web designers
• Front-end developers
• Game designers
• UI/UX designers
• Annual median 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?
  • 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.