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Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue employment in the fields of communication design, graphic design, front-end web development, illustration, concept art, interactive design, and user experience design. Graduates may also choose to continue their studies with North Island College by continuing with the Advanced Communication Design diploma, or to pursue the completion of a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design via third-year transfer to Vancouver Island University’s Graphic Design program.
- Attend courses that bridge between development and design
- Take a deep dive into the discipline of communication design
- Employ the principles of communication design to communicate effectively via the web
- Develop expertise in the principles of graphic design
- Learn how to design for the optimal user experience
- Learn advanced uses of foundational web technologies such as HTML, CSS and WordPress
- Develop interactive experiences on the web using JavaScript
- Practice project management principles in real projects
- Use workflows and applications employed in the software development industry
- Develop capstone projects that highlight your skills in design and development
Supply List
You will be required to have sufficient hardware and software for completing coursework. Download the Digital Design + Development supply list.
Program Planning Worksheets
Download the worksheet for 2022-2023 Communication Design Diploma - Design + Media - September Start
Download the worksheet for 2022-2023 Communication Design Diploma - Design + Development - September Start
Download the worksheet for 2021-2022 Communication Design Diploma - September Start
Download the worksheet for 2021-2022 Communication Design Diploma - January Start
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the ideal time-frame to complete this program in?
Because technology changes rapidly, you are encouraged to complete your studies as quickly as you can. Full time students typically complete the program within two years of acceptance. Part time students typically complete the program within four years of acceptance.
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Can I register for individual courses without enrolling in the full program?
Yes. Non-program students can access courses one at a time without committing to the program. On the NIC Application for Admission form, you should choose University Studies as your program name. You will only be admitted to individual courses after program students have enrolled and if there are spaces remaining. In the meantime, you will be wait listed and will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to join the program at a later date, the courses you have taken may be counted toward your program completion as long as there has not been too long a gap in your studies. All pre-requisites and co-requisites will still be required.
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How do I access my course?
CVS (in-person classes on the Comox Valley campus)
If your course code is CVS, you will attend scheduled classes on campus, in some cases weekly, in others only every few weeks. Your instructor will tell you on the first day of class exactly when you will be meeting throughout the semester. In most cases, class time will be devoted to group and team activities, such as discussions, critiques, in-class exercises and lab activities; or with proctored activities, such as quizzes or exams. Class time is a valuable opportunity for you to develop your knowledge and skills with the direct support of your peers and your instructor, who will be present to answer questions and to provide feedback on your work.
All other course material, including lecture videos, demonstrations, assignment directions, deadlines and rubrics will be made available on BlackBoard Learn (BBL). You can access BBL with your North Island College supplied email address and password at: learn.nic.bc.ca. In general, you will be expected to engage with this material on your own time, outside of class, as preparation for in-class activities.
Your instructor will also be available for one-on-one meetings during their regularly scheduled office hours. All instructors will provide you with their office location and office hours on the first day of class. Office hours will also be posted on each instructor’s office door and for each course on BlackBoard Learn.
DLU (unscheduled online classes)
If your course code is DLU you will not be required to attend any scheduled classes and you will engage in course work primarily online. Although you may choose when to engage with assigned course work, you are still expected to submit all required work (including quizzes, assignments and projects) by the posted deadlines (typically weekly). On the first day of the semester your instructor will provide the coursework deadlines for the entire semester.
All course material, including lecture videos, demonstrations, quizzes, exams, assignment directions, deadlines and rubrics will be made available on BlackBoard Learn (BBL). You can access BBL with your North Island College supplied email address and password at: learn.nic.bc.ca.
Your instructor will be available for one-on-one meetings (via video conferencing software) during their scheduled office hours, and instructors will do their best to accommodate meetings outside of scheduled office hour times, if necessary. One-on-one meetings with your instructor are an excellent way to ask directed questions, and to receive feedback on your course work. Your instructor will tell you on the first day of class how to access their calendar to make appointments for one-on-one meetings.
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How much time should I expect to spend on each course?
All DIGITAL Design + Development programs are intensive. Expect to put 8 - 12 hours per week into each 3-credit course that you take. If you are taking five courses, this will mean 40 hours per week minimum across all five courses. This includes reviewing all course material (lectures, demonstrations, readings), taking exams and quizzes, and completing weekly assignments and larger projects.
Transfer and Pathways
Read more about the Transfer and Pathways opportunities from NIC’s DIGITAL Design + Development programs.
Tamwood Partnership Agreement
Students who have graduated from the Web Developer Diploma, the UI Designer Diploma or the UX Designer Diploma at Tamwood can transfer seamlessly into the Communication Design Diploma, advanced standing, at NIC.
Read the Tamwood-NIC partnership agreement
View the Tamwood pathway NIC course guide
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