User Experience (UX) Design Certificate

A: The User Experience (UX) Design Certificate is an intensive applied program that focuses on equipping students with the fundamentals of user experience (UX) design for digital products and services. Developed in consultation with industry professionals, this program features current trends and innovations in user experience. Students develop a professional portfolio and complete the program with a range of in-demand skills that employers are looking for.

The Bachelor of Design specializing in Interaction Design is a 4-year program that gradually builds skills in research, theory and practice, offering more in-depth exploration. The Interaction Design program at Emily Carr allows you to merge courses from Communication Design, Industrial Design, Animation, and New Media + Sound Arts.

For more information about earning a Bachelor of Design in Interaction Design please contact admissions@ecuad.ca

A: Developed in consultation with UX industry experts, the new User Experience (UX) Design Certificate program features current trends and innovations in user experience. Students develop a professional portfolio and complete the program with a range of in-demand skills that employers are looking for right now.

Other great features of the new program include:

• Applicants require no previous visual design, coding, or UX experience
• Students learn foundational skills in software and digital tools, including Adobe CC and some of the most common digital collaboration tools, like Adobe XD, Figma and Sketch
• The curriculum focuses on in-depth UX skill development throughout the program
• Students will actively explore how User Experience research and practices improve design, while centering the human experience
• Students will leave the program with a portfolio of work, and the ability to understand, identify and prototype “good” design
• Students will have opportunities to explore divergences and connections between UX and UI design roles and workflows, to better prepare for real-life job requirements.
• Our curriculum includes real-world projects and assignments to demonstrate knowledge that is relevant, and relatable for potential employers.
• Our curriculum introduces students to basic coding practices to better understand how design is influenced by code (and vice versa), and to improve communication within diverse team environments
• Developed in consultation with industry professionals and content experts, the program prepares graduates for real-world experiences and expectations
• Students graduating from the User Experience (UX) Design Certificate program will have developed key professional skills, including presentation, pitch and storytelling, to best support a successful career path

For more information about the program, review our Program Handbook.

A: Yes. We accept applicants with no previous experience in UX, design or coding. Accepted applicants with no previous knowledge of Adobe CC (including Photoshop and Illustrator) will be expected to prepare for the program by either completing introductory Continuing Studies courses, or completing certified tutorials via Adobe or LinkedIn Learning.

Accepted applicants will have access to Adobe CC and LinkedIn Learning approximately 1 month prior to the program start date to complete self-directed tutorials online, free.

A: The User Experience (UX) Design Certificate is currently online. Starting April 2022, the program will be offered on campus.

Emily Carr University has been a leader in online studio curriculum for over 15 years. Building upon this experience, our instructors are leading User Experience (UX) Design Certificate courses that are inclusive, engaging and interactive. They are supported by the Continuing Studies Department, which is also ensuring the quality of all online CS courses at ECU.

Starting April 2022, the User Experience (UX) Design Certificate program will return to campus with access to content and resources online using Moodle, Emily Carr's Learning Management System.

Stay up-to-date on ECU's Response to COVID-19.

A: Applications are accepted year-round via SlideRoom.

All applicants are encouraged to apply early to secure a spot.

April 2021 Program Start
November 15 - Early Deadline*
January 15 - Final Deadline

September 2021 Program Start
April 15 - Early Deadline *
June 15 - Final Deadline

*Students who intend to apply for funding:
depending on the funding agency, applications may take several weeks to process and approve, so we recommend you apply by the early deadline.

*International students:
applications for study permits may take up to 12 months, so we recommend you apply by the early deadline.

For a detailed overview of program including curricula, courses, learning outcomes and more, view our Program Handbook. For a step-by-step application guide, view our Student Application Guide.

A: The User Experience (UX) Design Certificate Program is ideal for students interested in understanding, influencing and enhancing user experience of digital products and services, including web and native applications.

Our students come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, from graphic design and illustration, to business management and accounting, to health and natural sciences, to data management and computer science.

The User Experience (UX) Design Certificate is geared towards all learners, regardless of experience or skill.

Come explore and develop your passion for technology and digital transformation, research, collaboration, and working in the realm of possibility. Join our learning community to launch, grow, or pivot your personal and professional path!

A: Your success at Emily Carr University depends on your English proficiency.

Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, if English is not your first language (is not the first language you learned at home as a child), you will need to provide evidence of adequate English proficiency for admission consideration, unless you qualify for an exemption.

Click here for a full list of accepted English Language Proficiency tests

Exemptions

If you meet any one of the following conditions, you may be exempt from having to submit an English proficiency test. Official transcripts must be submitted for exemptions to be considered.

• Successfully complete three or more consecutive years of recognized, full-time education in English within Canada immediately prior to attending Emily Carr, and receive an over all grade of a “C” or higher. - which excludes ESL studies.
• Successfully complete four or more consecutive years of full-time education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the principal language. These four years must be immediately prior to attending Emily Carr (see below for qualifying countries).
• Achieve a final grade of 4 or better on Advanced Placement (AP) English Language & Composition or AP Literature & Composition; or achieve a final grade of 5 or better on International Baccalaureate English A (higher-level or standard-level).
• Successfully complete six credits of post-secondary first-year English studies at a recognized university in a country where English is the principal language (see below for qualifying countries).
• Graduation from a recognized degree program at an accredited university where English is the principle language of instruction in a country where the dominant language is English (see below for qualifying countries).
• Attend four or more years at an eligible international secondary school that uses English as the language of instruction but operates in a country where the primary language is not English. These four years must be immediately prior to attending Emily Carr. See below for Eligible International Secondary Schools.

Qualifying Countries:

American Samoa, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guam, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nigeria, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States of America, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Eligible International Secondary Schools:

1. International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

• You must be completing the IB diploma program.
• You must have studied at a school that meets the above criteria for four years and be completing IB higher-level or standard-level English A1 or A2.
• If you’ve studied fewer than four years, your final grade in IB English A1 or A2 must be 5 or higher.

2. Council of International Schools

• Your school must be an accredited member of the Council of International Schools.
• You must have studied at a school that meets the above criteria for four years and be completing the senior or Grade 12 level (non-ESL).

3. British Curriculum (A Levels + GCSEs)

• You must achieve a final grade of A or B in A Level English (non-ESL).

4. Indian Secondary School Curricula

• Your school must be affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education or the Council for the Indian School Certificate.
• You must be pursuing or have completed the curriculum leading to either the Indian Senior School Certificate (SSC) or the Indian School Certificate (ISC).
• You must achieve a minimum grade of 75% (Indian grading scale) on your senior English subject. Emily Carr will use interim grades (e.g., pre-board exam results) if you are currently attending secondary school or final Class XII grades if you have graduated from secondary school.

Emily Carr University reserves the right to exclude schools from exemption.

A: The User Experience (UX) Design Certificate is an intensive, full-time program. The primary focus for students accepted into this program should be a commitment to attendance, participation and study.

Accepted students should expect to commit 20 hours of instructional time and a minimum 20 hours self-directed work outside of class each week. Students are expected to attend at least 85% of classes in order to successfully pass courses.

We acknowledge the challenge of living and studying in Vancouver; it is recommended that - if necessary - students only pursue part-time work, scheduled no more than 1 to 2 days per week.

Please refer to the Program Handbook for more information.

A: Domestic Students may be eligible to apply for financial aid through StudentAid BC, WorkBC, or alternative funding sources.

Accepted students will receive all necessary information and documentation to begin applying for financial aid. Please note, it is the student’s responsibility to complete application processes for any financial aid or grant funding. Students seeking funding through WorkBC should contact their local office for support and more information.

Depending on the funding agency, applications may take several weeks to process and approve, so we recommend you apply by the early deadline. Accepted students will receive all necessary documentation to support their application for financial assistance.

For more information about Financial Aid, please follow the links above, or refer to the Program Handbook. Please note, Continuing Studies is not able to provide advising or assistance with applications for financial assistance

A: WorkBC provides grants for students looking to transition, upskill or pivot career paths. Visit your local WorkBC office, or visit WorkBC.ca

Please note, Emily Carr Continuing Studies is unable to provide guidance, determine eligibility, or offer application support for grants or funding. If you are applying for funding via WorkBC, it is best to discuss the application process, restrictions and requirements with your assigned case worker. Applicants can begin this process prior to acceptance.

When provided your Program acceptance information, it is helpful to share this documentation with your case workers directly. All dates, fees and requirements are outlined and can help speed up the process.

A:International Students accepted to the program must apply and receive confirmation of Study Permit, prior to the program start date.

Applications for study permits may take several months, so we recommend you apply by the early deadline. Accepted students will receive all necessary documentation to support their application for Study Permit.

For more information about Study Permits in Canada, please refer to the Government of Canada website. Please note, Continuing Studies is not able to provide advising or assistance with applications for Study Permit.

A: Eligibility requirements for the Post-Graduation Work Permit requires that applicants have completed a training program that is at least 8 months in duration, and full-time student status.

The User Experience (UX) Design Certificate is a 32-week, or 8-month program. For more information, please visit the Government of Canada website.

A: SlideRoom is Emily Carr University’s online application review portal. You can log in and update your application at any time, prior to submission.

Click here for a step-by-step application guide.

A: Applications are reviewed by Committee.

Note that incomplete applications will not be considered. If you submitted your application by mistake, please contact CSPrograms@ecuad.ca to reopen your SlideRoom application.

A: Applicants will receive application status results no more than 2 weeks following the application deadline(s).

Applicants offered a seat in the program will be provided deadlines for accepting the seat, as well as deposit and tuition payments.