In less than one year, the Web Design program will equip you with the relevant technical skills, the industry experience, and the English skills needed to start a career in Canada.
This highly intensive 30-week program combines the latest in Web technologies with structured projects, business and professional skills, while helping you upgrade your written and spoken English*.
By using a “best practices” approach to Web design, you will create sites that are not only visually appealing but are also accessible, usable, and standards compliant. You will learn current Web design trends and use the latest Web design software to develop a number of large sites, including a Web portfolio of your work.
By the end of the program, you will be able to:
· Hand code web pages using XHTML and CSS
· Design graphics for the Web using Photoshop and Illustrator
· Develop web sites using Flash and Dreamweaver
· Utilize XML and JavaScript
· Lead effective projects and work in teams
· Manage and promote Web sites
· Prepare proposals and deliver presentations to clients
You will learn techniques in application development, be exposed to several current web technologies, and apply system development best practices to design and develop usable, effective web applications and web sites.
The program is delivered through classroom instruction, hands-on lab work and individual and team projects.
Applicants for the Web Designer Option should also possess sound logical and reasoning abilities, as well as good communication skills - both written and oral. Applicants should also have a working knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Office, and desktop applications such as Photoshop and Dreamweaver.
*Students will be assessed prior to starting the program to determine their English level. Professional English Language Development courses may not be required for all students.
program entry
Entrance requirements
Currently unemployed (i.e. not employed full-time or part-time)
Have not received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits in the past 3 years (5 years in the case of maternity leave)
High school graduation
Selection interview with the program head
Note: These entrance requirements are specific to the November 2009 intake.
Apply to program
Admission to the Web Designer program is competitive and applicant qualifications will be carefully assessed. An application to this program consists of:
Current resume which outlines educational and employment history
Official high school or college/university transcripts, sent directly from the respective institutions*
*All transcripts must be in English and translated transcripts must be notarized.
For more information, please contact the High-Tech Professional programs office by phone at 604-412-7788 or email htp@bcit.ca.
Scheduled intakes
The next intake will run from November 2, 2009 to June 25, 2010.
Application processing
Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2009.
costs & supplies
Tuition fees
Note: This program is offered at no cost to eligible participants for the November 2009 intake.
Eligible participants are:
Currently unemployed (i.e. not employed full-time or part-time), and
Have not received Employment Insurance (EI) benefits in the past 3 years (5 years in the case of maternity leave).
Please see Fees and Refunds for more information on full-time tuition fees.
Books and supplies
All books and materials will be provided by the program.
Refund policy
The refund policy is not applicable for the November 2009 intake.
For all other intakes, the following policy applies:
If notice is submitted in writing and received by the SSD program office AT LEAST twelve (12) working days prior to the first day of classes, all tuition fees paid (less the $2,000 deposit) will be refunded.
If notice is submitted in writing and received by the SSD program office by 4:00 p.m. on the second day of class, all fees paid less $3,000 ($2,000 deposit and $1,000 penalty fee) will be refunded.
There will be no refund of fees issued after the second day of class.
If withdrawing for medical reasons, it may be possible to receive a partial refund with a doctor's medical note.
courses
Program matrix
Required Courses:
Credits
SSDP 1550
Web Foundations 1
This course provides an intensive and comprehensive introduction to web site development. Students will use project management techniques to plan and prototype web sites that meet the needs of their project sponsors. They will also be introduced to commonly used web technologies, such as HTML, XHTML and CSS, web usability principles, and best practices for web graphic design. Topics will also include designing an effective homepage, Web site navigation and layout, content organization, and internet architecture.
This course explores in greater detail how to apply structured methodology for designing and building web sites. Students will reinforce their knowledge of web usability design principles as they move from the planning stage of web site development to the second phase of design and development. Students will cover more advanced web technologies, such as JavaScript and XML, and use Adobe Web Design Suite CS4 - Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Dreamweaver - to build visually appealing, well-constructed sites.
During this course students will design, develop, and conduct usability testing of their web sites. Students will analyze test results, identify problems, and determine changes that are needed to meet usability objectives. Following an iterative design process, students will then use their findings to revise their web site designs and present the final product to their project sponsors.
This course will cover topics such as applying web accessibility standards to a web site, writing web content, publishing, managing and promoting a web site, designing collaborative sites, and professional skills - proposal writing, presentation skills, career planning and consulting. Prerequisites: SSDP 3550
This course provides the opportunity for students to integrate and apply their technical skills and theoretical knowledge by completing two comprehensive team-based projects, both with industry sponsors: one project completed throughout the program and the other an external project. The foundations of advanced team building skills including leadership, team decision-making, and effective meeting skills are introduced and practiced. Students will develop skills to work within the dynamics of a team, resolve conflict when appropriate and be creative and innovative in exploring possible solutions to a task. Prerequisites: SSDP 1550 and SSDP 2550 and SSDP 3550 and SSDP 4550
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
Additional Information
For the most current information on the Software Systems Developer program, please contact:
Graduates will find careers in a variety of industries including business, finance, government, health, information technology, telecommunications and independent consulting.
Depending on previous academic and work experience, career paths for graduates may include but are not limited to: web designer, web usability specialist, web editor, web specialist, web application designer, and web communication strategist.
Graduate employment outcomes
The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2007-2009 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2006-2008 Graduates. Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Successful graduates of this option of the Software Systems Developer Program will receive from BCIT a Certificate of Technology as a Software Systems Developer - Web Designer Option.
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As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.