Launch a Career in UX / UI
Ready to jump into the world of UX design? Whether you’re new to design or have experience, ECU’s full-time, 8-month intensive program will help you become a confident UX designer. You’ll gain the skills to tackle real-world challenges and create digital experiences that are intuitive, user-friendly and in high demand.
Next intake: September 2026.
Applications open February 15 2026.
Applications are due by June 15 2026.
UX Certificate Program Highlights
- Full-time, on-campus. A highly-focused educational program to gain skills
recognized by top employers. - Quick career launch. Earn your certificate in just 8 months and enter the job
market fast. - Work on real-world case studies and projects reflecting current industry trends,
topics and emerging technologies. - Small class sizes. Benefit from our 1:16 instructor-to-student ratio with direct
feedback from industry-leading instructors. - Competitive Tuition: The ECU UX Design Certificate offers a cost-effective path
to a rewarding career — at a lower price than many bootcamp alternatives. - No experience necessary. No prior design experience? No problem. This
program helps students at any level develop the skills needed to succeed as UX
designers.
Applications open February 15 2026.
Find out how to join us on campus. Come to our online info session for prospective students.
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm PST
Program Structure
Our two-term full-time curriculum offers a balance of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, equipping you with the skills and confidence to enter the UX design field. You will work on real-world case studies and projects reflecting current industry trends, along with topics like inclusive and accessible design, and emerging technologies like AI-powered design. Download the Program Handbook to learn everything you need to know.
Term 1 Courses
CUXD 110 User Research
CUXD 111 Product Design Strategy
CUXD 112 Prototyping
CUXD 113 User Interface Design
CUXD 114 Responsive Design
Term 2 Courses
CUXD 210 Data Driven Design
CUXD 211 Business of Design
CUXD 212 User Experience Futures
CUXD 213 Interaction + Motion Design
CUXD 214 Team Project
CUXD 215 Portfolio Development
Tuition + How to Apply
Tuition
| Fees 2026-2027 | Domestic | International |
| Deposit (non-refundable) | $1,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Tuition (Term 1) | $6,002.50 | $10,637.50 |
| Tuition (Term 2) | $6,002.50 | $10,637.50 |
| Total | $13,005.00 | $22,275.00 |
Term 1 Tuition is due a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the program start date.
Term 2 Tuition is due before the mid-program break and is required before continuing in the program.
Interested in Funding? Domestic and Permanent Resident students may be eligible to apply for funding to support tuition costs. Check out Funding in the Program Handbook for more details.
Application Steps
Below is a summary of the application process. For full instructions, requirements and deadlines, please refer to the Program Handbook.
- Step 1: Review the Program Handbook for program details and requirements.
- Step 2: Check deadlines in the Handbook. Apply early if you need funding (approvals may take weeks). International applicants must meet the early deadline.
- Step 3: Create a SlideRoom profile. Log in anytime to save or update before submission.
- Step 4: Upload supporting documents to SlideRoom as listed in the program portal.
- Step 5: Complete all application questions in SlideRoom.
- Step 6: Upload your portfolio. Include examples such as media, drawings, design work, prototypes, websites, collaborative projects, project management or campaigns. Add short explanations.
- Images: 1024×768 px at 72 dpi
- Video: max 60 MB, up to 3 minutes
- Formats: .jpg, .mov/.wmv/.flv, .mp3, PDF (max 2 pages)
- Step 7: Pay $35 fee in SlideRoom. Applications cannot be changed after submission. For errors, email CSPrograms@ecuad.ca.
Did you know?
The World Economic Forum projects UX designer roles will grow by more than 45% by 2030. Now is the perfect time to step into this dynamic field.
Get Ready to Launch your UX Career at Canada’s #1 School for Art + Design
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 world-class industry experts, this program features current trends and innovations. Students develop a professional portfolio and complete the program with a range of in-demand skills that employers are looking for.
Student Projects
Students work on real-world case studies in fields like finance, education and healthcare, gaining the knowledge to design solutions that make an impact.
By the end of the program, you’ll build a professional portfolio that demonstrates your ability to create meaningful user experiences and graduate with a versatile skill set valued across industries.
Explore past student projects — click the coloured square in the corner below to see details:
Questions + Resources
Check out the Program Handbook for complete details about the program.
Who is the program designed for?
This program is designed for:
- People eager to enter the UX field with no prior experience
- Designers who want to expand their UX knowledge
- Professionals in related fields who want to integrate UX into their work
Students come from a wide range of backgrounds, including graphic design, accounting, healthcare and computer science.
Can I keep my current job?
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.
What supplies do I need?
Required: Computer
This program requires access to a laptop that can run Adobe CC software*. Students will be provided with a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud for the duration of the program.
*While tablets can be useful for some basic classroom activities, we do not recommend that students rely on a tablet as their main computer.
Optional: Supplies
Students are advised to budget approximately $250 for supplies they may need throughout the program, for example:
- software or app fees
- general supplies (office supplies, post-it notes, sharpie markers)
- purchasing website domain(s) and hosting services
Career Opportunities in UX
With UX design skills, you can pursue roles in many industries like tech, health, finance, education, consulting and nonprofits. Here are some job titles and career paths that graduates of an 8-month UX course often move into:
- UX / UI Designer
- UX Researcher
- Product Designer
- Interaction or Interface Designer
- Web / App Designer / Developer
- Information Architect
Other possible roles & overlapping paths:
- Digital Product Manager
- UX Strategist
- Service Designer
- Accessibility / Usability Specialist
- UX Content / UX Writing
- Freelance Designer or UX Consultant
These positions can involve tasks from designing user flows, wireframes, prototypes, to conducting research, usability testing, or managing client-stakeholder relationships.
Funding + Financial Support
Domestic and Permanent Resident students may be eligible to apply for funding to support tuition costs. The User Experience (UX) Design Certificate Program is eligible for funding via:
Students accepted into the User Experience (UX) Design Certificate Program receive an official acceptance letter with all necessary information to support applications for funding. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all required documentation has been submitted to the appropriate/eligible funding agency well before the program start date.
When searching for the program in the StudentAidBC portal, make sure to use the full program name: User Experience Design
For questions and support related to StudentAidBC or other provincial student funding, please contact Financial Aid + Awards at FinAwards@ecuad.ca.
International Students
As an international student, what should I consider when applying for a Study Permit?
International students accepted into the program must apply for and receive confirmation of a Study Permit before the program start date.
Study Permits can take several months to process. To allow enough time, apply by the early deadline. Once accepted, you will receive the documentation needed to support your Study Permit application. We strongly recommend beginning the permit process as soon as you accept your seat.
Important reminders:
- Students must be in Canada and on campus for the first day of the program. Late starts and hybrid learning are not available.
- If you have not received Study Permit confirmation two weeks before the start date, you may need to defer or withdraw.
- Arrange accommodations early and research neighbourhoods and transportation in advance.
For details on Study Permits, visit the Government of Canada website. Please note: Continuing Studies cannot advise or assist with Study Permit applications.
As an International Student, can I apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit?
For more information and updates, please visit the Government of Canada website.
Need Help?
Email: csprograms@ecuad.ca
Why ECU
“The industry is changing constantly, but because our program is changing to mirror that evolution, students receive the direction they need to be qualified and capable.”
Pauline Lai, Instructor
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