Expand Your Toolkit
+ Advance Your Career
Micro-Credentials are short, focused learning options that help you develop skills in high-demand areas. They’re flexible, affordable and designed for learners at every stage of their career or education.
They also give you a clear way to showcase your skills to employers and shine in a competitive market.

Two Types of Micro-Credentials
You can earn Micro-Credentials in two ways:
Skills Badges
- Earned by completing an eligible individual course
- Highlight specific, job-ready expertise you can share with employers or on LinkedIn
Micro-Certificates
- Earned by completing a short, bundled program of courses
- Build broad competencies and often include portfolio-ready projects
Why Micro-Credentials Matter
Micro-Credentials let you build practical skills quickly, without committing to a full degree program.
They are designed with industry input, so what you learn is relevant, recognized and immediately applicable.
Not sure where to start?
Book a chat with an Advisor.
Earn Skills Badges
When you successfully complete an individual Micro-Credentials course, you’ll earn a digital Skills Badge. This badge can be shared on your social media (like LinkedIn) to signal your skills to employers, setting you apart from the crowd.
Choose from a roster of industry-informed courses and add sought-after skills to your toolkit.

Teaching + Learning in Art + Design
Education at the intersection of art, design, learning and community
What does it mean to teach art and design? In classrooms of diverse learners, educators balance unique perspectives, experiences and ideas — their students’ and their own.
This workshop offers tools and exercises to spark inquiry-based learning, plan for collaboration, create inspiring environments and document teaching as part of the artistic process. Strengthen your skills as an educator and find new inspiration for the classroom.
Teaching + Learning in Art + Design1 Courses
| Course Name | Course No. | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching + Learning in Art and Design | CSED-100 | Spring 2026 |
Web + Digital Design
Make the digital pivot: Create a responsive online presence for your business
In B.C., Web Designers and Interactive Media Developers are high-opportunity occupations. As more businesses move online, demand for skilled digital creators continues to grow.
Build your web and digital design toolkit today. Earn a Skills Badge for each course and create a learning pathway that grows with your career.
Digital Design 4 Courses
| Course Name | Course No. | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Adobe Photoshop | CSSO-100 | Spring 2026 |
| Introductory Adobe Illustrator | CSSO-101 | Spring 2026 |
| Introductory Adobe InDesign | CSSO-102 | TBA |
| Adobe CC Essentials | CSSO-109 | TBA |
Web Design 5 Courses
| Course Name | Course No. | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory WordPress | CSWD-100 | TBA |
| Introductory Web Design | CSWD-101 | Spring 2026 |
| Intermediate Web Design | CSWD-201 | TBA |
| Introductory JavaScript | CSCO-100 | TBA |
| Introductory UX Design | CSUX-100 | Spring 2026 |
Creative Technology
Ignite and accelerate your career in Animation, Visual Effects and Game Development
Earn a Skills Badge for each course and create a learning pathway that grows with your career.
- If you’re new to Creative Tech: Start with Software Essentials to build core skills in industry tools
- If you already know + use the main tools: Level up with Experience Design, Collaboration and Leadership
- If you know your creative direction: Look at our Animation, Visual FX and Game Dev courses
Software Essentials13 Courses
Designed for beginners and diverse learners, these introductory courses feature small class sizes. Gain practical knowledge of the most powerful and popular software used in the Creative Technology industry.
With a solid foundation in software essentials, apply your new skills towards animated films, visual effects, and video games. Our other Creative Technology courses are the perfect next step to bring your creative visions to life.
| Course Name | Course No. | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Adobe Photoshop | CSSO-100 | Spring 2026 |
| Introductory Adobe Illustrator | CSSO-101 | Spring 2026 |
| Introductory Adobe After Effects | CSSO-104 | Spring 2026 |
| Introductory Unity | CSSO-115 | Spring 2026 |
| Intro Windows for Optimized Workflow | CSSO-010 | TBA |
| Introductory Adobe InDesign | CSSO-102 | TBA |
| Introductory Adobe Premiere Pro | CSSO-103 | TBA |
| Introductory Maya | CSSO-105 | TBA |
| Introductory 3DS Max | CSSO-106 | TBA |
| Introductory Blender | CSSO-107 | TBA |
| Introductory Houdini | CSSO-108 | TBA |
| Adobe CC Essentials | CSSO-109 | TBA |
| Introductory Unreal | CSSO-116 | TBA |
Animation5 Courses
Elevate your interest in animation and take your skills to the next level. Whether you’re a self-taught enthusiast or have minimal experience in the field, we’ll guide you through the journey of becoming a skilled animator.
With new technical skills, you’ll be ready to showcase your creativity with a compelling portfolio. Whether you strive to work in the film and TV, advertising, or video game industries, you’ll be able to showcase your abilities with confidence.
| Course Name | Course No. | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Animation | CSAN-100 | Spring 2026 |
| Intro 3D Modeling for Animation (Maya) | CSAN-105 | Spring 2026 |
| Innovations in Animation | CSAN-101 | TBA |
| Intro 3D Modeling + Animation (Blender) | CSAN-107 | TBA |
| Introductory 3D Animation (Maya) | CSAN-115 | TBA |
Game Development7 Courses
If you’ve been experimenting with game design and coding, our courses give you the expert industry insights to kick-start a career pivot. Beginner and intermediate learners can hone their skills through courses up-to-date with industry standards.
You’ll be ready to build a portfolio that highlights your technical prowess and creative abilities. Take the next step towards a rewarding career developing indie games, working in a game studio, or even starting your own venture.
| Course Name | Course No. | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Intro: Game Development | CSGD-102 | Spring 2026 |
| Principles of Game Development | CSGD-100 | TBA |
| Innovations in Game Development | CSGD-101 | TBA |
| Design Thinking for Games | CSGD-103 | TBA |
| UX/UI for Games (Unity) | CSGD-104 | TBA |
| Intro 2D Game Development (unity) | CSGD-115 | TBA |
| Intro 3D Game Development (unity) | CSGD-125 | TBA |
Visual Effects5 Courses
Elevate your interest in VFX to the next level with industry insights and expertise. If you’re looking to refine your existing skills, these courses will help you start breaking into the VFX industry.
You’ll have the technical skills and vision to create a portfolio for your work. Get ready to pursue a fulfilling career working on blockbuster films, creating mind-bending effects for advertisements, or contribute to the world of animation.
| Course Name | Course No. | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Intro: Visual Effects | CSFX-100 | Spring 2026 |
| Innovations in Visual Effects | CSFX-101 | TBA |
| Introductory Motion Graphics | CSFX-102 | TBA |
| Adobe CC for Visual Effects | CSFX-110 | TBA |
| Procedural Art With Houdini | CSFX-118 | TBA |
Experience Design5 Courses
Whether you’re an aspiring innovator or a creative professional, Experience Design opens up a world of opportunities. Learn to craft immersive, captivating experiences that bridge technology and user engagement. You’ll gain valuable skills to bring your creative ideas to life.
With confidence using user-centric principles and the latest technology, you’ll embark on an exciting new career path. Whether you want to work in animation, game development or graphic design, you’ll set your work apart in a competitive industry.
| Course Name | Course No. | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory UX Design | CSUX-100 | Spring 2026 |
| Intermediate UX Design | CSUX-200 | Spring 2026 |
| Introductory UI Design | CSUX-101 | TBA |
| Digital Tools for Design Prototyping | CSUX-110 | TBA |
| Intermediate UI Design | CSUX-201 | TBA |
Collaboration + Leadership10 Courses
Looking to make the jump from contributor to team leader? Our courses help identify your leadership potential, move up in your organization and start leading your own teams or projects.
Get ready to excel as a leader. Thanks to skills like effective communication, strategic thinking and team management, you can use your leadership potential to make a significant impact in your organization.
| Course Name | Course No. | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio Websites | CSPD-100 | Spring 2026 |
| Grants, Residencies + Exhibitions | CSPD-102 | Spring 2026 |
| Interview Prep + Networking Skills | CSPD-104 | Spring 2026 |
| Financial Practices for Gig Work | CSPD-106 | Spring 2026 |
| AI & Creativity: Gen Tools + Ethics | CSPD-107 | Spring 2026 |
| Business Planning for Creative | CSPD-105 | TBA |
| Workplace Culture + Community | CSPD-200 | TBA |
| Client Relations + Partnership | CSPD-203 | TBA |
| Leadership Visioning | CSPD-204 | TBA |
| Effective Comm Through Storytelling | CSPD-205 | TBA |
Complete a Micro-Certificate
Our four Micro-Certificates combine focused courses to build core competencies, hands-on projects and portfolio-ready work. At ECU, they fall into two categories: UI Design and UX/UI Design Leadership.
Learn the tools and techniques behind the interfaces we use every day. These programs provide training in visual systems, interaction design and motion, helping you design digital experiences that are clear, engaging and user-focused.
Explore our 4 curated Micro-Certificate programs below.
UI Design
Learn the tools and techniques behind the interfaces we use every day. User Interface (UI) design is about the look and feel of digital products — the buttons, layouts and visual systems people interact with daily. These programs provide hands-on training in visual systems, interaction design and motion, helping you design digital experiences that are clear, engaging and user-focused.
UI Design Foundations
Gain a practical introduction to user interface design. Learn the core principles of visual design, user behaviour and prototyping tools to create intuitive, user-centred interfaces.
UI Visual Design
Take your UI skills further by exploring content design, motion and brand storytelling. Build navigation systems, animations and brand-consistent UI elements to strengthen digital experiences.
UX/UI Design Leadership
These programs are built for experienced designers who want to expand their role, grow their strategic voice and confidently lead. Learn frameworks, tools and mindsets to guide teams, shape design culture and influence organizational strategy.
UX/UI Design Leadership Essentials
Build the skills to manage projects, communicate value to stakeholders and integrate future-facing tools such as generative AI. A toolkit for product designers, freelancers and emerging team leads.
UX/UI Design Visioning + Team Leadership
Step into senior leadership with the strategies and interpersonal tools to lead high-performing teams. Define your leadership philosophy, mentor others and align design culture with business goals.
Reap the Rewards
Creative Technology is among B.C.’s fastest-growing and highest-paying sectors. The creative tech scene in British Columbia (B.C.), including video games, animation, visual effects (VFX) and the up-and-coming extended reality (XR), is a bustling playground for tech enthusiasts.
This rapid growth means that demand is high for qualified candidates, and micro-credentials can help you start or advance a career in creative tech.
Future Skills Grant
Due to the high demand for qualified candidates in these fields, the B.C. government periodically makes substantial tuition assistance available to B.C. residents 19 and older.
*You must apply for funding before you register
Get the Latest Updates
Our Continuing Studies programs are always evolving. Sign up today to be the first in line for new courses and upcoming registration dates.
