UX/UI Design Leadership Essentials
Bridge the gap between design execution and strategic leadership. This micro-certificate builds the skills to lead projects, manage relationships and navigate emerging trends in digital design. You’ll learn to oversee design work, communicate value to clients and stakeholders and apply tools such as generative AI and spatial design.
Designed for working professionals, the program offers a future-focused toolkit for product designers, freelancers and emerging team leads moving into strategic roles.
Program Outcomes
By the end of the program, you will be able to manage design projects with confidence, communicate your value as a designer, and apply leadership practices that balance business, technology and creativity. You’ll gain the mindset and tools to take the next step in your career as a design leader.
What You’ll Learn
- Manage design projects from planning to execution, including budgets and risk
- Communicate and promote your personal brand effectively
- Build strong business relationships through negotiation and stakeholder engagement
- Apply emerging technologies such as generative AI and spatial design in real-world contexts
Register for Fall
Tuition Fees:
$3,500.00
Delivery Method: Online
Dates:
October 6 to December 6, 2025
(No classes on October 13 and November 8)
Mondays, Tuesdays: 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturdays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Course + Schedule
This eight-week micro-certificate is delivered through a curated package of 3 courses to be completed concurrently, on different days of the week.
| Courses to be Completed | Course No. | Day / Time | Total Hours | Location |
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Program Outcomes
What You’ll Learn
FAQs
Check out the Design Leadership Micro-Certificates Program Handbook for complete details.
How will I be graded + what credential will I receive?
Courses are assessed on a Pass/Fail basis, determined by completion of assignments, projects and participation as outlined in the course syllabus. To pass, you must meet the learning outcomes, submit all required coursework and maintain the minimum attendance requirement.
Upon successfully completing all courses in a micro-certificate, you will receive a verified digital credential through Accredible. If you prefer not to receive a digital credential, you can unsubscribe here.
What supplies do I need?
All our course materials are listed on our Materials Guide Catalogue webpage. Download your materials list before class and gather what you’ll need to get started.
Is tuition support available?
The StrongerBC Future Skills Grant is available to British Columbians aged 19 or older, regardless of financial need. The grant can cover up to $3,500 in eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions.
When funding is open, this grant may be applied to select Continuing Studies micro-credentials at ECU. Availability is limited and tied to specific terms, so please check the Future Skills Grant webpage for current offerings before applying.
Micro-Certificate Registration + Refund Policies
Registration Policy
We encourage you to register early as seats are limited. You must be at least 18 years old by the program start date.
If a seat is available, you can register online up to 2 business days before the program start date. If you are registering less than 2 business days before the program start date, please contact CS Registration during business hours. Our staff will assist you if there is a seat available.
NOTE: Before we can welcome you to your program, we need a bit of time to set up your account and system access. If you register for the program less than 2 business days before the program start date, access to your ECU email account, M365 or Moodle may be delayed. If you are attending an online course, your instructor will send a Teams link to your personal email so you can join the first class.
Withdrawals + Refunds
Please submit an email request for course withdrawal or program switch no later than seven (7) calendar days before the course start date for a refund, less $150 administration fee.
Need Help?
Email: csprograms@ecuad.ca
Book a chat with an advisor
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday
8:30am – 4:30pm
(lunch closure 12:30 – 1:30pm)
Closed on statutory holidays
Meet Your Instructors
Karin Schmidlin
Karin is a designer and educator who teaches human-centred design at Emily Carr and UBC. She is pursuing a doctorate in Education at UBC, focusing on student agency in complex design challenges. Karin holds a Master of Digital Media from the Centre for Digital Media in Vancouver and has received recognition for teaching excellence.
Marlene Aubin
Marlene is a designer and educator with 15+ years of UX experience in fintech, healthtech and education. She has led diverse teams, designed AI tools for engineers and scaled design practices in large organizations. Marlene studied at Fleming College and has completed advanced courses at MIT, Stanford and CalArts. View her work.
Robert Westwood
Robert is a principal designer with 20 years of experience creating digital experiences and building design teams. He leads Autodesk’s Media & Entertainment platform design team and has taught and mentored designers for more than a decade. Based in Vancouver, Robert studied design at York University and Sheridan College.
