3 Courses

 

63 Hours

 

Online

 

Program Description

Research indicates that investing in user experience (UX) can yield a remarkable return of $100 for every dollar spent (UXcel, 2025). Furthermore, optimizing the user interface (UI) can boost conversion rates by as much as 200%, while enhancements in user experience can lead to an impressive 400% increase in conversions (Forrester via MindInventory, 2025). In today’s competitive landscape, marketers must possess the skills to effectively leverage these opportunities.

The UX/UI (User Experience/User Interface) Foundations Certificate is designed to develop the essential skills needed to create intuitive, engaging, and visually appealing digital experiences. It covers core principles of UX and UI design, including typography, colour, layout, and branding, all aimed at enhancing usability. Participants will also explore the design thinking process and learn prototyping techniques to facilitate smooth digital interactions.

This program is ideal for aspiring designers, digital marketers, and professionals seeking to upskill. By the end, participants will have a solid understanding of UI/UX principles, equipping them to contribute effectively to design-driven projects in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

 

Schedule at a Glance Program Mapping Chart

 

Questions? Please contact our program team: techprog@ualberta.ca

 

Who Will Benefit?

This program is ideal for a wide range of professionals and creatives looking to expand their digital design capabilities and enhance user engagement across platforms.

  • 🗸 Aspiring and Current Digital Designers looking to transition into UX/UI roles or strengthen their visual communication skills to meet growing industry demand.
  • 🗸 Digital Marketers and Content Creators aiming to optimize campaigns through user-friendly interfaces, stronger visual hierarchy, and seamless user journeys.
  • 🗸 Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners seeking to improve their websites, apps, or digital products to attract and retain customers through better design and usability.
  • 🗸 Web Developers and Front-End Programmers who want to deepen their understanding of design principles to create more intuitive and user-centric digital products.
  • 🗸 Career Switchers and Job Seekers in Tech looking to break into the tech industry through in-demand UI/UX skills applicable across sectors.
  • 🗸 Marketing and Communications Professionals who want to create more engaging visual content and enhance the user experience across digital touchpoints.

 

What You'll Learn
  • 🗸Understand key design concepts such as typography, colour theory, imagery, and composition to create visually compelling and user-friendly interfaces.
  • 🗸Learn to design functional and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces, incorporating accessibility, branding, and mobile-first best practices.
  • 🗸Gain proficiency in user-centred design, information architecture, and usability testing to create seamless user experiences.
  • 🗸Develop and refine prototypes using sketching, wireframing, and usability testing to enhance user engagement and problem-solving.
  • 🗸Understand the interplay between UX and UI design to create intuitive, research-driven, and user-friendly digital experiences.

 

What You'll Earn
Course Digital Badges
Digital Certificate
  • 🗸 Some certificates may also provide a pathway toward a diploma. Please refer to the program mapping chart to confirm eligibility.

 

Program Details +
  • This program is comprised of three courses. Courses are 21 hours each, for a total of 63 instructional hours.
  • EXSM 3921 UI Design Foundations is a prerequisite for EXSM 3922 Visual Design for UI.
  • It’s designed for part-time study and can generally be completed within one year.
  • Grading is through assessments.
  • It’s a flexible online experience, with courses offered asynchronously. More info about online delivery formats can be found here.
  • Course materials are shared in ConEd Canvas. Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks.
Funding & Scholarships +
  • Please note that continuing education classes are not eligible for student loans.
  • If you're seeking financial assistance for these courses, please explore the scholarship, bursaries and funding opportunities specifically designated for continuing education students.
Cost +
  • Approximate cost of the full program: $1,935 CAD
  • Flexible payment options: register and pay for all courses at once or pay course-by-course as you go
  • Cours­es are GST-exempt
  • Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks
Stacking Credentials and Transferability +
  • This program may be eligible to stack toward a diploma program. For more information, please contact techprog@ualberta.ca.
  • To learn about transferability from other institutions, see our Transfer Credit information.
International Students +
  • International Students are welcome to enroll and pay the same course fees as local students.
  • Proficiency in English and a stable internet connection are needed to participate and succeed in our courses.
  • Please note that non-credit programming does not qualify for a study permit, therefore, this program cannot be used for immigration to Canada. For more information, please contact University of Alberta International Student Services.
Student Services + Resources +

Additional Details

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