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This program has been replaced with our new Interactive Design and Technology program

 

Are you interested in website design, interactive media, digital marketing, animation, computer graphics? Do you have a creative mind, good problem-solving skills, enjoy working with computer software and hardware?

With technology literally reinventing the way we do things (think mobile, 3D printing, social media), now is a great time to turn your interest into a full-time career. Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers a two-year New Media Communications diploma program with an optional one-year certificate program.

On this page

Start date

September

Length

35 weeks

Locations(s)

Prince Albert, Regina

The first-year New Media Communications certificate program is offered full-time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Prince Albert campus and Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina campus, with some courses available online through distance learning. It is a generalist program, meaning you’ll get a well-rounded foundation in:

  • concept development
  • digital audio, photography and video
  • graphic creation, editing and interface design
  • management principles, analytics and usability studies
  • web page design and development
  • plus electives in writing, 2D animation, 3D modeling and animation

In the second-year New Media Communications diploma program you’ll pursue specialized training in your choice of two of the following areas:

  • Digital Graphic Design builds knowledge and skills in creating graphics solutions (typography, raster/vector graphics, document layout, etc.) for websites, advertising and interactive media. Online.
  • Dynamic Web Development builds knowledge and skills in developing sophisticated, secure and interactive web content (e.g., dynamic web apps, e-commerce, online databases). Online.
  • Interactive Media Production builds knowledge and skills in developing interactive content for standalone (e.g., kiosks, digital signs) and integrated server-side processes (e.g., interface design, content management systems, mobile platforms). Online.

At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, You Learn By Doing

You’ll spend the majority of class time learning how to use the tools of the trade and applying your creative, problem-solving skills to assignments. You’ll build practical skills in several self-directed projects, and by participating either in a work experience or client-directed project.

State-of-the-Art Software

You’ll build skills by using the latest technology. Whether you’re keen on animation or 3D modelling and printing, website analytics or social media, Saskatchewan Polytechnic lets you learn on industry-standard software and hardware.

Build Your Portfolio Online

You’ll gain practical experience using online portfolio development. When you graduate, you should have your own domain, a professional presence and an online resume showcasing your best work.

Career and salary information

Your career

New media is being integrated in every sector: government and industry, big business and small e-commerce, education and health, sports and entertainment—you name it. New Media Communications graduates are working in advertising agencies, new media production companies, website design firms and more.

Advanced training opens more doors. Digital Graphic Design can lead to a career as a graphic artist, graphic interface designer, new media developer or web developer. Dynamic Web Development can lead to jobs in web and e-commerce as designers, developers and programmers. Interactive Media Production careers include content developer, interactivity specialist and web developer.

For more information, contact the Student Employment Services at a campus nearest you.

Admissions

Admission requirements

Note

  • To be successful in the program, you will require basic computer literacy.

Alternative admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through an alternative admission assessment. Applicants are automatically considered for alternative admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met.

ACCUPLACER©

Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Alternative Admission using Accuplacer.

  • 75 Reading
  • 75 Sentence
  • 4 WritePlacer

Post-secondary

Some programs allow applicants to meet the admission grade level requirement using 15 approved post-secondary credits. Review additional information.

If the program applied to has specific course requirements, they may be met through alternative post-secondary courses. Review already approved courses that may be used for admission purposes for your programs.

Admission method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

$6,800

Courses

Semester information only pertains to full-time/on-campus students, and part-time/online students should view course prerequisites when scheduling courses.

You must take two of the Elective courses above. As well, you are required to take only one of the following two Core courses:  PROJ 101, WORK 106.

Get credit for what you know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.

Transfer credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.

Student awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

Graphic Communications

Media Production Diploma