Diploma in Digital Design and Development

at British Columbia Institute of Technology - Burnaby Campus Canada

The Automotive Service Technician and Operations (ASTO) program has been designed to meet the need for skilled technicians who can diagnose and repair the sophisticated systems in today’s motor vehicles. It is also for those with an interest in automotive, but who aspire to run their own business or assume customer service and management positions in the industry.

This program offers maximum career flexibility, enabling graduates to pursue their Automotive Service Technician Red Seal certification with the option for post-diploma baccalaureate pathways in business administration and technology management.

The program
This ASTO program is comprised of four technical training terms with two paid 22-week co-op work terms in an automotive repair facility.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive an Automotive Service Technician and Operations Diploma and qualify for credit towards all four levels of technical training requirements in the Provincial Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program.

The Electrical Power and Industrial Control option of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET) program offers students a foundation in the technology used in utility, industrial, commercial and residential applications. Graduates will have strong theoretical and practical, hands-on knowledge in many areas, including:

• Power generation including renewable and conventional energy resources
• Electric machines (motors and generators) and their controls
• Power distribution design for utilities
• Industrial electrical systems and lighting design according to the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC)
• Measurement of power quality issues and how to solve them
• Troubleshooting and operation of electrical power equipment including transformers and switchgear
• Power systems protection including both legacy and modern protection system
• Field measurement and design for grounding and bonding systems
• Industrial data communications including traditional SCADA systems and new smart grid technologies
• Industrial power electronics including variable frequency drives, inverters and rectifiers
• Power conversion systems for renewable energy resources such as wind and solar
• Programmable logic controller (PLC) system design and programming
• Managing and completing student-initiated or industry-sponsored projects in small groups

Co-operative education:
Co-operative education is an optional part of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology programs. Students who successfully complete a minimum of two co-op terms receive a co-operative education designation on their diploma.
During a co-op term, you will have a full-time paid position with an employer in the electronics industry for a period of 15 to 20 weeks. You must complete Level 2 of the program before taking a co-op term, and co-op terms may be taken consecutively.
The industrial experience you will gain in the co-op component of the program will give you an added advantage in securing a position after graduation. You are encouraged, but not required, to participate in co-operative education.

The Bachelor of Technology in Computer Systems (CST BTech) is an applied career-enhancement degree, designed to increase the breadth and depth of knowledge and practical skills of computer professionals; assisting them in widening their career opportunities and advancing along their career paths. Graduates are awarded a credential that is highly valued by the industry.

The CST BTech full-time program is a two-year degree completion program for students who have graduated from a two-year diploma in computing, such as the BCIT Computer Systems Technology (CST) program. Students who have completed other computing diploma or degree programs at an accredited college or university, whether locally or internationally, may be admitted into the program by completing pre-entry assessment and a few bridging courses.

The Games Development Option is a multi-disciplinary program that combines creativity with advanced knowledge in a range of computer programming areas. It is designed to equip students with critical skills required to succeed in a fast-paced and rapidly growing industry. Students will learn advanced programming techniques, game design (including visuals and audio), higher level mathematics (3D graphics, calculus, analytical geometry, linear algebra), physics and artificial intelligence concepts. The program includes a variety of tools and frameworks used in industry such as Unity3D, and OpenGL. These tools and frameworks are put to practical use in the development, testing and management of game applications, ultimately culminating in a major project showcasing students’ skills.

Upon graduation, students will have developed skills that are highly marketable and transferable, giving them the flexibility to pursue careers in game development, as well as in other areas of software development such as a computer programmer or software engineer.

The Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option program will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work with radio frequency (RF) electronics equipment. It is the only program of its kind in British Columbia. Through theoretical and practical study, you will develop the skills needed to install, maintain and repair RF and related electronics equipment. The program emphasizes hands-on, practical training using equipment typically encountered in industry.

Skills in the wireless communications industry are in high demand. If you like working with computers and electronic equipment, if you have good analytical skills, and if you want to work in an exciting, dynamic industry, the Telecommunications Systems Technician, Radio Systems Option program can open the door to a variety of exciting careers.

A BCIT diploma shows potential employers that you are accomplished, focused, and serious about your chosen career path. Employers know that you have both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and that you can start contributing right away. Both graduates and employers say that BCIT was extremely helpful in preparing grads for work.

Why BCIT?

• Great Faculty - You will learn from experienced instructors with a demonstrated interest in teaching. Our instructors have worked in the industry and maintain solid local connections through student practicum placements and through the program advisory committee.
• Excellent Labs - Hands-on experience with up-to-date well equipped electronics labs helps you to understand the concepts that you learn and gives you job-ready, practical skills.
• Fantastic Career Choices - You could be working for an end-user of RF equipment doing bench testing, troubleshooting and repair of critical communications equipment. For example, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the RCMP have hired our graduates to keep their communication systems running. You could be working for a manufacturer of RF-related electronics equipment in a quality assurance or service technician role. You might work for a service provider, installing, configuring and maintaining voice and data communication systems, or entertainment systems based on cable and satellite communications.
• Degree Completion - With your BCIT diploma and two years of related work experience, you can enter the Bachelor of Technology Management degree program at BCIT. The Bachelor of Technology Management degree is a part-time program, so you can continue working while you further your education.

Rapid advances in technology have increased public expectations of their communities and the buildings constructed in them. Buildings are expected to be designed and constructed to rigorous standards of workmanship and safety while at the same time incorporating all the features that contribute to speed of erection, financial efficiency and user satisfaction. High public expectations and the dynamic nature of the industry present both a challenge and an opportunity, attractive criteria for any career.

The Program
Architectural and Building Technology (ABT) is a comprehensive, two-year diploma program with a focus on applied learning. It combines sound theoretical knowledge with practical skills and technical training to provide job-ready competencies for immediate application upon entering the workforce. Students learn from industry-based faculty, develop extensive practical skills for rewarding careers, and graduate with an industry recognized credential in the design, development, construction, and building science sectors. Many employers seek out graduates from this program to join their companies.

Students follow a fixed curriculum of common courses that includes lectures and practical applications in construction drawing, materials and methods, estimating techniques, building systems, and computer applications. Organized field trips and 'hands-on' workshops form part of the curriculum and attendance is required. Students are often able to further their education through summer jobs with architects, engineers, developers, and contractors.

In the second year of the program, in addition to the common academic core, students take an Elective course (subject to departmental approval) in one of three areas of specialization. The Elective courses are:

Architectural:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in architectural offices, offer design services, pursue an architectural degree, or the Architectural Technologist Registration program through the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC).

Building Science:
Primarily intended for those students who plan to pursue careers in durable building construction, building problem diagnosis, testing of construction assemblies, new materials research and development, and environmental challenges in creating the built environment.

The BCIT Business Management diploma program prepares students to make strategic business decisions and manage the direction and operation of a company. You will gain a clear grasp of all business functions including: accounting, marketing, human resources, operations, and computer applications. Graduates analyze business problems, lead effective teams, and discover ways to improve overall business profitability and efficiency.

Looking at business through the lens of an entrepreneur, the Business Management program is your springboard into an inspiring career. You’ll learn to solve real business problems, analyze business operations, and develop the skills you need to be a successful leader in just two years.

Program Highlights

• High exposure to industry offers exceptional networking opportunities 
• Business consulting projects provide hands-on experiences looking at real-life, industry problems in all fields of business including finance, social media, and property development

Who should apply for the Business Management Diploma?
The Business Management diploma program is right for you if:

• You want to be a manager, but aren’t sure where to start
• You want to turn an entrepreneurial idea into a business start-up
• You have a combination of academics, business, or volunteer experience
• You have a unique idea you want to develop within your company 
• You are a team player interested in big picture thinking and strategy
• Eligible to enter the following professional designation program

In the Digital Design and Development diploma program at BCIT, you will build a solid foundation in designing, developing, and creating interactive, dynamic, immersive social and online applications across various digital media platforms.
Learn to work within a team to design and develop web and mobile applications, educational products, video, and audio assets for interactive media and business applications.

Digital Media Internship Prior to graduation, Digital Design and Development students participate in a hands-on, eight-week practicum to learn on the job and develop business connections in the digital media industry. The practicum provides a valuable career building experience and can even lead to a job offer from the sponsoring company.

BCIT’s Computer Systems Technology (CST) two-year diploma program combines computer systems theory with hands-on practical experience in software development. You’ll learn software engineering and programming from industry professionals, and gain experience working on real projects, from concept to deployment. In second year, specialty options add depth and further hone your skills.

The demand for qualified financial planners is high, so if you’re interested in investments and working with people, this diploma program can help you move into a successful, rewarding career.
By focusing your training at BCIT in this two-year diploma program, you’ll be 100% prepared to start work in investment and financial planning upon graduation. And with our strong mentorships, networking opportunities, and focus on practical, useable skills, many students have job offers even before graduation.

Program Highlights

• Focused on practical training for financial and investment planning and advising
• Strong industry connections and networking opportunities
• After graduation, transition to the workforce or apply to complete your Bachelor of Business Administration degree at BCIT with full-time or part-time evening courses

Find more details of how you’ll be prepared for success upon graduation in the Program Details.

Who should apply for the Financial Planning Diploma?
This program might be right for you if you:

• Are service-focused
• Enjoy interacting with people
• Have high emotional intelligence
• Have an interest in investments
• Enjoy forecasting and problem solving

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is used to manage and utilize geographic data, and is widely recognized as an essential tool in such diverse fields as forest management, urban planning, engineering, municipal management, business, and environmental studies. The potential uses of GIS technology are almost too numerous to list, and are found everywhere - from local government to the United Nations, from volunteer organizations to global corporations, in the public and private sectors.

The Advanced Diploma program in Geographic Information Systems is designed for university or college graduates with a background in a related discipline or technology.

The curriculum combines theory and practice and covers GIS principles, training in GIS software, technical issues, remote sensing, digital mapping and management issues. Students must also successfully complete a supervised work experience before graduation. This may be either an industry project or an industry practicum.

Whether you are a recent university or college graduate getting started in a career, or an experienced professional seeking new employment opportunities or career advancement, we invite you to study our web pages to learn more about the GIS program at BCIT. With over 20 years of experience in delivering advanced GIS technology programs and courses, the GIS program has established an excellent reputation for producing highly skilled and sought-after graduates.