Mandatory requirements

This certificate program is only available to international students. To be eligible to apply, you must,

  • have a post-secondary degree or diploma
  • achieve an IELTS test score of 6.0 or equivalent and, 
  • meet eligibility criteria for all necessary study and work permits.

All classes will be held in person at our main campus in Calgary, Alberta. 

Overview

This program provides an in-depth exploration of human-centered technology design, UX design, digital marketing, accessibility and product branding. With a strong emphasis on user-centric methodologies, creative problem-solving and data-driven marketing strategies, you'll gain the tools to develop innovative and inclusive digital solutions. The program integrates product management and marketing concepts, ensuring you're prepared to address real-world challenges and lead cross-functional teams in creating impactful digital experiences.

This unique program is designed to empower early-to-mid career professionals to upskill or explore new career opportunities in an increasingly digital world. While previous technical or marketing experience is not required, a curious mindset in digital design, marketing, and technology - as well as a willingness to fully engage in this hands-on program - are essential for a successful learning experience.

PGWP

This program is post graduate work permit (PGWP) eligible with a CIP:11.0105

If you bundle this program with another, you may be eligible for a three-year work permit. Contact us at coned.international@sait.ca for additional information. 

This program is currently offered to international students only. Take this program as a one year of study or bundle it with another program like IT Project Management or Data Science.

For information on work permits, please refer to the IRCC website

Please contact coned.international@sait.ca for more information.

Upcoming intakes

This one-year program is delivered over two consecutive semesters. We offer three intakes of this program every year.

Please review SAIT's important dates calendar for holidays, campus closures and days to rememeber. 

Intake Semester Dates

Fall 2025
Apply for fall

Semester 1  Sept. 2 - Dec. 19, 2025 (Tentative)
Semester 2 Jan. 5 - April 24, 2026 (Tentative)

Winter 2026
Apply for winter

Semester 1  Jan. 6 - April 23, 2026 (Tentative)
Semester 2 May 4 - Aug. 21, 2026 (Tentative)

Spring 2026
Apply for spring

Semester 1  May 4 - Aug. 21, 2026 (Tentative)
Semester 2 Sept. 1 - Dec. 17, 2026 (Tentative)

Program outline

Courses are scheduled in three different time blocks: 8 am - 12 pm, 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm, or 5 pm - 9 pm.

After you have paid your tuition deposit and confirmed your student visa, you will receive a survey asking about class time preferences. Results will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note: We will make every effort to schedule you in your requested time slot; however, we are not able to guarantee that your requested time slot will be granted.

Required courses & electives

The Human-Centered Design Principles course provides participants with a thorough understanding of key methodologies and practices for creating user-focused designs. Participants will explore user-centered design methodologies, empathy mapping, and persona development to better understand and address user needs. Ethical and social considerations in technology development are discussed to ensure responsible design practices. Finally, participants will learn to balance user needs with business goals, creating solutions that are both user-friendly and commercially viable. This course is ideal for designers committed to creating impactful and responsible user experiences.

The Human-Centered Design Principles course provides participants with a thorough understanding of key methodologies and practices for creating user-focused designs. Participants will explore user-centered design methodologies, empathy mapping, and persona development to better understand and address user needs. Ethical and social considerations in technology development are discussed to ensure responsible design practices. Finally, participants will learn to balance user needs with business goals, creating solutions that are both user-friendly and commercially viable. This course is ideal for designers committed to creating impactful and responsible user experiences.

The Accessibity UX Design Principles course equips participants with essential skills to create inclusive user experiences. Participants will learn to identify and overcome biases that can affect design decisions, understand the diverse needs and challenges faced by different user groups, and develop strategies to ensure accessibility, usability, and equality in their designs. This course is ideal for UX designers who are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in their work, making a positive impact on the user experience for everyone.

The Collaborative Project: UX and Digital Marketing Integration course emphasizes cross-functional teamwork to achieve cohesive user experiences and marketing goals. Participants will learn to combine UX principles with digital marketing strategies, designing user experiences that drive engagement and conversions. The course covers A/B testing to evaluate marketing effectiveness and optimize designs. It highlights the importance of cross-department collaboration, fostering effective teamwork between UX and marketing teams to create integrated and impactful user experiences. This course is ideal for professionals looking to enhance collaboration and achieve business objectives through the integration of UX and digital marketing.

The Capstone Project: Comprehensive Digital Product Development course guides participants through the entire process of creating a user-centered digital product, from concept to prototype. Participants will incorporate branding, design and accessibility elements to ensure a cohesive and inclusive design. The course also includes the creation of an advanced digital marketing plan to promote the product effectively. This course is ideal for those looking to apply their skills in a real-world project and showcase their expertise in digital product development.

In this course, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of basic digital marketing concepts and how to apply them to create an effective integrated campaign for maximum impact. As you move through the course, you will explore the marketing funnel, metrics, and content to craft a comprehensive approach to digital marketing for business. You will also develop a website, optimize it for search engine queries, and discuss how it can be used as part of a paid and organic integrated digital media campaign. By the end of this course, you will have a solid understanding of digital marketing terms, types of success measurements, and how to optimize your digital marketing strategies for maximum impact.

In this course, you will explore the world of digital media and gain hands-on experience in ideating, launching, and managing digital media channels. You will learn how to develop a strategy that emphasizes a multi-channel approach with integrated best practices for each channel to achieve business marketing objectives, including social media marketing, paid media, and email marketing. By the end of the course, you will be able to manage an organic social media presence, promote a brand through paid media channels, and create an effective email marketing plan for a business.

In this Marketing Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Adoption course, you will explore the essential role of Digital Analytics in modern marketing practices. You will learn to set up tools to track and analyze digital marketing data using analytics and use this data to make informed decisions. You will also compare and contrast various AI tools for digital marketing. By the end of the course, you will be able to optimize the Customer Experience with AI, enhancing your ability to leverage data-driven insights and artificial intelligence to strengthen your targeted and personalized marketing campaigns.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential marketing and branding strategies for entrepreneurs. You will learn the key elements of entrepreneurship marketing and how to design a minimum viable product (MVP) to test new business ideas. The course also explores the creation of engaging blogs for marketing purposes, focusing on the components that capture and retain audience attention. Additionally, you will explore the core concepts of branding, conduct a mini brand audit to assess business positioning, and understand the fundamentals of storytelling to build compelling narratives. By the end of the course, you will be able to create an interactive pitch deck that effectively communicates your business ideas and sets you up for success in the entrepreneurial landscape.

This course provides an immersive introduction to the fundamentals of product marketing. You'll learn key principles in positioning a product within a market, effectively identifying target audiences, and developing strong messaging strategies. With a focus on hands-on, real-world application, you'll work through the key marketing frameworks and strategic tools that will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively position a product or service in the market and will equip you with the knowledge and tools to influence customer perception, optimize pricing for revenue growth, and launch products successfully in competitive markets. As you progress through the course, you will, develop strategic pricing models, craft a strategic content plan, and create actionable go-to-market (GTM) plans.

How to apply for this certificate

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Have a post-secondary degree or diploma - You must submit the following documents for assessment
    • Post-secondary transcripts, mark sheets, or examination results AND
    • Post-secondary parchment or graduation certificate.
      • If your documents were not issued in English, you must provide a certified translated version from a certified translator along with the the original documents (in the original language).
      • If your name has changed, we will require validation of the name change (marriage certificate, etc.).
      • SAIT also accepts external assessments from IQASWES, and others.
  2. Demonstrate proof of English proficiency
    • The preferred method of demonstration is an approved test assessment with an IELTS test score of a 6.0 or equivalent
  3. Meet eligibility criteria for all necessary study and work permits. 

Application process

Certifications and professional designations

Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll receive:

  • a SAIT issued Human-Centered UX (User Experience) Design & Digital Marketing Professional Certificate
  • SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro) digital badge for eligible courses in the program

Some courses included in the program may be eligible for training credits or professional development units toward industry certifications. Additional education, exams or work experience requirements may apply.

Costs

2025/26 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2025.

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees is based on the suggested schedule of study. Following a modified schedule will impact the fees you pay per semester and may alter final costs.

Application fee: $175

Tuition deposit: $3,500 - due 15 days after recieving your offer letter. 

If you are completing a second program, you must pay an additional deposit fee to hold your seat. Tuition deposits may be transferred one time to any future intake open at the time you make your request. For additional transfers, you must submit a new application and pay the non-refundable tuition deposit.

Tuition payments are due one month prior to the first day of your semester.

Semester Tuition fees Additional fees Total per semester
1 $5,950 $1,279.30 $10,729.30
2 $9,450 $175 $9,625
Total cost:
$20,354.30

Books and supplies

There may be additional fees required for books and supplies, accommodations and any professional association membership or certification exams (if applicable). 

Technology

You are required to have a personal laptop, meeting the standard hardware/software specifications for use during the duration of your studies.

Careers and opportunities

Skills learned in this program can be applied to a variety of supervisory and management careers. Expect to start at the entry-level and as you gain experience and with additional education, your career opportunities will expand.

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.

SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.

We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.