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Course

Advanced Certificate in Digital Communication Design

This course explores the theory and principles of digital communication design, including user experience, user interface, interaction design, information design, and communication with global and diverse audiences.
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Estimated Duration
14 Weeks
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These estimates are provided as a guide and will vary based on learning style, prior knowledge, and depth of exploration.
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Level
Format
Delivery Method
Online Cohort
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Our courses are self-paced allowing you to learn from anywhere, any time. They are delivered through a mixture of written materials, videos, and knowledge checks to create a dynamic learning experience
National Rank
Achievement
Certificate of Achievement
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On completing the course you will receive a shareable certificate
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Duration Overview
10 - 12 hours per week

Week 1 - 12 | Learning
6 units, released every 2 weeks.

Week 13 - 14 | Assessment
Completion and submission

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Upcoming Dates
September 2025
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Course Overview

Digital communication has become integral to nearly every sector, playing a vital role in areas ranging from entertainment and education to branding, journalism, and civic engagement. When thoughtfully designed, it can be powerful, informative, persuasive, and engaging. Effective communication solutions require creative thinking and a deep understanding of how digital platforms and media shape message delivery. From seasoned to aspiring designers, this course equips learners with the tools to create innovative, engaging solutions and communicate effectively with their intended audiences.

This course provides an essential theoretical foundation in digital communication design, helping learners to evaluate how digital design functions and how audiences interact with it across different contexts. Through guided activities and structured learning, participants will explore how digital design functions, how it's understood across different contexts and how various audiences interact with it. This course emphasises integrating design and communication theory, helping students evaluate and develop impactful solutions.

Participants will gain insights into UX, UI, interaction design, information design, and communication strategies for global and diverse audiences. Each key topic will be broken down into foundational elements, building toward cohesive, audience-centred design solutions. Learners will also explore the challenges and opportunities of using digital media and platforms to inform, persuade, and engage a wide range of audiences. 

 

Units

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  1. Introduction to Digital Media and Communication.
  2. User experience and interaction design for communication.
  3. Persuasive communication and differences in brand identity for global audiences.
  4. Information visualisation approaches.
  5. Approaches for user engagement and collaboration.
  6. Human diversity, accessible design and inclusive design.

Assessment

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The project report consists of two elements: 

  1. Mock-ups or prototypes of the final design solution 
  2. A project report for design/re-design of digital communication solutions, informed by relevant theories. 1,500 – 2,000 words 

Certification

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Upon successful completion, participants will receive a level 7 certificate from the University of Leeds, a globally recognised institution ranked among the top 75 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024) .


Duration Breakdown and Time Commitment

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The learning will average about 8/10 hours per week .

Week 1 – Welcome Webinar – 30 minutes (8th September 25)

Week 1 – Unit 1 

Week 2 – Unit 1 Webinar  (w/c 15th September 25)

Week 3 – Unit 2 

Week 4 – Unit 2 Webinar (w/c 29th September 25)

Week 5 – Unit 3 

Week 6 – Unit 3 Webinar (w/c 13th October 25)

Week 7 – Unit 4 

Week 8 – Unit 4 Webinar (w/c 27th October 25)

Week 9 – Unit 5 

Week 10 – Unit 5 Webinar (w/c 10th November 25)

Week 11 – Unit 6 

Week 12 – Unit 6 Webinar (w/c 24th November 25)

Week 13 – Assessment Completion 

Week 14 – Assessment Completion  

Week 14 – Assessment Submitted  

 

*Marks will be provided 4 weeks after submission (week 18)   


Delivery Method

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Our courses are delivered through online flexible learning, supported by optional live webinars.

You'll engage with various learning materials, including readings, videos, interactive activities, and knowledge checks, to enrich your experience and reinforce your understanding throughout the course.

Upon completion, you’ll gain access to our PACE alumni network and have opportunities to attend exclusive on-campus events.



What Will You Learn?

    The key principles of UX, UI, and interaction design and how they contribute to effective digital communication.


    How to influence and persuade through design, including how communication styles vary in different countries.


    The importance of localisation and how to tailor content and design for global audiences.


    Information visualisation techniques and designing effective digital dashboards.


    The essential guidelines for creating clear, compelling infographics.


    The laws and guidelines surrounding user engagement, privacy and collaboration


    How to design with accessibility and diversity in mind.


    Discover best practices for inclusive design and how to apply them.

What Skills and Benefits Will You Gain?

    Gain a strong theoretical foundation to inform and improve digital design practice.


    Apply relevant theories and principles to assess your digital communication design critically.


    Evaluate existing communication design solutions using frameworks related to branding, audience targeting and user experience.


    Develop thoughtful, user-focused design solutions informed by theory.


    Confidence in creating digital products that meet both business objectives and audience needs.


    Develop solutions which effectively communicate with a given audience through digital design.


    Create more inclusive and accessible designs.

Course Prerequisites

    A Bachelor's in any subject or practical experience in design or a related field.

Who Is This Course For?

    This course is ideal for anyone working in or transitioning to a digitally focused role. Whether you're looking to upskill or switch careers, this course will strengthen your ability to design compelling digital experiences.

    It’s particularly relevant for:

    • Software developers
    • UX (User Experience) designers
    • UI (User Interface) designers
    • Front-end developers
    • Digital Product Designer
    • Front-End Developer with Design Skills
    • Digital Communications Specialist
    • Content Designer
    • Interaction Designer
    • Information Designer / Visual Communicator
    • Digital Project Manager

    As organisations continue to prioritise digital transformation, there is increasing demand for individuals who can design inclusive, user-centred, and strategically aligned digital experiences. This course may also be beneficial for professionals aiming to:

    • Enhance their design skills to support leadership or consultancy roles
    • Develop a more global perspective in digital communication
    • Expand their portfolio for future job applications or freelance work
    • Better align digital products with audience needs and business goals

Course Lead
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Dr. Kimberly Sheen
Lecturer in Digital Design and Communication

Dr. Kimberly Sheen is a Digital Design and Communication Lecturer at the School of Design. She teaches across several programmes and creates online learning for the School of Design, where her expertise in user experience, web design, and educational technology empowers learners to address complex challenges in digital communication. Her curriculum integrates principles of cognitive ergonomics and accessibility, ensuring students are equipped to design inclusive and innovative solutions in the fast-evolving digital landscape.

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