Overview
Prepare for a career in web dev with the Full-Stack Web Development (FSWD) Diploma program. With small classes, FSWD focuses on the technical tools used to build web applications and core career competencies such as teamwork and communication. Our coaching model and end-to-end projects will support and prepare you for life in the tech sector.
This two-year full-time program offers hands-on experience, equipping you with the skills needed to work on all layers of web technology and preparing you for the many opportunities in this satisfying and high-demand field.
Project experience with designers in a separate program enables you to bring a unique perspective and ability that industry requires and needs: the capacity to work effectively within a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment.
About the program
The FSWD Diploma is offered at the Downtown Campus and features industry-driven project-based learning, working with a real client, small classes, and flexible learning spaces.
The program includes the following topics:
- General software development: foundational skills in programming, mathematics , and database technologies
- Front-End/Client development: building the client-facing side of the web, including React, HTML, CSS and JavaScript
- Back-End/Server development: interfacing with the server such as PHP, ASP.NET, and Node.js
- Project & team management: teamwork, communication, and project skills
- Design: fundamental design and story element principles
- Business: relevant law, e-commerce, marketing, and entrepreneurship skills
- Interdisciplinary projects: multiple projects in which you’ll apply what you’ve learned within an interdisciplinary team
See Program Details to learn more about what you can expect from FSWD, and how you can prepare for a career as a web developer.
Who should complete the FSWD Diploma?
This program might be for you if you:
- Love technology that offers a great experience and are interested in crafting appealing and efficient web apps
- Want to feel the satisfaction of creating something
- Enjoy working with people and in teams
- Have a knack for troubleshooting and problem-solving
- Thrive in a multifaceted context that includes programming, user experience, and design
- Are looking for a professional career with abundant opportunities
If any of these sound like you, please check the Entrance Requirements.
What Full-Stack Web Development grads can do
By earning your BCIT FSWD Diploma, you’ll create the web of the future! Having honed your technical skills and gained knowledge of current technologies, you’ll be prepared for positions in multiple industries and locations. Amazing software doesn’t just build itself, be a part of it.
Web developers are in demand in BC, with over 5200 openings predicted over the next ten years, according to BC’s latest Labour Market Outlook.
You also have the option to continue your education with BCIT’s Bachelor of Technology in Technology Management. Additional laddering options could require bridge courses.
Learn more about the opportunities on the Graduating and Jobs page.
Entrance Requirements
Application processing
This program has multiple application deadlines and may fill after each deadline date.
| Start date | Applications open | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| September | October 1* | March 1* (early) |
| April 30* (final) |
*or next business day
We recommend that you apply early. All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline.
Indigenous applicants: Read about Indigenous student support available for the Full-Stack Web Development program.
Entrance requirements
Competitive Entry: Two-step process
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- Academic grades above the minimum
Step 1: Meet the following entrance requirements
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 12 (67%) or
- Foundations of Math 12 (73%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
Step 2: Department assessment
Admission is competitive and will be offered to the most qualified applicants. The competitive calculation formula takes the average of the applicant’s secondary or post-secondary English and math scores. Make sure to advise Admissions of your highest grades.
A waitlist of eligible applicants, ranked in competitive order, will be kept in the event that a seat becomes available prior to the end of the first week of term. The waitlist is cleared once the program intake is full and closed; unsuccessful applicants must re-apply to be considered for the next intake. Unsuccessful students may wish to upgrade their math and English before re-applying.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants.
Study permit: A valid BCIT study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.
Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility: This program meets the eligible field of study requirement (CIP) and is eligible for students to apply for a PGWP.
(CIPC: 11.0801)
Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
Costs & Supplies
Learn about BCIT entrance awards, including support for Indigenous students entering computing programs.
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Books are expected to cost $500 to $800 per term.
(General estimated cost, subject to change)
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) at BCIT is an initiative that enables BCIT students to access campus resources at any time through your own device, and to use their own computers for course work. The Full-Stack Web Development Diploma at the Downtown BCIT Campus is a participant in this programs and requires all students to bring their own Windows-compatible laptop to school each day.
Please refer to this Preferred Laptop Specifications [PDF].
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
Courses
Class hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:30pmProgram matrix
| Level 1 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 1116 | Business Communications 1 | 4.0 | |
| COMP 1171 | Web Development 1 | 3.0 | |
| COMP 1320 | Introduction to Software Development | 5.0 | |
| COMP 1340 | Introduction to Operating Systems Administration | 4.0 | |
| MATH 1320 | Mathematics for Computing | 4.0 | |
| MDIA 1106 | Design 1 | 3.0 | |
| MDIA 2190 | Photoshop | 3.0 | |
| Level 2A (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| ACIT 2811 | UX/UI Development | 3.0 | |
| COMM 2116 | Communications for Business and Web | 5.0 | |
| COMP 2131 | Web Development 2 | 4.0 | |
| COMP 2311 | Agile Software Development | 4.0 | |
| COMP 2340 | Collaboration Tools | 2.0 | |
| COMP 2350 | Web Database Technologies | 4.0 | |
| COMP 2523 | Object Oriented Programming 1 | 5.0 | |
| Level 2B (5 weeks) | Credits | ||
| IDSP 2380 | Web Projects 1 | 6.0 | |
| Level 3 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| BLAW 3205 | Internet and IT Law | 3.0 | |
| COMP 1350 | Web Administration | 3.0 | |
| COMP 3330 | JavaScript Frameworks and Server | 5.0 | |
| COMP 3514 | Web C# Application Development | 4.0 | |
| IDSP 3380 | Web Projects 2 | 6.0 | |
| MDIA 2106 | Design 2 | 4.0 | |
| MKTG 1352 | Digital Marketing | 3.0 | |
| Level 4 (15 weeks) | Credits | ||
| ACIT 4770 | Legal and Ethical Issues in IT | 2.0 | |
| COMP 4514 | ASP.NET Core MVC for Web Apps | 4.0 | |
| COMP 4515 | Server-Side Web Scripting with PHP | 5.0 | |
| IDSP 4380 | Web Projects 3 | 6.0 | |
| MDIA 2025 | Digital Portfolio Development | 3.0 | |
| VENT 4000 | Entrepreneurship | 3.0 | |
| Total Credits: | 110.0 | ||
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
Program Details
This Diploma covers the knowledge and skills needed by full-stack web developers to create, modify, and maintain full web applications, including server configuration, front-end development, back-end development, data management, and web architecture design. The FSWD Diploma also provides valuable interdisciplinary training in a unique cross-program format.
Program Structure by Term
Program Goals
Upon successful completion of the FSWD Diploma, students will be able to:
- Build front-end web applications using tools such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks
- Build web applications using formats such as the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern
- Build back-end RESTful applications using modern scripting and programming languages and frameworks
- Install, configure, run, and manage web servers and resources through command-line interfaces
- Build, administer, and use modern database management systems, and incorporate the data within web applications
- Develop software in accordance with best practice for design, implementation, and testing and deployment
- Apply modern, best-practice front-end UX, UI, and design techniques
- Build prototypes and full-stack full web applications in teams, including front-end and back-end development based on user requirements and needs
- Communicate effectively in written and oral English and use presentation tools effectively in a business, sales or technical setting
- Create web applications that follow legal, ethical, and security best practices
- Prepare to market and sell web applications according to best current practice
- Manage and collaborate on team projects using popular technical tools such as version control and communication tools and modern methodologies such as Agile and Scrum
Student Support
BCIT is committed to providing assistance to all its full- and part-time students with permanent or temporary, visible or non-visible disabilities. Current and future students who may need support to overcome the limits and barriers encountered during their studies are encouraged to contact BCIT’s Accessibility Services to attend an information session or to arrange an interview with one of the institute’s Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists.
Program length
This is a full-time, two-year diploma program.
Students who need extra time will typically complete the program within three years.
Program delivery
In person: This program is delivered on campus.
Program location
Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
Graduating & Jobs
Employment
Web development is a fast-growing employment category, with continued projected high growth and demand in BC and beyond. Web developers are employed across multiple industries throughout the private and public sectors. They may also be self-employed.
Furthering Education
Graduates of this diploma program may apply for acceptance into BCIT’s Bachelor of Technology Degree in Technology Management. With bridging, laddering to other BCIT degrees, such as the Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science, and BTech in Forensic Investigation (Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity option), may also be possible.
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Full-time Faculty
Jeremy Holman, Program Head
Armaan Dhanji, Instructor
Darinka Aguirre Amador, Instructor
Douglas Lu, Instructor
Frederic Guo, Instructor
Joao Molinari, Instructor
Julian Fekety, Instructor
Nader Abou Chakra, Instructor
Rafi Mohammad, Instructor
Sam Lee, Instructor
Sam Meech-Ward, Instructor
Stephen Scheibel, Instructor
Tomoko Okochi, Instructor
Administration
Ron Terencio, Program Coordinator
Advisory committee
BCIT is well-respected by employers for its ties to the industry. In Computing, this connection is formalized through a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) comprised of experts in a range of roles from a cross-section of companies. The department consults regularly to ensure program currency and relevance.
Contact Us
Prospective Student Inquiries
Email: program_advising@bcit.ca
Current Student Inquiries
Email: fswddiploma@bcit.ca
Questions or comments?
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