Design

All Programs

Location	Email Address	Program Website
4008 Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building, 4700 Keele Street	mdesyork@yorku.ca	design.gradstudies.yorku.ca

The Graduate Program in Design is distinguished by its emphasis on design research through practice and its interdisciplinary approach to graphic design. Our degrees are built around the introduction and application of design research methods: In the first semester we emphasize disciplinary inquiry that can be used to expand the possibilities of how we think about visual communication; and in the second semester we emphasize human-centered methods that attempt to address many of the vexing issues facing society today. Our students learn rigorous processes that question, analyze, and interpret the role of design in contemporary culture and society.

Master of Design (MDes)

For designers who want to transform their practice, the MDes’s 5-semester experience gives students the opportunity to shape the trajectory of
their career. The MDes program allows students to independently pursue a longer, significant research investigation of their own making with considerable depth. Under the guidance and support of a supervisor, students receive training to pursue original research, whether that is a matter of questioning the discipline, fostering social change, or advancing services through human-centered exploration. In the third semester, students identify a thesis topic, investigate ways of conducting a thesis, construct a researchable question that will frame their project, and write a proposal for their second year of study. In the second year, students conduct intensive research that aligns with an appropriate design process that culminates in a design project that addresses their research question and a written thesis document that supports their research work.

Master of Arts in Design Research (MA in Design Research)

For designers who want to energize their practice, the MA in Design Research’s 3-semester applied emphasis allows a student to immediately transfer what they learned into the workplace. The MA shares the same curriculum as the first year of the MDes program but culminates in a 1-semester Major Research Project or Major Research Paper completed under the guidance and support of a supervisor rather than a 12-month thesis. The MA program helps students develop the applied research expertise needed in today’s workforce and offers practical and attainable means of developing a strong, forward-thinking contemporary practice. Students sharpen their design skills, gain exposure to design research methods, and learn to articulate the value of design-based innovation.

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements for all Programs

Overview

Below are general application requirements. See the Graduate Program in Design website for specific MDes and MA application information.

Four-year undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in visual communication design or related field. Persons without a design-related degree but whose experience is in some way related to design as demonstrated in the portfolio, may be considered.
At least a B standing
Design portfolio that demonstrates your skills in visual communication. For MA applicants without a design-related degree but have some design experience and other related experience, you may submit a portfolio of 3–4 case studies that demonstrate involvement in design projects, e.g. papers, reports or other written and visual material, and clearly identify your role in these projects.
Statement of interest
Curriculum vitae
Three letters of recommendation
Transcripts
Demonstration of English proficiency for students whose first language is not English

English Language Requirement

All instruction in the Graduate Program in Design is delivered in English. It is imperative that students be proficient in English and be able to present their ideas both verbally and in writing. See the Faculty of Graduate Studies website for more information and to see which English proficiency tests are recognized.

Degree Requirements

Master of Design/Master of Arts in Design Research

Master of Design	Master of Arts in Design Research
Candidates for the MDes degree must successfully complete the following coursework of 21 credits: Design 5101 3.0: Design Theory and Criticism Design 5104 3.0: User-centred Design Research Methods Design 5107 3.0: Disciplinary Research Methods in Design Design 5108 3.0: Design Studio: Culture and Criticism Design 5109 3.0: Design Studio: Users and Information two electives (six credits, normally completed by the end of the second term in support of the Thesis, Major Research Project, or Major Research Paper. Only one elective may be selected from a list of approved courses offered by Design. At least one elective must be selected from graduate programs outside of Design with permission of the Program(s). MDes Degree by Thesis In fulfilment of Master of Design degree requirements, students complete a thesis research project (the format and media of the final project will vary), as well as a thesis support paper of 5,000–15,000 words. Both the Master of Design thesis research project and the thesis support paper are defended at the final oral examination. In addition to the thesis project and support paper, continuing students are required to display their progress through public presentations of the thesis proposal, and thesis-in-progress presentations each fall and winter semester.	Candidates for the MA degree must successfully complete the following coursework of 21 credits: Design 5101 3.0: Design Theory and Criticism Design 5104 3.0: User-centred Design Research Methods Design 5107 3.0: Disciplinary Research Methods in Design Design 5108 3.0: Design Studio: Culture and Criticism Design 5109 3.0: Design Studio: Users and Information two electives (six credits, normally completed by the end of the second term in support of the Thesis, Major Research Project, or Major Research Paper. Only one elective may be selected from a list of approved courses offered by Design. At least one elective must be selected from graduate programs outside of Design with permission of the Program(s). MA Degree by Major Research Project In fulfilment of Master of Arts degree requirements, students complete a Major Research Project (the format and media of the final project will vary) on an approved topic, working under the supervision of a faculty member to be presented and exhibited in a public forum. The design work will demonstrate independence, originality, and substantial understanding of the area of investigation. In addition to the MRP, continuing students are required to participate in end-of-semester presentations each fall and winter semester. MA Degree by Major Research Paper In fulfilment of Master of Arts degree requirements, students must complete a Major Research Paper. Students must undertake research and produce a paper of 6500–7500 words on an approved topic, working under the supervision of a faculty member. The paper will demonstrate independence, originality, and substantial understanding of the area of investigation. In addition to the MRP, continuing students are required to participate in end-of-semester presentations each fall and winter semester.
Program Entry The MDes program can be completed on a full-time basis. Entry is fall term.	Program Entry The MA program can be completed on a full-time basis. Entry is fall term.
Program Length The expected degree completion time for full-time MDes students is 5 consecutive terms. Students must register and pay fees for a minimum of the equivalent of 5 terms of full-time study. All requirements for a master’s degree must be fulfilled within 12 terms (4 years) of registration as a full-time or part-time master’s student in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies’ registration policies.	Program Length The expected degree completion time for full-time MA students is 3 consecutive terms. Students must register and pay fees for a minimum of the equivalent of 3 terms of full-time study. All requirements for a master’s degree must be fulfilled within 12 terms (4 years) of registration as a full-time or part-time master’s student in accordance with Faculty of Graduate Studies registration policies.

Master of Design (MDes)

Master of Arts in Design Research (MA in Design Research)

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