Overview

About the program

The MDes Design Studies program at the University of Alberta focuses on research for the public good in the areas of Industrial Design (ID) and Visual Communication Design (VCD). Faculty members are engaged in research and practice, using interdisciplinary approaches and participatory methods.

Industrial Design is concerned with the interface between the user and the built environment and the physical, cognitive, and emotional issues involved.
Visual Communication Design focuses on information design and communication, in print and interactive new media, and includes design for needs relating to education, culture, health, and safety.

Graduate students have presented their work at local, national and international conferences and exhibitions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Seminar in Related Disciplines: From Critique to Criticality
Concepts, Analysis and Criticism in Design
Seminar on Design Issues
Special Topics in Design Studies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

61

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edmonton, Canada

Disciplines

Design View 30 other Masters in Design in Canada

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Academic requirements

GPA

3

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

61

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Prospective MDes students should hold a four-year Bachelor's degree (typically a Bachelor's of Design degree) from a recognized academic institution.
Applicants who have strong academic records but have completed university degree programs other than a four-year BDes (for example, a four-year BA) are encouraged to apply.
Applicants must provide evidence of work related to the intended area of study. It should be representative of a level of development equivalent to advanced undergraduate study in a university program.
Completion of senior-level coursework in History of Art, Design, and Visual Culture also is required.
A qualifying year of study prior to formal entry into the graduate program is possible for applicants who may need to supplement their undergraduate preparation or for those who have a three-year degree.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Alberta and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

10519 CAD / year

≈ 10519 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4924 CAD / year

≈ 4924 CAD / year

Living costs

Edmonton

Canada

1201 - 1992 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Design Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

About the program

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Edmonton

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners