Admission Requirements

The next intake for the Graduate Program in Design is September 2012. The deadline date for application is January 15 , 2012. Eligibility for admission to the MDes Program requires the following:

1. Four year undergraduate honours degree or equivalent* in Visual Communication/Graphic Design.
   
   
2. At least a B (second class) standing,
   
   
3. Demonstration of English proficiency for students whose first language is not English.

*The MDes program is focused in visual communication design, information design, interactivity design and design studies and requires a four year honours undergraduate degree or equivalent with at least a B (second class) standing in Visual Communication/Graphic Design. Applicants that do not meet the above educational requirements but show exceptional promise through their experience and portfolio may be recommended for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Applicants who apply from related design fields or non-design fields, or who do not hold an honours degree may be encouraged to complete a specifically tailored one year of study at the BDes level as a Special Student before re-applying to the graduate program. Undertaking and completing this BDes undergraduate year does not constitute or promise formal acceptance into the Master of Design program.

Application Procedure

The next intake for the Graduate Program in Design is September 2012. The deadline date for application is January 15, 2012 .

An application to the MDes program includes several components. Before starting the application process, please review all of the requirements for formally applying to the Faculty of Graduate Studies including specific requirements of the MDes program: http://www.yorku.ca/web/futurestudents/graduate/

A complete description of the application requirements and procedures, an electronic Application for Admission, as well as other necessary forms to be included in your application package can be accessed at http://www.yorku.ca/web/futurestudents/graduate/programs/Design/

Application Package

All application components should be completed and submitted as one package and must include the following:

1. Statement of interest: 750 words.
   The Statement of interest should outline the applicant's design philosophy and indicate the area of investigation and approach to be pursued in the MDes program. The Statement is a critical component of the assessment of the application package.
   
   
2. Design Portfolio:
   The portfolio should contain the pieces of work that strongly support the applicant's potential to engage in the activities outlined in the Statement of Intent. It typically contains 10–20 pieces of work and/or design study activity that reflects the applicant's abilities and insights into Visual Communication/Graphic Design and problem solving. A title, the work dimensions, a brief description and statement about the context of the work should be provided whenever appropriate. Design writing and/or publications are suitable materials to include in the portfolio. The portfolio should be submitted on a CD or DVD.
   
   
3. Curriculum Vitae.
   
   
4. Letters of recommendation:
   Three letters of recommendation in sealed envelopes, using official Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) forms.
   
   
5. Transcripts
   Two official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended (excluding York University).