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Graduate Program in Design Faculty of Graduate Studies
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Degree Requirements

Candidates for the MDes and MA degree must successfully complete the following coursework of 21 credits:

  • DESN 5101 3.0: Design Theory and Criticism
  • DESN 5104 3.0: User-centred Design Research Methods
  • DESN 5107 3.0: Disciplinary Research Methods in Design
  • DESN 5108 3.0: Design Studio: Culture and Criticism
  • DESN 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

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 a 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.

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 a 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.

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.

MDes

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.

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 the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ registration policies.

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The Graduate Program in Design at York is an exciting environment to pursue innovative, socially engaging, career-ready education. Contact our Student Program Assistant to learn more.

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