Design | Graduate Admissions

About Program

Request More Information

If you have questions about the MDes Program, contact mdesyork@yorku.ca.

The Master of Design (MDes) program is a full-time two-year, practice-based program that explores the research challenges faced by contemporary visual communication design. We provide students with the tools and confidence needed to meet the demands posed by today’s constantly shifting context of technology, media, aesthetics, and information. We prepare graduates for careers as practicing designers, design researchers, and educators by engaging students in critical practice, theory, and methodology.

Our program offers strongly supportive design studies courses that provide a foundation for doctoral studies in the rapidly developing area of design research.

Our program embraces intellectually curious students interested in experimental and investigative approaches to design practice, theory and research in communication design.

Degrees Offered

MDes

Program Length (Full-time) 5 term(s)

Program Component(s)

Thesis

Minimum Required GPA B

English Proficiency Requirement

MELAB is no longer offered by Michigan Language Assessment. York will no longer accept results for MELAB after July 2020.

Duolingo scores are accepted for Summer 2021, Fall 2021 and Winter 2022 entry only.

Minimum TOEFL (Paper-based)	600
Minimum TOEFL (Internet-based)	100
IELTS (Academic Module)	7.5
YUELI	Academic Program Level 9 with Distinction
YUELI Graduate Studies Preparation Program (GSPP)	Graduate with distinction
CAEL	Overall score of 70, no component score less than 60
Minimum CPE Score	C
Minimum CAE Score	B
Duolingo	125
PTE Academic	76

Additional Admission Requirements

Number of Recommendation(s)

3 recommendation(s)

Other Requirements

Resumé or CV
Statement of interest (500 - 750 words)
Portfolio of 10-15 pieces uploaded as a PDF

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

I consent to receive email from York University with relevant program information, admission updates, event invitations and dates/deadlines.

York University respects your privacy and protects personal information in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Canada Anti-Spam Legislation. For more information, visit futurestudents.yorku.ca/privacy

Do you need a visa to study in Canada?

Yes

Current year level:

Interested in:

Master's

Doctorate

Are you an Indigenous Person or do you have Indigenous ancestry? *

Yes

* Voluntary declaration. Indigenous people are persons who identify themselves as First Nation (status or non-Status), Métis or Inuit.

Select your program(s) of interest.

Graduate Admissions

Degrees Offered

MDes

Additional Admission Requirements

Number of Recommendation(s)

Other Requirements

Connect with the Division of Students