School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

Design

BDes

At a Glance
About the Program
Requirements
Start Your Application
Applied Learning Opportunities
Potential Career Paths
Related Programs
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At a Glance

Learn more about Design

Offered by

School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design

Offered at

Keele Campus

Degrees offered

BDes

Ways to study

Full-Time

Entry

Fall - First year only
Winter - No
Summer - No

Applied Learning Opportunities

Practicum
Placement
Project-based learning

OUAC Code

YD (BDes)

About the Program

Dive into the world of design at York, where you’ll turn complex ideas into powerful, real-world experiences. Learn in small, collaborative classes with access to cutting-edge facilities and technologies, including our dedicated fabrication lab and 24/7 studio spaces.

Customize your learning through flexible course options and gain valuable industry experience through placements with leading companies across Canada and around the world. Along the way, you'll build a professional portfolio, expand your network, and prepare for a rewarding career in a rapidly evolving industry.

After a two-year common core, choose a concentration in Interaction Design (UX/UI), Information Design or Visual Communication Design, or create a personalized blend.

Viewbooks

Undergraduate Students Handbook 2027-28

Arts, Media, Performance & Design Handbook

Requirements

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Alberta High School Diploma

ELA30-1 or English 30

And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

British Columbia Secondary School Graduation Diploma

English 12 or English 12 First Peoples

And four additional Grade 12 Academic subjects

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Baccalauréat Général

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

A maximum of 30 possible transferable credits may be granted for successful completion of the Baccalauréat Général. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.

To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.To gain admission to this program, the Baccalauréat Général with a minimum overall score of 14 is required.

The overall average required for admission is determined each year on a program specific basis. Some programs have limited enrolment. Admission is not guaranteed, and all requirements are subject to change.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Successful completion of the final year of senior studies

Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
Some programs require a higher GPA.

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Diploma with a total of at least six units, including prerequisites, and grades of 1, 2 or 3 in each unit.

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

CAPE 2-unit courses, with results of 3 or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

One year of CEGEP

2 semesters of English (code 603) / Français (code 601)

And ten additional academic courses (high-school equivalent courses not accepted)

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the final year of Senior 3/Grade 12 level of study with a minimum overall average of 85% on all academic courses.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Lise Diplomasi

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, minimum 4.5 or 80% average is required in the final year of senior studies.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 4.5 or 80% average in the final year of senior studies.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

General Certificate of Education (GCE) Examinations

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

GCE A2 examinations with results of "C" or better, are eligible for transfer credit, up to a maximum of 18 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.

To gain admission to this program, minimum average of B is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of B.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required. To gain admission to this program, successful completion of the Twelfth Year of senior studies with a minimum overall average of 4.5/5.0 required.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

International Baccalaureate Diploma

IB Diploma with passes in six subjects: three passes at the Standard-level and three passes at the Higher-level, or two passes at the Standard-level and four passes at the Higher-level

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

Transfer credit is granted for IB courses with Higher-level final grades of 5 or better, to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.

To gain admission to this program, minimum IB diploma point scores of 30 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum IB diploma point scores of 30.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Completion of one of the following:
All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)

Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)

Indian School Certificate (ISC)

Intermediate Examination Certificate

Pre-University Examination Certificate

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, minimum 70% average in XII is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum 70% average in XII.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Manitoba High School Diploma

English 40S

And four additional 40S level academic subjects (no more than one at the 40G level)

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

New Brunswick High School Graduation Diploma

English 120, 121 or 122

And five additional Grade 12 academic subjects (college preparatory 120, 121 or 122)

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Newfoundland and Labrador High School Graduation Diploma

English 3201

And nine additional credits at the 3000 level

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma

English 12

And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects (university preparatory academic or advanced)

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Nunavut High School Graduation Diploma

ELA30-1 or English 30

And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Northwest Territories High School Graduation Diploma

ELA30-1 or English 30

And four additional academic courses numbered 30 or 31

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

ENG4U

And five additional 4U or M courses

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

OUAC code YD

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Completion of a diploma program or at least two full semesters or one year of full-time academic study at an accredited college

Overall average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

BDes

To be considered a mature student, you must:

be at least 21 years old by the end of the calendar year of admission to the University;

have been out of full-time high school studies for at least two years; and

have attempted less than one full year of studies at an accredited college or university.

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Completion of at least four full-year courses or one year of full-time degree studies at an accredited university

Overall average of 3.3 or better on a 4-point scale (or equivalent)

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Prince Edward Island Senior Secondary School Diploma

English 621

And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects (numbered 611 or 621)

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Quebec Grade 12 Certificate of Graduation

Grade 12 English

And five additional academic (university preparation level) subjects

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

Transcript of Secondary Level Achievement

English Language Arts 30 or English Language Arts A 30 or English Language Arts B 30

And four additional Grade 12 academic subjects numbered 30

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

General Secondary Education Certificate

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

BDes

Requirements for admission:

High School Diploma

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

AP College Board examinations are eligible for transfer credit, for results of 4 or 5, up to a maximum of 30 credits. Please click here, then click “Transfer Credit Requirements” for details.

To gain admission to this program, minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum A- (3.7) GPA on Grade 11 and 12 academic courses.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) or National Examinations Council (NECO)

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, minimum WAEC and/or NECO average of B2 is required.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires minimum B2 average in the final year of senior studies.

BDes

Requirements for admission:

British Columbia Secondary School Graduation Diploma

English 12 or English 12 First Peoples

And four additional Grade 12 Academic subjects

A supplementary evaluation is required after you apply for admission. Submit the online component by the following deadline for guaranteed consideration to the program:

February 5, 2027, for Fall 2027 entry

To gain admission to this program, your academic average should be in the low 80s.Maintaining your offer of admission to this program requires a final academic average of 80%.

Start Your Application

View deadlines for

Winter 2027 (January) entry - November 18, 2026
Summer 2027 (May) entry - April 1, 2027
Fall 2027 (September) entry - January 15, 2027

Winter 2027 (January) entry - November 18, 2026
Summer 2027 (May) entry - April 1, 2027
Fall 2027 (September) entry - March 24, 2027

Winter 2027 (January) entry - November 18, 2026
Summer 2027 (May) entry - April 1, 2027
Fall 2027 (September) entry - March 24, 2027

Winter 2027 (January) entry - November 18, 2026
Summer 2027 (May) entry - April 1, 2027
Fall 2027 (September) entry - March 24, 2027

Supplementary Application deadline is February 5, 2027.

How to Apply

Required Documentation for Undergraduate Applicants

Language Requirements

Deadlines for Undergraduate Study

Applied Learning Opportunities

Gain experience through professional industry placements at top companies across Canada and around the world. You'll also build a strong network through industry events, design challenges, studio tours and competitions offered by Registered Graphic Designers (RGD). Opportunities such as Design Industry Connect, DESNathon and student-led trips organized by the Design Students’ Association connect students with agencies, creative studios and working professionals. In upper years, the fourth-year exhibition brings together employers, alumni and industry professionals.

Learn More about Experiential Education

Explore Co-op at York