Design
Design
In our global knowledge economy, ideas flow fast and far, creating extraordinarily elaborate systems of human connection. As designers, we facilitate understanding through devising objects, environments and innovative platforms for interaction.
In AMPD’s Department of Design, students actively explore and expand the boundaries of design in managing and communicating complex bodies of information for meaningful human experiences in our increasingly visual world. Grounded in an understanding of the designer’s specialized knowledge, methods and skills, students learn to recognize complex problems as being comprised of systems of social, cultural and technological networks. By identifying points of entry for design intervention, students acquire the agency to define their role as inventor, author, curator, entrepreneur, advocate and social innovator in the rapidly expanding world of design opportunities.
York’s Bachelor of Design (BDes Specialized Honours) program recognizes that design is by nature an interdisciplinary endeavor. York Design draws strength from its home in a robust research university, offering students exposure and collaborative opportunities in areas such as business, engineering, technology, health and more broadly, the sciences, social sciences and humanities. Students in the Department of Design pursue creative solutions to real-world problems involving users, their contexts and interactions; design for immersive experiences and intelligent technologies; the discovery of new knowledge through the visual presentation of complex information.
Program Structure
Design studio courses are kept very small to foster intimate, intensive learning. Through a comprehensive design curriculum, students may choose to focus their studies along one of three pathways: visual communication, information design, interaction design, all of which are augmented by design studies that consider history, futures and professional practices of design. From working with sensors and 3D information to user interfaces for mobile devices to creating branding experiences for the 21stCentury, students have the opportunity and resources to meaningfully personalize their design education within a real-world context.
The Fabrication Lab maintains industry standard output and production equipment for Design students to make their ideas take form. High-end photographic, audio and visual equipment enables experimentation with a range of media formats. Design studio facilities are dedicated for design student use 24/7.
Experiential educational opportunities include professional placement in an active design studio during the summer between years three and four. Students may pursue design study abroad for up to one full year. Talks by professional designers, workshops with renowned design educators and visits from industry leaders augment York Design students’ exposure to various modes of design practice.
After Graduation
York Design students graduate as design leaders, equipped with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the profession. Our undergraduates are highly sought-after both locally and internationally for employment in design studios, technology-based companies and large corporations. Alumni hold positions in a wide range of international companies including Facebook, Google, Wikimedia, Amazon, IDEO, Barney’s New York, Visionaire magazine, LinkedIn, W Network, Wieden+Kennedy, The New York Times Magazine, The Toronto Star, Pentagram, Bloomberg Businessweek, Bruce Mau Design (BMD). Alumni have also become successful entrepreneurs, employing newer generations of York Design alumni throughout the GTA and beyond.
*The York/Sheridan Program in Design is phasing out through 2022. Since 2019, students entering York’s Bachelor of Design program are experiencing an exciting new curriculum. York Design will be able to accept internal and external transfer students and second degree students in fall 2021.
Program Details
Offered By
Degrees Offered
Fall Entry
Winter Entry
Summer Entry
Ways to Study
Possible Career Paths
- packaging, web, print, editorial and motion graphics designer
- art director
- corporate branding specialist
- information design consultant
- UX designer
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Admission Requirements
I am a high-school student I have completed at least one year of full-time study at college or university I have been away from high-school for at least two years I have never studied in a formal academic high-school environment Returning / Reactivating student (previously York) Visiting StudentsBDes
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Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
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- 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.
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BDes
- Minimum overall result of “Bien/Buena/Bueno/Good” on all academic courses.
- Some programs require a higher GPA.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BDes
- A minimum overall average of 3 out of 7 is required. Higher grades required for certain programs.
- 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.
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- Extra courses will be assessed for transfer credit. Applicants with the DEC may be awarded up to one full year of transfer credit.
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BDes
- Some programs require higher. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 4.0 or 70%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BDes
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BDes
- 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.
Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BDes
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BDes
- 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
- 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.
- Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- Prerequisite courses should not be below a grade of 55%.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BDes
- All-India Senior School Certificate (AISSCE)
- Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Indian School Certificate (ISC)
- Intermediate Examination Certificate
- Pre-University Examination Certificate
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Minimum Requirements
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
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- Grade 12 graduation with a minimum overall average of "B" on Grade 11 and Grade 12 academic courses is required to be considered for most programs. Some programs require a higher average. Please review the requirements for your program below.
- SAT or ACT scores are not required for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum outside the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam.
- SATs/ACTs are considered in combination with high school grades.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
For Fall (September) 2021 and Winter (January) 2022 entry, York University will deem the SAT/ACT as optional for students studying in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam. However, students who have completed a standardized test are encouraged to submit their test scores as it may support your application for competitive programs. SAT/ACT scores must be sent electronically from the College Board directly to York. Please browse the section below for pre-requisites and detailed admission requirements.
Note: An SAT/ACT test will be required from students who are not enrolled in a recognized accredited US curriculum high school in the United States, Puerto Rico or Guam or have not studied in a formal academic high-school environment.
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- 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.
Required Documents for Preliminary Review
BDes
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You are required to provide official evidence of academic achievement in secondary education. This can be demonstrated through:
- Final grades under the Ontario curriculum (obtained through correspondence, night school or through TVO)
- Credentials through other curricula, such as results from Advanced Placement (AP) or Advanced-level courses in the General Certificate of Education (GCE). (Students may register to sit for the AP and GCE examinations as private candidates.)
In the absence of final grades in courses:
- You must submit the results of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) with a minimum combined total of 1170 on the Critical Reading and Math components or a composite American College Testing (ACT) score of 24.
- Your application will be reviewed by an admissions sub-committee. If admitted, you will not be eligible for entrance scholarships. You will be considered for continuing student scholarships at the end of your first year of study, if you satisfy those criteria.
You may also be required to provide proof of language proficiency. You will be considered for entrance scholarships on the basis of your overall averages in the six 4U/4M (Ontario curriculum) or equivalent courses.
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