Design

The MDes curriculum develops and expands design domains to include the full breadth of modern problems and how they might be solved. The advantage of the NSCAD University Master of Design is that it offers both studio and classroom courses throughout the duration of the program, allowing students to apply in our studios and workshop facilities the concepts and theories they learn and develop in seminars and classrooms. Over the course of four consecutive semesters beginning in September every year, MDes students pursue practice-led design research, explorations of process, applications of theory and scholarly writing. In a series of studio and theory courses and in their thesis projects, students are encouraged to look beyond the conventional strategies to formulate new and critical responses to social design opportunities. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the program, the MDes welcomes students with diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. Part-time study is also available, provided the program is completed within five years. Summer electives open to full and part-time students will be available to help ensure timely program completion. By working in an interdisciplinary studio environment and interdisciplinary teams, students gain experience in thinking and working with others who bring an international point of view to design and its opportunities, stretching across the globe for creative endeavours outside traditional design areas. Few design programs offer the opportunity to combine theory and practice, at the drawing table and in the workshop, in this manner, and NSCAD University is very pleased to provide this distinctive program.