Master of Design

Application Deadline - January 15

Program Start - Fall (September)

Applicants to the Master of Design Program should possess a Bachelor of Design Degree, a Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline, or the equivalent qualifications from a four year university or college program; ability as an artist, crafts person or designer; an interest in the role of design in society; the economy; design history and theory; teaching and research at a postsecondary level; and academic competency.

Applicants to the MDES Program will generally be expected to have completed the equivalent of NSCAD’s undergraduate art history and critical studies and liberal arts and science requirements and to have maintained an overall “B” average in relevant academic course work. Applicants from other disciplines are welcome; however, they may be admitted on the condition that they successfully complete specific qualifying courses at the undergraduate level. A minimum grade of “B” must be earned in all courses. The selection of qualifying courses is at the discretion of the MDES Admissions Committee and may include both studio and historical and critical studies courses. This study will be undertaken at the applicant’s own expense and does not guarantee admission to the MDES Program.

 

TO APPLY

STEP 1. JOIN APPLY.NSCAD.CA

APPLY.NSCAD.CA is your guide through the application process. It’s where we’ll answer all of your questions and help you prepare to apply and upload your portfolio pieces. You can sign up for a campus visit/event, track your application process and even receive your admission decision.

 

STEP 7. APPLICATION FEE

A non-refundable application fee of $70 is required. 

 

STEP 3. STATEMENT OF INTENT

Submit a statement explaining the direction of your practice in design, and your purposes and intentions in seeking to enter the MDes Program at NSCAD University. Maximum length is 500 words.

 

STEP 4. SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS

An academic record of current and previous post-secondary study is required from all applicants. 

Please have the issuing institution send official transcripts to:

Office of Admissions
NSCAD University
5163 Duke Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3J6
Canada

or

admissions@nscad.ca

 

STEP 5. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

Two letters of recommendation are required. There is no standard reference form. Letters of recommendation should be written by professors or other appropriate persons, referring to your ability as a designer, and your general academic competence to be sent directly to the university.

 

STEP 6. PORTFOLIO and LIST OF WORKS

Upload a portfolio of not more than 20 digital images representative of current work. If an applicant sends more than 20 images, only the first 20 will be viewed. A numbered list of titles, date, medium and dimensions of each work must also be uploaded with all portfolios.

 

English Language Requirement

The language of instruction at the university is English. Required courses in all Graduate Programs include small group seminars in which discussion, reading, and writing at the graduate level are expected. International applicants for whom English is a second language must submit evidence of their ability to carry on studies in English. Applicants for whom English is a second language must submit evidence of their ability to carry on studies in English. Please refer to NSCAD's detailed English Language Requirement.

International applicants for whom English is a second language must arrange for the results of an English language test to be sent directly to the university. Click here for further information on these tests and the required level of achievement.