Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Design

Application Deadline - March 1

Program Start - Fall (September)

 

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Design is a 30 credit program taken in the Fall and Winter semesters. It is composed of a mix of Studio (21 credits) and LAS (9 credits) courses. This program is not specific to any particular area of Design; it is meant to be a generalist design credential, in keeping with the broad, interdisciplinary approach in NSCAD’s BDES and MDES programs.

 

The majority of students entering this program are international students. At program completion these students will:

• Have an enhanced understanding of the current practice of design in Canada, North America and Europe.
• Have a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of designers and the importance of critical thought and discourse.
• Have a clearer idea of what is expected from students in a Canadian university at a graduate level.
• Have a better grasp of Canadian culture.
• Be able to communicate more effectively in English

Students may apply for entry to the MDes Program after successful completion of the Certificate. Those who successfully complete the PBAC program at NSCAD, but have not achieved the required GPA for entry to the MDES degree program, may be qualified to apply for admission to the BDES or BFA degree program. These students could be eligible to transfer 60 credit hours from a combination of academic work done in the PBAC program and approved previous post-secondary education.

Please note: Residents of the People’s Republic of China must apply through Can-Zhong International Education Consulting Services Ltd. in Vancouver or Shanghai. Click here for more information.

Students enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Design are required to complete 30 credits as follows:

Studio (S): 21 credits

• DSGN 2010 Design Studio 1 (6 credits) OR
• DSGN 3021 Design Studio 3 (6 credits)
• DSGN 2505 Typography (3 credits)
• DSGN 2500 Design Studio 2 (6 credits) OR
• DSGN 3521 Design Studio4 (6 credits)
• Elective course work (6 credits)

Liberal Arts (LAS): 9 credits

• DSGN 2150 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Design  (3 credits)
• DSGN 4907 Intercultural Issues and Interdisciplinary Design (3 credits)
• DSGN 4908 Intercultural Communication and Design (3 credits)

 

TO APPLY:

STEP 1. JOIN MY.NSCAD.CA

MY.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 2. APPLY ONLINE

By answering a series of quick questions, you can begin your online application and provide us with all the details we’ll need to review your application.

 

STEP 3. STATEMENT OF INTENT

State the direction of your practice, and your purposes and intentions in seeking to enter the PBAC Program at NSCAD University. Maximum length is 500 words.

 

STEP 4. PROOF OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Applicants for whom English is a second language must arrange for the results of an English Language test to be sent directly to NSCAD. Refer to English Language Requirement for further information on accepted tests and the required scores.

 

STEP 5. SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS

An academic record of current and previous study is required from all applicants. All transcripts must be official and received directly by mail from the issuing institution. At least one of these transcripts must show that the applicant completed an undergraduate degree.

 

STEP 6. SUBMIT PORTFOLIO

Submit a portfolio of not more than 20 digital images representative of current work. A numbered list of titles, date, media and dimensions of each work must also be included with all portfolios.

 

STEP 7. APPLICATION FEE

A non-refundable application fee of $70 is required. Pay online at my.nscad.ca

 

Please read the How To Upload Your Documents page before you get started uploading.

 

Note: The Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Design Program begins only in September.