Program

The Master of Design (MDes) program is a two-year, practice-based program that investigates cultural, social, cognitive, and technological dimensions of communication design, information design, interaction design, motion graphics and design studies within the parameters of Visual Communication/Graphic Design. It prepares graduates for careers as designers, design theorists/researchers and educators by engaging students in design practice, theory, methodology, research and management strategies.

The program provides strong supportive design studies courses which provide a foundation for doctoral studies in the rapidly developing areas of Design Research and Design Theory.

The program embraces intellectually curious students interested in experimental and investigative approach to design practice, theory and research in Visual Communication/Graphic Design.

Structure

The Master of Design degree requires the equivalent of five terms of full-time study. Currently there is no provision for part-time study. The first two terms provide a solid core of coursework in design practicum, research, theory, issues, management, and design investigations. The problems addressed in the second term theory and practicum courses will help shape the thesis proposal that is written in the third term. Terms four and five are dedicated to the practicum oriented thesis.

All students must complete a total of nine courses:

Six Core Courses (completed by the end of second term)

Two Elective Courses (completed by the end of fourth term)

• - Courses in allied disciplines chosen from among the offerings of other graduate programs at York University and/or
• - MDes courses negotiated in the Department with permission of a faculty member and the approval of the Graduate Program Director.

Thesis (normally completed by the end of fifth term)

GS/MDES 5002 18.0 - Thesis
Students must successfully complete the thesis according to program and Faculty regulations.

GS/MDES 5101 3.0 - Design Research and Theory
For the past 25 years the discipline of design has been developing its own theoretical and research base. This course examines both the range and findings of the design research which has been completed and reviews the theoretical ground work for mapping out individual research strategies for the future. The course employs lectures, case studies, and exploration at both the individual and group levels.

GS/MDES 5108 3.0 - Design Studio 1
This studio course offers students opportunities to explore problems in graphic design, visual communication, information and interaction design. By emphasizing critical inquiry as a primary means for learning we will be setting the groundwork for the graduate thesis. Through making, reflection, collaboration, and critique, we will explore the underlying principles synthesizing theory and practice as necessary partners in design. We will look at the designer's role in the process of revealing and making meaning-as a mediator, and as an author, producer, integrating content and form across projects as visual expressions of the individual thesis investigation.

Prerequisite: Registration in the Graduate Program in Design or permission from the Graduate Program Director.

GS/MDES 5109 3.0 - Design Studio 2
This course expands upon the advanced concepts introduced in Design Studio 1 GS/MDES 5108 (3.0) and offers students the opportunity to pursue issues with greater depth with an emphasis on more independently motivated exploration. Students work with a faculty member, producing design work with full supporting process documentation. Projects may be individual and/or collaborative. Students work with a faculty member, producing design work with full supporting process documentation. Projects may be individual and/or collaborative. Students, faculty and invited guests may attend critiques and student presentations. Spaces are open to qualified students not registered in Design.

Prerequisite: GS/MDES 5108 (3.0) or permission from the Graduate Program Director.

GS/MDES 5102 3.0 - Design Issues
This course examines contextual issues for communication design. Topics include technological innovation, social change, cultural values and behaviour, and business models. The course employs lectures, presentations and extensive readings.

GS/MDES 5104 3.0 - Design Investigations
Students pursue individual explorations of design related topics. Themes may be drawn from design research, history or theory, or from design management and ethics issues. This course may be taken for 3.0 or 6.0 credits.

GS/MDES 5006 0.0 - Design Colloquium
All MDes students in both years of study come together on a regularly scheduled basis to: review and present their work, plan and give presentations on special topics and listen to guest lectures.

GS/MDES 5002 18.0 - Thesis
The thesis studio project demonstrates mastery of design knowledge and process and is fully documented in a report, presenting the research, analysis, rationale, evaluation and other supporting material. Students pursue their thesis topic with a supervisory committee.

The Graduate Program in Design is delivered in dedicated facilities in the Technology Enhanced Learning Building (TEL) on the York campus. This facility opened in 2003 and is one of the best teaching/technology enriched facilities in North America. Dedicated spaces include a state-of-the-art computing studio for graduate students and special project rooms for research/office space. The graduate computing studio is equipped with the latest technology for professional design and research. The typography studio, with an extensive collection of wood type and press facilities, is designated for tactile experimentation.

The next intake for the Graduate Program in Design is September 2009. The deadline date for application is February 27, 2009

Eligibility for admission to the MDes Program requires the following:

1. Four year undergraduate honours degree or equivalent* in Visual Communication/Graphic Design.

2. At least a B (second class) standing,

3. Demonstration of English proficiency for students whose first language is not English.

*The MDes program is focused in communication design, information design, interactivity design and design studies and requires a four year honours undergraduate degree or equivalent with at least a B (second class) standing in Visual Communication/Graphic Design. Applicants that do not meet the above educational requirements but show exceptional promise through their experience and portfolio may be recommended for admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

Applicants who apply from related design fields or non-design fields, or who do not hold an honours degree may be encouraged to complete a specifically tailored one year of study at the BDes level as a Special Student before re-applying to the graduate program. Undertaking and completing this BDes undergraduate year does not constitute or promise formal acceptance into the Master of Design program.