• MSc in Design Studies at the University of Alberta allows students to complete this course in 2 years.
  • It is an on-campus program offered on a full-time basis.
  • The different types of degree offered by the department of the university are:
    • Master of Arts
    • Master of Design
    • Master of Fine Arts
    • Doctor of Philosophy
  • It is a thesis-based program and thesis development may take between 1-3 years, depending on the complexity of the project and the ability of the student.
  • In this program, students and faculty members are engaged in research and practice, using interdisciplinary approaches and participatory methods.
  • This program offers two specializations in these programs that are:
    • Industrial Design
    • Visual Communication Design.
  • Industrial Design is concerned with the interface between the user and the built environment and the physical, cognitive, and emotional issues involved.
  • Visual Communication Design focuses on information design and communication, in print and interactive new media, and includes design for needs relating to education, culture, health, and safety.
  • Graduate students have presented their work at local, national, and international conferences and exhibitions.
  • In the first year of the program, students will normally be required to take 18 course weights of credit.
  • The thesis is a project that allows the student to learn advanced working methods and to make an original contribution to their chosen field of design and it includes both a design product and a written document.
  • At least 5 weeks before the oral exam date, the supervisor provides the Graduate Advisor with exam details: date, time, location, thesis title and all committee member names and titles.The supervisor confirms the date and time of the oral exam with all committee members.
  • The University of Alberta offers many scholarship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students with outstanding academic potential. 
  • The Department of Art and Design brings together 3 practices: Design Studies, Fine Arts, and the History of Art, Design, Visual Culture, and depth of teaching, research, and creative endeavor to support collaborations in design thinking, hands-on studio practice, and critical visual and historical analysis.
  • Job opportunities after MSc in Design Studies Re Advertising art director, Graphic Designer, etc