Feb 01, 2026  
University of Alberta Calendar 2025-2026 
    
University of Alberta Calendar 2025-2026

Master of Design (Art & Design)


Entrance Requirements


An applicant must normally hold a bachelor’s degree in design (or its equivalent) from a recognized institution. Students who, in the view of the Department, need to make up prerequisite courses will normally spend one additional year in preparation.

Applicants will be required to submit visual records or a portfolio of work and documentation of their previous experience to the Department by January 15 of the year of application.

Additional Information


Course work must be completed before commencement of the thesis. First term studio courses may not be repeated; however, second term studio courses may be repeated with consent of the Department.

After all other program requirements have been satisfactorily met, candidates must make a major presentation of their creative work. Such a presentation will be considered the equivalent of a master’s thesis. The Department of Art & Design reserves the right to select and retain up to two works from the final thesis presentation.

There is no language requirement for the degrees.

The minimum period of residence is two four-month terms of full-time attendance at the University of Alberta.

Length of Program


Candidates will normally require two academic years to complete their program of studies.