Design (BFA)
Why study Design?
Develop your eye to see designed objects and messages in the light of the imagination and methods that went into their creation. Deepen your insight into why design matters, and begin to understand its social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental reverberations. Armed with the ability to think critically about every choice you make as a designer, you’ll be in a position to work on creative projects with the power to effect positive change, especially in the realm of sustainability.
As an artist, whether your work forms part of the built environment or belongs to the sphere of visual communication, you’ll find the tools you need to make your vision a reality. Use the metal or wood shops to build 3D prototypes, for example, or use professional equipment for specialty bookbinding or video editing.
More people in Montreal work in creative jobs than anywhere else in the world after London. The city has a vibrant market for locally created products and it’s also a place where sustainability is part of the public conversation, making for a stimulating environment to think about and work in design.
Special funding for out-of-province students
Up to $4000 for undergraduate programs.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program option
- Major in Design (66 credits)
Courses
For a list of required courses, please download the Program Guide according to year of entry.
Advanced level students have the opportunity to pursue independent study courses and internships.
Internships and other study opportunities
International study opportunities
Concordia University offers students the opportunity to take part in an International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) that will count for credit towards their Concordia degree, while paying the same tuition fees they do at home and possibly receiving funding. International study opportunities bring cultural diversity and enrichment through immersion in the programs of study at Concordia’s partner institutions.
Professional internships
Internships provide students with the opportunity to pursue work in design-related industries and cultural institutions. Students have found placements in both large companies, as well as independent studios in a wide range of disciplinary areas. Consult the Undergraduate Calendar for details about program specific requirements and prerequisites.
Independent studies
Students may explore specific areas of design through intensive research in an independent study. This opportunity allows students to work directly with a member of the faculty to develop a semester-long project. Consult the Undergraduate Calendar for details about program specific requirements and prerequisites.
C.Edge (Option)
Undergraduate students in eligible programs can schedule one full-time, relevant, paid internship to complement academic and para-academic activities.
Internships must be:
- Paid
- Minimum 35 hours per week, full-time
- 12 to 17 weeks
- Start in September, January or May
- Relevant to student’s program of study.
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
This program is available for Fall admission only.
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec CEGEP: DEC
- High School: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
- Baccalauréat français: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
Additional requirements for admission
Applicants must submit additional requirements for admission directly to the department.
- Letter of intent
- Portfolio
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL TERM
March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.
WINTER
Admission to this program is available for the Fall Term only.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
After your degree
You’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and passion to establish your own design studio, or to work as a creative or art director in graphic, industrial, or multimedia design. Companies that have hired design graduates include creative agency Sid Lee, the National Film Board, the creative digital studio Dpt., and Surface3 Design.
Student story
Alix Chartier-Lazartigues
Major in Design
Alix Chartier-Lazartigues works with biomaterials to expand our understanding of innovative and sustainable design.
Other programs of interest
When you study computation arts, you become part of a visionary digital program that explores the intersection of design, art and technology.
Department
Department of Design and Computation Arts
Faculty
Stimulate the senses. Engage the mind. When you study Computation Arts, you become a digital artist, using algorithms and computational theory to create interactive multimedia that breaks new audio-visual ground.
Department
Department of Design and Computation Arts
Faculty
If you want to be a pioneer, exploring relationships between emerging and existing media technologies and the fine arts, then this program for you.
Department
Faculty