Top 7 Colleges For Masters In Graphic Design In Canada: Eligibility & Process

With the advancement of technology and digitization of nearly all sectors worldwide, people consume most of the content online. However, there is a bulk of the information available on the Internet, and the attention spans of people have gradually reduced. The majority of people respond to content that is visually appealing and easy to grasp within seconds. Therefore, the graphic design career has gained popularity in the last few years. This blog lists the best colleges for Masters In Graphic Design In Canada and the courses offered by these institutions.

Many students are opting for degree courses, diplomas or certificate courses in graphic design or animation in various colleges worldwide. Graphic design is the 8th best creative and media job in the world, according to US News and World Report. Countries like the USA, Canada, UK and Switzerland offer the best graphic design courses.

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Overview Of Masters in Graphic Design in Canada

Canada is one of the best countries in the world in terms of job prospects for graphic designers and illustrators. According to official data published by the Government of Canada, there is likely to be a shortage of graphic designers in the country till 2028. Provinces that will have a high number of job opportunities for graphic designers and illustrators in Canada are British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. Currently, the average salary of graphic designers in Canada is CAD 45,770 per year, which is higher than many other job industries in Canada. Numerous opportunities and a high average salary make graphic design one of the most lucrative career opportunities, especially in Canada. While many employers hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, having a master’s degree in the same field offers an edge over other candidates. It also facilitates faster career growth. So, pursuing a Masters In Graphic Design In Canada can be beneficial for working professionals or people who are interested in research in the fields of design and animation.

Best Colleges for Masters In Graphic Design In Canada

Here is detailed information about the best colleges in Canada for Masters In Graphic Design.

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University of Toronto

The Architecture, Landscape, and Design faculty at the School of Graduate Studies, Toronto University, offers a two-year Master of Visual Studies (MVS) degree program. It is a professional program that offers specialisation in two fields – curatorial studies and studio. The curatorial studies course is related to object installation and placement of text and image, whereas the Master of Visual Studies Studio teaches visual expressions by combining text, images, sound, and movement through electronic media. Studio specialisation is more relevant for students interested in graphic design and visual arts.

Admission requirements

The following are the minimum admission requirements for specialisation in a studio.

• A bachelor’s degree in humanities or cultural theory with a minimum overall B+ grade or equivalent.
• A CV with education and professional work experience details.
• Academic transcripts
• Portfolio demonstrating studio work
• Three letters of recommendation
• A critical writing sample

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2. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia offers a two-year full-time Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts course to students interested in a variety of fields like photography, arts, painting, 3D work, digital art, and other interdisciplinary fields. People who want to teach visual arts at the post-secondary level in Canada can take up this course. The university provides a separate private studio for each student and offers facilities like a digital printing lab or printmaking unit.

Admission requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a minimum B+ grade.
• Minimum IELTS score- 7.0

Fees

• Application fee- $168.25
• Tuition fee per year- $9,313.92

School of Design, George Brown University

George Brown University offers a Digital Design – Game Design (for International Students) postgraduate certificate program. This course will teach all about creating a design environment, integrating objects, and creating 3D structures.

Admission requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in design.
• Questionnaire
• Resume
• Digital portfolio
• Minimum IELTS score- 6.5

Fees

• Tuition fee- C$23,656.00
• Application fee- $95

Stratford School of Interaction Design & Business, University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo offers a full-time Master of Digital Experience Innovation (MDEI) course for a duration of 8 months. Working professionals can pursue this course part-time for a period of 20 months. This course is recommended for people who want to pursue a career in digital media. The MDEI program teaches design thinking and digital design solutions, marketing strategy, UX design, and applied management. Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, humanities or a related field with a minimum of 78% in the last two years of the degree.
• Practical experience
• Resume
• Transcripts
• 3 references, out of which 2 must be academic references.

OCAD University

OCAD University offers an Interdisciplinary Master’s in Art, Media and Design (MA, MDes and MFA) program for designers and artists. The university provides a studio-based learning environment to enhance the research skills of students in visual and academic design practice. Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in fields of design or art
• Transcripts
• 3 reference letters
• Overall IELTS score- 7
• Artist/designer statement
• Work portfolio
• Research proposal
• CV

Concordia University

Concordia University in Quebec, Canada, offers a Master of Design (MDes) course. This two-year course teaches visual communication, design environment, and interaction design. The course also focuses on academic research. Applications for this course begin in January, and the course starts in Fall. Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or graduate diploma with a GPA of at least 3.0
• Creative work portfolio
• Letter of intent
• Preliminary research proposal of 5 pages
• IELTS minimum overall score of 6.5

School of Design, Laval University

The Design School of Laval University in Quebec is another popular college for graphic design in Quebec, Canada. Its Master’s in Design with thesis program is an interdisciplinary course that teaches fundamental and applied research in the fields of graphic design, information design, interaction and digital design, and 2D/3D animation. This course has been designed for people who hold a bachelor’s degree in the fields of arts, humanities, design, communication or management sciences. There is high demand for graphic designers in Canada, the reason why nearly 90% of the graduates in the field of design secure a job easily. The university offers admission for this course only once a year in Fall. Applicants have to apply online through the official website of the School of Design, Laval University. Admission Requirements Students have to submit the following documents at the time of application:

• Official copies of previous college transcripts or diplomas
• A resume
• A letter of motivation of a maximum of two pages in which the candidates have to explain their interests and details of their preliminary research project
• Appraisal report
• Written confirmation from a professor at Laval University who will supervise the research project
• Applicants may be asked to appear for an interview

Conclusion

A career in graphic design requires a blend of art, design and communication skills. Canada is one of the top countries that offers the best degree and certificate courses in graphic design, media and animation. Professionals who want to acquire more theoretical or practical knowledge in art and design or wish to switch to the design industry can apply for these courses. People interested in research in the fields of art and design can also consider pursuing a master’s in graphic design in Canada.

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