Should I apply to OCAD, Emily Carr or Concordia for a Master of Design in Canada?
Strong Master of Design options in Canada include these 6: OCAD, Emily Carr, Concordia, Alberta, Carleton and UBC Okanagan. Pick by specialization, whether UX, industrial or visual design, and by research or professional style. York's MDes is listed as on hiatus, so verify intake status before planning around it.
The best Canadian Master of Design for you depends on your specialization and portfolio more than on a general ranking. Some programs are research-led with a thesis, while others are professional and industry-oriented. Match the program style to your career goal before comparing cost.
Master of Design programs matched to career goals
| Career goal | Universities to look at | What stands out |
|---|---|---|
| UX, UI and interaction design | Emily Carr | Two year Interaction stream with a UX and UI focus |
| Graphic and visual communication | Alberta, Concordia | Visual communication tracks with research or creative project work |
| Industrial and product design | Alberta, Carleton | Research-focused programs with an industrial design foundation |
| Design strategy and innovation | OCAD, UBC Okanagan | Strategic foresight, inclusive design or a professional innovation focus |
| Research-oriented design | Concordia, Alberta, Carleton | Thesis or research-heavy structure |
| Inclusive and accessible design | OCAD, Carleton | Dedicated inclusive design or accessibility options |
NSCAD University also offers an interdisciplinary MDes if you want another option. Program lengths and specializations change, so confirm them on each official page.
Steps to build a sensible shortlist
- Choose your specialization first, then match it to schools that clearly offer it.
- Decide between research-based and professional programs, since they differ in length and funding.
- Read portfolio requirements closely and start preparing the portfolio early.
- Check current intake status, as York's MDes is listed as on hiatus until further notice.
- Compare tuition, living costs and available scholarships on each official page.
My Advice
Your portfolio is usually the deciding factor in design admissions, so build the shortlist around where your work fits best. Pick one or two programs where your portfolio is a strong match, and two others as safer options. Ask the program coordinator which specializations are active this year before you pay any fees.
This information is available on: ocadu.ca, ecuad.ca, concordia.ca, ualberta.ca, carleton.ca, ok.ubc.ca, nscad.ca, yorku.ca
Looking for a specific course in Canada?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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