Interdisciplinary design
for innovation
Department of Design
Designers facilitate understanding across elaborate systems of human connection by devising objects, environments and innovative platforms for interaction.
York Design students actively explore and expand the boundaries of design practice through managing and communicating complex bodies of information for meaningful experiences in our visual world. Students develop into inventors, authors, curators, entrepreneurs, advocates, social innovators, and leaders in the rapidly expanding world of design opportunities.
Department Highlights
Customizable pathways. Information Design, Interaction Design, and Visual Communication, enhanced by courses in design history, theory, and criticism.
Student-centred learning environments. Applied, studio-based learning, small class sizes, and dedicated facilities prepare students for entry into the design field and graduate education.
Peer-to-peer community building. The Design Students Association (DSA) actively creates community among the Design student body through events, workshops, peer mentoring, and annual studio tours in major cities.
Experiential education. From international exchanges to research assistantships with large project teams, there are opportunities across campus to enrich design education.
Valuable work experiences. Our students benefit from placements in professional design settings.
Strong industry connections. Our award-winning students are sought out by local and international companies, including Amazon, Google, IBM, Meta, Shopify, and other top design, branding, and UX agencies.
Programs Offered
Design
Available to these degrees: BDes Specialized Honours
Evaluation Process: Portfolio Review
Degree Duration: 4 years
Entry Options: Fall
Master of Design (MDes)
The Graduate Program in Design emphasizes design research through practice and an interdisciplinary approach to graphic design. We explore disciplinary inquiry that expands the possibilities of how we think about visual communication, and human-centred methods to address many of the issues facing society today.
(Program on hold for 2024/25)
Master of Arts in Design Research (MA in Design Research)
For designers who want to energize their practice, the MA in Design Research’s 3-semester applied emphasis allows a student to immediately transfer what they learned into the workplace. The MA shares the same curriculum as the first year of the MDes program but culminates in a 1-semester Major Research Project or Major Research Paper completed under the guidance and support of a supervisor rather than a 12-month thesis. The MA program helps students develop the applied research expertise needed in today’s workforce and offers practical and attainable means of developing a strong, forward-thinking contemporary practice. Students sharpen their design skills, gain exposure to design research methods, and learn to articulate the value of design-based innovation.
Featured News & Events
Professional opportunity engages AMPD students
This story originally appeared in YFile, written by Elaine Smith. When a group of researchers approached Professor Angela Norwood to ask about hiring a few of her York...
Justice Fund announced gift to AMPD for Black, Indigenous students’ arts education
Royal Canadian Mint Selects Coin Design by AMPD Alum Jai Paek
Need More Information?
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