The DDes targets mid-career design professionals, holding a professional design degree from an accredited school, and with five to seven years of professional experience in their discipline.
In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Admission, the program requires:
a) Research Proposal
A research proposal that describes the applicant’s professional work to date and the nature of the research they expect to undertake. This will be used by the Admissions Committee as an indicator of the applicant’s ability to conduct doctoral-level, creative, design practice-based research and to determine if adequate supervisory resources are available. Only if such resources are available will the student be admitted. Please note that this research proposal (maximum of 2500 words) must include the following sections: Background of the researcher, context of the research proposal, research questions, and broader impacts of the proposed research. The research proposal should indicate potential supervisors and/or committee members, and whether they have been contacted by the applicant. Applicants are advised to contact the Graduate Program Director to obtain the names of potential supervisors.
b) Digital Portfolio
A portfolio that provides examples of, or illustrates, the applicant’s design work, professional work, consulting reports, policy reviews, research, creative thinking, community action, planning products, or graphics and visual communication.
c) Curriculum Vitae
A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).
d) Reference Letters
Two reference letters. These can be academic or professional references.
e) Formal Interview
Applicants are required to participate in a formal interview (either in person or online) with the Graduate Program Director or their designate.
f) Proof of English Proficiency
For applicants who are required to prove proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 105 (Internet-based test); an IELTS score of 7.5; or a CAEL score of 70 with a minimum of 70 in each component. This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate () with a minimum grade of "A-" in each course.
g) Funding Plan
A funding plan that demonstrates that financial resources are available for the entire program of study.
h) Grade Point Average
An admission grade point average (GPA) above 3.50 on a four-point scale. In some circumstances, alternate means of demonstrating academic capacity will be accepted for mature applicants who have been away from academia for an extended period of time.