Major in Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts (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.
Program Details
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)
This program is only available for Fall admission
Minimum cut-off averages
- Quebec CEGEP: DEC
- High School: C+
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
- Bacc. français: 11
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
Course requirements for admission
None. You must meet Concordia’s minimum admission requirements.
Additional requirements for admission
- 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.
Sample courses include:
- 2D and 3D Digital Concepts
- Concept Visualization
- Integrative Design Research
- Collaborative Design Research
- Ecology and 3D Design
- Interpretative Public Spaces
- Web in Sites
- Image/Sound/Dimension
- Interactive Multimedia
- Design Fundamentals
- The Languages of Programming
- New Media Theory
For a list of required courses please download the Program Guide according to year of entry.
For a complete list of course descriptions please consult the Undergraduate Calendar. Advanced level students have the opportunity to pursue independent study courses and internships.
Schedules for courses are available on the class schedules website.
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. See internship guidelines.
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. See independent study guidelines.
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.
Our facilities feature professional equipment and are staffed with technical experts who will help you realize your ideas:
- Metal shop, wood shop, maquette and rapid prototyping labs
- Computing labs for programming, scripting, and video editing
- Sensor lab for electronics, microcontroller programming, and simple textile construction
- Equipment for bookbinding, print media, and specialty 2D finishing
You’ll have the opportunity to:
- combine 2D and 3D design skills in team-based projects
- develop your leadership skills through design commissions for cultural and community partners
- help plan, promote, and execute the department’s annual exhibition
- get involved with Concordia’s institutes for media arts and digital culture Hexagram and Milieux.
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.
