ONTARIO COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN · CANADA
Industrial Design
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- Bachelor of Design (BDes) degreeDegree Awarded
- 4 yearsProgram Duration
- Portfolio required for admissionAdmissions
- Recognized by the Association of Canadian Industrial DesignersAccreditation
- Showcase work at GradEx, OCAD U’s Graduate ExhibitionGraduation Showcase
- Opportunities for internships and experiential learningExperiential Learning
The Industrial Design program at OCAD University focuses on developing innovative solutions for everyday life, encompassing both physical products and digital applications. You will learn to research user needs, develop concepts, and create prototypes, with a strong emphasis on designing sustainable products that consider diverse cultural contexts and long-term usability. The program balances theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on creative courses, including design and drawing, preparing you for a career in a rapidly evolving field.
Curriculum
The four-year program progresses from foundational studies to advanced specialization, culminating in a major design project. You can also choose a minor to broaden your skillset.
- First Year
- Form and Structure
- Drawing for Industrial Design
- Communicating through Form
- History and Theory of Visual and Material Culture
- Second Year
- Emerging Technology
- Advanced 3D Drawing
- Material Explorations
- Contemporary Design Theories and Practices
- Third Year
- Design for Health
- Design Research and Innovation
- Compelling Experience Design
- Professional Preparation
- Fourth Year
- Major design project
Careers
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in design and innovation.
- Consumer and commercial product design
- Home and retail furniture design
- Systems and service design
- Interaction and experience design
- Product and service design for health and wellness
- Design for emerging technologies
Frequently asked questions
- What degree will I earn and how long is the program?
- You will earn a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree. The program has a duration of 4 years.
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Industrial Design program?
- Applicants generally need an Ontario High School Diploma with a minimum overall average of 70%. Official academic transcripts are also required.
- What additional materials are required for admission beyond academic transcripts?
- Applicants must submit a portfolio showcasing their design work and a Statement of Intent expressing their interest in the program and design aspirations.
- What career paths can I pursue after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as consumer and commercial product design, home and retail furniture design, systems and service design, and design for health and wellness.
- Are there opportunities for practical experience during the program?
- Yes, the program offers opportunities for internships and experiential learning. Students can also showcase their work at GradEx, OCAD U’s Graduate Exhibition.
Entry requirements
Ontario High School DiplomaMinimum overall average of 70%
A portfolio and a Statement of Intent are also required for admission. Official transcripts must be submitted.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Tuition fees and living costs are not specified on this page. Please refer to the university's dedicated fees section.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete the online application for admission.
2. Prepare PortfolioCreate and submit a portfolio showcasing your design work and creative potential. Specific guidelines can be found on the admissions website.
3. Write Statement of IntentPrepare a Statement of Intent to express your interest in the program and your design aspirations.
4. Submit TranscriptsProvide official academic transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions attended.
Accreditation
The Industrial Design program is recognized by the Association of Canadian Industrial Designers.
Frequently asked questions
What degree will I earn and how long is the program?
+
You will earn a Bachelor of Design (BDes) degree. The program has a duration of 4 years.
What are the academic entry requirements for the Industrial Design program?
+
Applicants generally need an Ontario High School Diploma with a minimum overall average of 70%. Official academic transcripts are also required.
What additional materials are required for admission beyond academic transcripts?
+
Applicants must submit a portfolio showcasing their design work and a Statement of Intent expressing their interest in the program and design aspirations.
What career paths can I pursue after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as consumer and commercial product design, home and retail furniture design, systems and service design, and design for health and wellness.
Are there opportunities for practical experience during the program?
+
Yes, the program offers opportunities for internships and experiential learning. Students can also showcase their work at GradEx, OCAD U’s Graduate Exhibition.