Design Degrees Online

Graphic Design I
Graphic design covers a wide area of activities from calligraphy and book illustration, through static and kinetic advertising (TV, film video) to the complex images in company presentations and actions that try to grasp every detail of the environment both interior and exterior. Graphic design thus continues to develop spatial design. Its purview extends not only to the branches of industrial design and architecture, but also to the creative areas of applied art and cinematography.

Graphic Design II
The studio of Graphic Design II prepares students for a graphic designer career with the opportunity to assert themselves in a wide variety of graphic design professions.

This diploma will suit those who do not want to complete a full degree or who want to obtain an interim qualification on their way to a full degree. The courses that make up the diploma also count towards the university’s BA (Hons) Business Studies (B04) and BSc (Hons) Technology (B20).

After completing the diploma students should have gained a good understanding of the design process and the context of design. They will also develop skills in the presentation and the communication of ideas; problem solving and creative thinking; information searching and project planning. The two courses that make up this diploma use examples drawn from a range of design professions to teach basic principles. Both courses have practical and project work elements that enable students to develop their understanding and skills.

The Diploma will be of interest to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Technical expertise and mathematics are not required for this award. Teachers of design may also find the diploma useful as part of their professional development, as will those whose work involves design or design management

Bachelor of Science - Interior Design - Campus :

The professionals graduating from the three-year Degree focused on interior design are defined as design technicians with a technical specialization in the area of planning interiors and exhibition systems. These professionals may find employment with companies and firms specialized in exhibition interiors, and have moreover found many opportunities in the commercial areas of companies operating with sales outlets and visual merchandising (furniture, retail chains, apparel companies). These graduates also frequently find work with professional studios and design companies.

The degree course is full time activity. It is characterized by many different didactical activities: Monodisciplinary Courses are characterized by theoretic contents communicated by means of ex cathedra lessons and verified throughout the year with tests and interviews. Integrative Courses cover more than one discipline or specific context, and are taught by two teachers who supplement one another. Experimental Workshops are taught in the workshops, where the students are given an opportunity to experiment and use the tools used in design professions. Design Studios involve both a number of internal teachers employed by the Faculty and several external professionals and feature design activities where the students work under the guidance of a team of teachers, each contributing with his or her expertise as related to the subject of the design. Design Seminars (workshop) are of a duration of one week during which the students develop a project under the guidance of an established and well-known professional or a company. Erasmus Program and the other international mobility projects enable the students to spend six months studying abroad, at qualified European and non-European design universities. Professional Apprenticeship enable the student to works with a company or design studio that collaborates with the Polytechnic, under the guidance of a tutor of the Faculty and a tutor appointed by the company.

The final graduation relates to the acquisition of 180 Credits. Students graduating from the Degree Course in Interior Design must possess a solid basic education within the context of the design disciplines that qualifies them for an in-depth study both of the methods and the technical-operative aspects. They must in particular master the instruments and techniques of formal and functional representation of architectural interior design and its elements (from manual drawing to technical drawing, from photography to the construction of three-dimensional models of the object an the space). They must moreover be familiar with the basics of design, with particular attention to the design of products associated with furniture and the arrangement of interiors, and prove skilled in the factors of ergonomics, functionality, perception and environmental well-being that determine the relationship between product and user and the relationship between utilitarian objects and architectural space. The training also requires a mastery of the scientific and technological skills characteristic of the sectors of engineering sciences and architectural technologies (the technologies of materials, of lighting, the technologies of construction and processing) as well as theoretic-critic subjects (historical knowledge associated with the design of furniture products, interior architecture in its social-historical evolution, the study of the anthropology of public and private spaces, semiotics and aesthetics etc.).

Bachelor of Science - Industrial Design - Campus :

As to the product design sector, the professionals graduating from the three-year degree course are defined design technicians, capable of developing all the aspects of integration between product design and technological and productive processes. These professionals usually find employment in the Technical and Research and Development Departments of companies, or with professional design and consulting firms.

The degree course is full time activity. It is characterized by many different didactical activities: Monodisciplinary Courses are characterized by theoretic contents communicated by means of ex cathedra lessons and verified throughout the year with tests and interviews. Integrative Courses cover more than one discipline or specific context, and are taught by two teachers who supplement one another. Experimental Workshops are taught in the workshops, where the students are given an opportunity to experiment and use the tools used in design professions. Design Studios involve both a number of internal teachers employed by the Faculty and several external professionals and feature design activities where the students work under the guidance of a team of teachers, each contributing with his or her expertise as related to the subject of the design. Design Seminars (workshop) are of a duration of one week during which the students develop a project under the guidance of an established and well-known professional or a company. Erasmus Program and the other international mobility projects enable the students to spend six months studying abroad, at qualified European and non-European design universities. Professional Apprenticeship enable the student to works with a company or design studio that collaborates with the Polytechnic, under the guidance of a tutor of the Faculty and a tutor appointed by the company.

The final graduation relates to the acquisition of 180 Credits. Students graduating from the Degree Course must possess a solid basic education in the design disciplines, that prepare them for an in-depth study of both the methods and the technical and operative instruments. They must, in particular, be sufficiently familiar with the formal and functional representation of the product (from manual drawing to technical drawing, from photography to the production of three-dimensional product models), the techniques of production of digital images, visual languages, the perceptive mechanisms that characterize individuals, the chromatic systems. They must moreover know methods of planning and designing of products, and all aspects concerning their distribution and marketing. A very important aspect of the education of a product designer consists of the acquisition of scientific and technical skills associated with the materials and techniques of transformation of the products in prototypes and subsequently in mass produced goods. A knowledge of manufacturing technologies and processes, of economic systems, business organizations and strategies is fundamental in this sense. Along with these sectors, the historical and critical disciplines associated with products and their evolution, semiotics and aesthetics, sociology and psychology play an equally important role.

Bachelor of Science - Furniture Design - Campus :

As to the product design sector, the professionals graduating from the three-year degree course are defined design technicians, capable of developing all the aspects of integration between product design and technological and productive processes. These professionals usually find employment in the Technical and Research and Development Departments of companies, or with professional design and consulting firms.

The degree course is full time activity. It is characterized by many different didactical activities: Monodisciplinary Courses are characterized by theoretic contents communicated by means of ex cathedra lessons and verified throughout the year with tests and interviews. Integrative Courses cover more than one discipline or specific context, and are taught by two teachers who supplement one another. Experimental Workshops are taught in the workshops, where the students are given an opportunity to experiment and use the tools used in design professions. Design Studios involve both a number of internal teachers employed by the Faculty and several external professionals and feature design activities where the students work under the guidance of a team of teachers, each contributing with his or her expertise as related to the subject of the design. Design Seminars (workshop) are of a duration of one week during which the students develop a project under the guidance of an established and well-known professional or a company. Erasmus Program and the other international mobility projects enable the students to spend six months studying abroad, at qualified European and non-European design universities. Professional Apprenticeship enable the student to works with a company or design studio that collaborates with the Polytechnic, under the guidance of a tutor of the Faculty and a tutor appointed by the company.

The final graduation relates to the acquisition of 180 Credits. Students graduating from the Degree Course imust possess a solid basic education in the design disciplines, that prepare them for an in-depth study of both the methods and the technical and operative instruments. They must, in particular, be sufficiently familiar with the formal and functional representation of the product (from manual drawing to technical drawing, from photography to the production of three-dimensional product models), the techniques of production of digital images, visual languages, the perceptive mechanisms that characterize individuals, the chromatic systems. They must moreover know methods of planning and designing of products, and all aspects concerning their distribution and marketing. A very important aspect of the education of a furniture designer consists of the acquisition of scientific and technical skills associated with the materials and techniques of transformation of the products in prototypes and subsequently in mass produced goods. A knowledge of manufacturing technologies and processes, of economic systems, business organizations and strategies is fundamental in this sense. Along with these sectors, the historical and critical disciplines associated with products and their evolution, semiotics and aesthetics, sociology and psychology play an equally important role.

Bachelor of Science - Fashion Design - Campus :

The graduates from the Degree Course in Industrial Fashion Design will find employment as design technicians with professional firms and companies in the fashion sector and the induced business associated with it (textiles, accessories, etc.).

The degree course is full time activity. It is characterized by many different didactical activities: Monodisciplinary Courses are characterized by theoretic contents communicated by means of ex cathedra lessons and verified throughout the year with tests and interviews. Integrative Courses cover more than one discipline or specific context, and are taught by two teachers who supplement one another. Experimental Workshops are taught in the workshops, where the students are given an opportunity to experiment and use the tools used in design professions. Design Studios involve both a number of internal teachers employed by the Faculty and several external professionals and feature design activities where the students work under the guidance of a team of teachers, each contributing with his or her expertise as related to the subject of the design. Design Seminars (workshop) are of a duration of one week during which the students develop a project under the guidance of an established and well-known professional or a company. Erasmus Program and the other international mobility projects enable the students to spend six months studying abroad, at qualified European and non-European design universities. Professional Apprenticeship enable the student to works with a company or design studio that collaborates with the Polytechnic, under the guidance of a tutor of the Faculty and a tutor appointed by the company.

The final graduation relates to the acquisition of 180 Credits. Students graduating from the Degree Course in Industrial Fashion Design must possess a solid basic education within the context of the design disciplines, and be ready for an in-depth study of both the methodological and the technical-operative aspects. They must, in particular, master the instruments and techniques associated with the formal and functional representation of the product (from manual drawing to technical drawing, from photography to the creation of models and prototypes of the products), the techniques of representation of the images and the visual languages, and be familiar with the mechanisms of visual perception and chromatic systems. They must moreover possess the basic skills necessary for design activities in the fashion sector (organization of the product range and the collection, etc.) and all the aspects that contribute to its creation, communication and sale (visual merchandising, events, exhibition design and show rooms, magazines, coordinated image). The training also calls for the mastery of the scientific-technological skills associated with engineering sciences (of the materials used in fashion product, the methods of preparation of prototypes and product engineering, the technologies used in the preparation and processing, and the economic-productive systems); the graduates must possess skills in economics and management (estimation of costs, organizational and management models, business strategy and administration); they must possess historical-critical knowledge (associated with the sociology of consumption and fashion, the culture of textiles and its historical evolution, the study of semiotics and aesthetics, anthropology etc.).

Bachelor of Science - Communication Design - Campus :

The professionals graduating from the three-year degree with a communication orientation are defined as Design Technicians, and are specialized in preparing the final communication project through the management of the principal information technology instruments associated with the methods of representation of graphic design. These professionals will find employment with companies and institutions where corporate communication and a web presence through electronic commerce plays an important role; they will moreover have many opportunities in the publishing sector, both multimedia and traditional, in advertising and communication agencies, in consulting companies in the IT sector, in cultural entities and museums and promotional activities and institutions furthering the cultural heritages.

The degree course is full time activity. It is characterized by many different didactical activities: Monodisciplinary Courses are characterized by theoretic contents communicated by means of ex cathedra lessons and verified throughout the year with tests and interviews. Integrative Courses cover more than one discipline or specific context, and are taught by two teachers who supplement one another. Experimental Workshops are taught in the workshops, where the students are given an opportunity to experiment and use the tools used in design professions. Design Studios involve both a number of internal teachers employed by the Faculty and several external professionals and feature design activities where the students work under the guidance of a team of teachers, each contributing with his or her expertise as related to the subject of the design. Design Seminars (workshop) are of a duration of one week during which the students develop a project under the guidance of an established and well-known professional or a company. Erasmus Program and the other international mobility projects enable the students to spend six months studying abroad, at qualified European and non-European design universities. Professional Apprenticeship enable the student to works with a company or design studio that collaborates with the Polytechnic, under the guidance of a tutor of the Faculty and a tutor appointed by the company.

The Graduate Certificate in Digital Technologies in Design Art Practice will provide qualified applicants with the resources to advance their conceptual and technical expertise in relation to the new digital technologies used in the design professions. The one year certificate programme is concerned with digital technologies as a medium or tool in the design art process and as a language of expression as the designer identifies and assesses the economic and social impact, and cultural consequence of expanding technologies. As the central part of the programme, participants will undertake individual research projects that integrate new digital technologies into their professional practice. The graduate certificate is for those who wish to expand their present level of expertise, make a career change, or improve opportunities for advancement in digital media. It serves as a foundation for MA, MFA and PHD programmes.

The programme is geared toward creative professionals working in the following areas:

1. Creative direction with the responsibility for the creative aspects of a project from concept through production, incorporating new solutions using digital technologies in answer to industry and client needs.

2. Design responsible for the creation, research and analysis of projects incorporating digital media as it relates to new product development, graphic communications, and multimedia projects.

3. Digital communication in web and screen based interactive projects using creative and interpretative abilities combined with technical and computer programming skills.

4. Project management with the responsibility for client liaison, coordination of a creative team, and the organisation of multi-faceted design projects.

The certificate programme will incorporate links with industry, the private sector, and the community in several ways, for example, by undertaking client projects, placing interns, presentations by outside representatives, contributions of resources and services.

5. Independent artists in the Fine Arts who use or wish to use digital technologies in support of their creative practice.

contact: Chris Salter, Graduate Program Director. Email: chrissal{at}alcor.concordia.ca.
Phone: +1 514 848.2424 x5261.

Design

As our world and cultures undergo radical transformations, the role of design is expanding and evolving. The professional design world—whether in business, the arts, the nonprofit realm, or even government—increasingly values broad-based, transdisciplinary design knowledge complemented by individual virtuosity.

New styles and methods emerge from young designers who operate on the edge between play and transgression. Values such as sustainability and social justice that were yesterday’s extremes have become fundamental. The Graduate Program in Design prepares students to enter the design professions with dynamic skills, confidence, and well-tuned strategic thinking.

The program offers concentrations in communication design, industrial design, and interaction design. All students earning their MFA Design degree take core courses in design history, theory and criticism, research, materials and processes, and strategy and entrepreneurship.

All are invited to engage in advanced coursework in any of the three concentrations. Topic studios explore transdisciplinary mixes in collaborative and individual contexts. The curriculum culminates with an individual thesis project.

The program is committed to helping students develop personal voice and agency; it is also dedicated to collaborative practice and community engagement. Through studios, seminars, and special projects, it creates opportunities for students to engage with diverse design cultures around the world, taking advantage of San Francisco’s unique position in relation to the Pacific Rim and the Americas.

Through guest lectures, courses, and critiques, students meet and collaborate with worldclass thinkers and makers from many realms—not just design but also history, philosophy, business, government, science, and futurism. Guided by nationally and internationally renowned faculty members, the program offers both a strong studio apprenticeship and opportunities to explore unconventional avenues of expression.

The program opened new studios in fall 2007 with individual workspaces equipped with wireless ethernet, dedicated project rooms for studio courses and thesis work, gallery space, and resource collections. The new studios utilize sustainable methods and green materials, providing a space for creativity that is both technologically rich and environmentally responsible.

The college also has cutting-edge video editing equipment, computers, printers, and plotters. Projection rooms enable students to show digital work and screen video.

The field continues to break out of the traditional frames of designing objects and messages and move toward designing change—through transmedia systems, cultural interventions, and meaningful solutions in new spaces.

Program Chair Brenda Laurel observes, “As boundaries between disciplines blur, new forms and methods take shape. Tomorrow’s designers will work in a landscape that is both broader and stranger than that of today, and we must be ready to embrace greater opportunity and leadership in shaping the future of culture in radical ways. We are not decorationists. We are not kidding, although we are having fun.

“We are the wellspring of popular culture,” Laurel continues. “We are stepping up to the challenge. We believe that a great education can transform a cultural tagger into a sophisticated design interventionist. We believe that the future of design is the future of culture.”

Interior Design PgCert/PgDip/MA
Getting started - what will I need?

• A first or upper second class Honours degree in a related subject or equivalent qualifications or experience.
• Mature applicants without the traditional entry requirements but who hold practice-based experience are also encouraged to apply.

The course aims to encourage you to critically evaluate and challenge the traditional boundaries of interior design practice. This is achieved via a wide variety of projects which prepare students for senior level design positions within the field.
What will I study?

The course covers many topical issues in the spatial design professions. Study opportunities provide a blend of theory and practice and integrate creative and managerial processes.

The Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) stage challenges design pre-conceptions and contains taught modules developing awareness of commercial contexts, regulatory frameworks, precedent analysis and design processes.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) stage focuses on questioning accepted notions of professional practice, using post-optimal processes to look inwards at the nature of interior design so as to locate new design possibilities. Research methodologies are developed, refined and put into practice as the first stage of a personal project.

The taught elements of the PgCert and PgDip stages combine to inform and provide new analytical ideals to incorporate within the personal project undertaken at Master’s stage. This final project contains a negotiated mix of theory and practice to suit the individual learning patterns of students upon the course. The course encourages and includes industrial collaboration and live projects.
How is my work assessed?

Each module has individual assessments, with the taught element of the course comprising half of the programme credits.
The remaining credits are assessed via the negotiated combination of theory and practice in the final project. Regular feedback is provided as part of the Personal Development Planning (PDP) mechanism.
Can I study further?

Upon completion of the course there is the opportunity to extend the study of interior design at either MPhil or PhD levels.
What are my employability prospects?

Former graduate destinations include interior design and architectural practice, as well as a wide range of design related professions, including: set design, exhibition design, in-house retail design, design research, design management, consultancy and teaching.