Design Concordia University Montréal

Overview

The Design (BFA) at Concordia University Montréal offers a transformative educational experience for aspiring artists and creators. This programme encourages students to investigate the social, environmental, and cultural impacts of their work while mastering the technical skills required for modern visual communication.

Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises sustainability and critical thinking, ensuring every design choice is made with purpose. The learning environment is highly practical, providing access to specialised facilities such as wood and metal shops for 3D prototyping, as well as professional suites for video editing and bookbinding. This hands-on approach allows students to bring complex creative visions to life using industry-standard equipment.

Why Design at Concordia University Montréal?

The university is situated in a global hub for creative industries, second only to London in its concentration of creative employment. This unique location provides students with a vibrant ecosystem of independent studios and large-scale agencies. The Faculty of Fine Arts is renowned for its distinctive teaching features, which combine technical proficiency with a deep focus on the reverberations of design in political and economic spheres.

Facilities at the institution are designed to support diverse artistic outputs, from physical prototypes to digital media. Students also benefit from international study opportunities through exchange programmes with partner institutions worldwide. These global links allow participants to immerse themselves in different cultural perspectives while continuing to earn credits towards their degree at the same tuition rate as their home campus.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 970 per credit
• National fee: CAD 420 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a foundation in design principles before moving into advanced research and independent projects. Students can tailor their learning through various pathways, including professional internships and intensive research modules.

Modules may include:

• Design
• Computation Arts
• Independent Study
• Professional Internship

Advanced students have the opportunity to pursue independent study courses, working directly with faculty members to develop semester-long research projects. The programme also supports experiential learning through the C.Edge option, which facilitates full-time, paid internships within relevant industries.

Careers with Design

Graduates from this programme are well-equipped to establish their own independent studios or pursue leadership roles within established organisations. The skills developed during the degree prepare students for careers as creative directors, art directors, and specialists in graphic, industrial, or multimedia design.

Alumni have successfully secured positions at prestigious organisations and creative agencies. Notable employers of past graduates include the National Film Board, Sid Lee, Surface3 Design, and the digital studio Dpt. The programme's focus on critical design ensures that graduates are highly sought after for their ability to navigate the evolving landscape of visual communication and sustainable practice.