The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Design is a 30-credit program normally taken in the Fall and Winter semesters. It is composed of a mix of Studio (21 credits) and Liberal Arts and Science (9 credits) courses. This program is not specific to any particular area of design; it is meant to be a generalist design credential, in keeping with the broad, interdisciplinary approach in NSCAD's BDes and MDes program.

Students completing the Post-Baccalaureate in Design will:

• communicate persuasively and accurately in oral and written English, and through graphic forms within a design context
• analyze design theory essential to the development of design strategies
• identify, learn and then apply any practical design skills that may have been overlooked in their Bachelor’s program
• develop an understanding of Western culture
• develop research skills necessary for design thinking
• deliver presentations, written papers and graphic materials at a level expected from a Canadian university graduate student

Because we expect that the majority of students entering this program will be international students, we believe that these graduates will:

• have an enhanced understanding of the current practice of design in Western countries
• be able to communicate more effectively in English
• have a clearer idea of what is expected from students in a Canadian university at a graduate level
• have a better grasp of Western culture, including a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of individuals and the importance of critical thought and discourse

Course Work

REQUIRED COURSES

18 credits studio courses
DSGN 4900 Advanced Design Studio 1 (9 cr)
DSGN 4901 Advanced Design Studio 2 (9 cr)

Two 3-credit Liberal Arts and Science courses
DSGN 4906 Design English (3 cr)
DSGN 4905 Seminar in Western Design Issues (3 cr)

3 Liberal Arts and Science credits from
DSGN 3211 Perspectives in Design (3 cr)
CMDS 4101 Design Issues (3 cr)

3 Studio credits from 2000 - 5000 level

TOTAL 30 CREDITS (21 cr Studio, 9 cr LAS)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

DSGN 4900 Advanced Design Studio 1 (Fall only)
9 credits (S)
Students engage in design thinking and collaboration to develop models for understanding and solving complex problems.

DSGN 4901 Advanced Design Studio 2 (Winter only)
9 credits (S)
Students employ the strategies and processes practiced in Advanced Design Studio 1 to work on a design problem of their own choosing.

DSGN 4906 Design English (Fall only)
3 credits (L)
This course is appropriate for students with English as a Second Language. It introduces the terminology of design and typogra- phy with a special emphasis on verbal skills: listening and verbal response. Students will be encouraged to write and present on topics relevant to design practice.

DSGN 4905 Seminar in Western Design Issues (Winter only)
3 credits (L)
This is an advanced seminar investigation of recent developments in design in Europe and North America.

DSGN 4101 Design Issues
3 credits (L)
This seminar addresses the larger as well as the more specific professional concerns of design. Presentations, readings and discussion will cover philosophical, economic, or practice-oriented issues.

DSGN 3211 Perspectives in Design: [topic]
3 credits (L)
Students examine selected themes and topics in design.