Doctor of Design (DDes)

Deadline for submission of complete applications is available on the Future Students website: https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/explore-programs/doctor-design.

The DDes targets mid-career design professionals, holding a professional design degree from an accredited school, and with at least seven years of professional experience in their discipline.

In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Admission, the program requires:

a) A professional design degree from an accredited school.

b) minimum of seven years of professional experience in discipline.

c) Research Statement:

A research statement outlining the applicant's ability to conduct doctoral-level, creative, design practice-based research. The research statement (max 2,500 words) should include:

• the applicant's reasons for pursuing the DDes degree;

• description of the area of practice the applicant is interested in and the opportunity or problem within that area that the applicant wants to explore;

• a description of the researcher's professional background and how it prepares them to undertake their research;

• a description of the potential impact of the proposed research.

The research statement will be used by the Admissions Committee to determine if adequate supervisory resources are available. In no case will a student be admitted if an appropriate supervisor is not expected to be available.

d) Digital Portfolio:

A portfolio that provides examples of, or illustrates, the applicant’s design work, professional work, consulting reports, policy reviews, research, creative thinking, community action, planning products, or graphics and visual communication.

e) Curriculum Vitae:

A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).

f) Reference Letters

Two reference letters. These can be academic or professional references.

g) Formal Interview:

Applicants are required to participate in a formal interview (either in person or online) with the Graduate Program Director or their designate.

h) Proof of English Proficiency:

For applicants who are required to prove proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL (Internet-based test) score of 105 (5.0 for tests taken after January 21, 2026); an IELTS score of 7.5; or a CAEL score of 70 with a minimum of 70 in each component. This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of A- in each course.

i) Grade Point Average:

An admission grade point average (GPA) above 3.50 on a four-point scale. In some circumstances, alternate means of demonstrating academic capacity will be accepted for mature applicants who have been away from academia for an extended period.