Bachelor of Design in Industrial Design Major
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
About this program
Bachelor in Industrial Design Major
All our majors commence upon completion of our Foundation Year requirements.
An Industrial Design degree evaluates and delivers cultural, economic, historic, ecological, social, technical, and symbolic value. You’ll learn about the way we communicate with others, find pleasure, comfort, and safety in activities and products, and how we overcome our physical and psychological limitations. Industrial design combines theory and process with practical knowledge, preparing you to develop a relevant, personal design practice of your own.
The Industrial Design program is rigorous and hands-on emphasizing an understanding of human needs. Through research and user-centred methodology, you will learn to interpret needs and desires in aesthetic, material, and ergonomic terms. You will explore and prototype in real time and space, choosing to be a generalist or specialist as you progress. Areas of specialization include household or recreational products, electronics, medical and health design, hardware,soft products, ceramics, exhibitions, furniture, material production, and research in sustainability.
Admission requirements
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
The minimum academic requirement for admission to Emily Carr University undergraduate programs is graduation from grade 12 secondary school, with five grade 12 subjects, including English 12 with a minimum grade of 'C', two other grade 12 academic courses and two grade 12 elective courses. The minimum overall grade point average required for admission is 2.5 or C+ or 67%. All elective courses must be grade 12 and can be Ministry Approved, Board Approved or Locally Developed. Requirement vary depending on your location. Visit our website to ensure your application satisfies the minimum requirements, and look for “First Year Academic Requirements”.
If English is not your first language you will need to submit an English Proficiency test. We are also pleased to offer a Creative Art Pathway (CAP) program for potential Emily Carr Students who do not meet the English Language proficiency requirements. Learn more on the English Proficiency page on our website.
Whether you are applying for first year Foundation or as a transfer student, all applicants to Emily Carr University must submit a portfolio online through SlideRoom as part of the admission process. Your portfolio requirements may include examples of your work, responses to prompts using a variety of media/materials, and written responses. Find detailed portfolio requirements on our website.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
As a graduate applicant you must apply online using the EducationPlannerBC Application Service. You will only be able to select Emily Carr from the list of BC institutions when applications open. A non-refundable application fee is required for all graduate applications.
If your first language is not English you must submit an official English language proficiency test score.
Lastly, you must prepare and submit your portfolio and supporting documents.
Applicants must submit a portfolio and supporting documents online. Supporting documents include:
• Statement of Intent
• Recommendation Letters
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Video Question
We will contact you with a decision about your application via email. We will also mail you the selection process results. For detailed admissions requirements and application information, please visit our website.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
The TOEFL iBT® test is accepted by 11,500 universities and higher education institutions in over 160 countries. Book your test today!
Learn moreProgram content
FOUNDATION
15 CREDITS PER SEMESTER
- FNDT 108 Creative Processes
- FNDT 165 Core Interdisc Studio
- Foundation Studio Elective
Choose ONE of:
- FNDT 160 Core Media Studio I
- FNDT 161 Core Design Studio I
- FNDT 164 Core Visual Arts Studio I
- HUMN 100 Academic Core I
- HUMN 101 Academic Core II
SECOND YEAR
15 CREDITS PER SEMESTR
- COMD 200 Core Studio in COMD
- COMD204 Typographic Comm
- COMD 210 Core Studio in COMD
- Elective, any subject/level
- DHS 201 Design Culture II
- SOCS 202 Eco Perspective in Design
THIRD YEAR
15 CREDITS PER SEMESTER
- COMD 300 Core Studio in COMD
- COMD 310 Core Studio in COMD
- SOCS 309 Design Research
- Critical Studies Elective 300 level
FOURTH YEAR
15 CREDITS PER SEMESTER
- COMD 400 Core Studio in COMD
- COMD 410 Core Studio in COMD
- Studio Elective 200/300/400 level
- Elective, any subject/level
- SOCS 411 Professional Practice
- DHIS 400 Design Futures
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the institute website for more information.
Qualification
Your studies will focus steadily in this field over the last three years of your four year degree. Upon completion you will achieve the undergraduate degree and designation, Bachelor of Design, Majoring in Industrial Design (BDes, IndD). See the Admissions section about application information for undergraduate, international, transfer, and aboriginal students.
The program aims are to:
- equip graduates with core industrial design competencies, including knowledge of rigorous design process, hand drawing, traditional and emerging modelling techniques, and presentation skills, and incorporate the use of practice-based exploration in design research projects and curriculum;
- prepare students to address issues of sustainability by practicing and applying design for sustainability, in an approach that encourages product-service-systems, design activism, new economic models, and growing our capacity for alternative material generation and processing;
- engage students in creative, strategic, and critical design thinking to actively synthesize social, cultural, technical, and commercial knowledge in order to formulate potent design responses;
- prepare students with a contextual understanding of industrial design practices within the creative and commercial sectors so they may enter these competitive skills and knowledge-based economies;
- foster a strong and supportive industrial design community in Vancouver, BC, Canada and abroad through reciprocal learning and research opportunities, innovative business and entrepreneurial relationships, and other networks.
Continuing studies
We offer flexible continuing studies programs for anyone that wants to learn new creative skills, build their portfolio, and advance their career path. Choose from dozens of individual courses and workshops, or sign up for one of our full or part-time certificate programs.
Undergraduate students are also welcomed to expand their breadth of learning by taking Continuing Studies courses outside their degree program. To get started, browse our available programs online today.
Career paths
Inspiring job titles of our recent graduates
Industrial Design Contractor, Accessories Design Manager, Packaging Specialist, Partner and Creative Director, 3D Sculptor/Designer and CNC Machinist, Manager of Engineering/Design/Drafting, Owner/Designer, Design Strategist, Curator/Producer
Dynamic employers that have recruited our recent graduates
TEDx, Mountain Equipment Co-op, ArcTeryx, IKEA, Norco Bicycles, Apple, Aritzia, Skidmore, Owings & Merrilll Architects, WhiteWater West Industries Ltd.
Message the school
About this institute
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU)
Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) is a world-class university dedicated to art, design and media education. ECU was ranked the top art and design university in Canada, and among the top 50 universities world-wide by QS Rankings...
Why study at Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Emily Carr University of Art + Design is a school of students, teachers, thinkers and makers unlike any other – at once laser-focused and infinite by practice and nature. Established in 1925, we are the only specialized, accredited, public, post-secondary university in British Columbia solely devoted to education and research in the creative sector and its associated knowledge economy. We merge research, critical theory and studio practice in an interdisciplinary environment, strengthening our work by the integration of our personal and professional practices. Our strategy, facilities, partnerships and resources are intentionally student-centred to foster dialogue, expression and open connections in support of the next generation of creative and cultural leaders.
Our home base in Vancouver – a young, vibrant city, known for its verve, beauty and unparalleled livability – reflects our core belief: Creativity will always be our greatest natural resource, individually and collectively. Inspired by this belief, our programs offer undergraduate, graduate degrees, and applied research in the fields of visual arts, media arts, and design, as well as professional certificates, pre-university, and lifelong learning in these areas.
Contact info
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Want to know more about Bachelor of Design in Industrial Design Major? Fill out the following form and we'll pass your details on to a representative from the school, who will respond to your enquiry.
Be the first to write a review!
