Programme Type:

Course Overview

Each September, a small group of students begin a nine-month graduate certificate program in Interdisciplinary Design Strategy at the Institute without Boundaries (IwB), where they work as a team to research, design and realize a real-world project. Initiated in 2003, this program delves into the methods and practices of design research, strategy and social innovation. It is a unique educational experience offered by George Brown College in partnership with leading designers and industry.

Our aim is to produce a new breed of designer who can articulate possibilities – one who is, in the words of Buckminster Fuller, a "synthesis of artist, inventor, mechanic, objective economist and evolutionary strategist."

This program will accept strong candidates representing different fields – for example, a geographer, an economist, an artist, an architect, a journalist and others – all of whom see the potential for design to change the world.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Apply universal and sustainable design principles to complex global problems in order to create intelligent solutions that address environmental, social and economic challenges.
  2. Manage an Integrated Design Process to deliver human-centered design strategy projects for government, corporations and non-profit organizations.
  3. Design collaboratively in an interdisciplinary studio environment to complete environmental, communication, product, service and system design projects.
  4. Apply primary and secondary research methodologies to the design process using a think/make practice model to achieve project outcomes that meet user needs.
  5. Adhere to the professional practices of a design studio in order to facilitate the success of design teams in achieving project results.
  6. Participate in a multi-phase design process in order to create a holistic, integrated and realistic design project.
  7. Liaise and manage the design process to provide solutions for clients including design, documentation, tendering, fabrication and delivery.
  8. Present research results and design solutions to a diverse audience utilizing effective communication strategies.

Entry Requirement 

Admission Requirements:

  • Diploma or Bachelor's Degree
  • Applicant Questionnaire*
  • Resumé*
  • Digital Portfolio*
  • Two letters of reference (one academic and one professional)**
  • Online Interview***

* Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the online application questionnaire, including links to view or download a resumé and portfolio.

** Qualified applicants will also be invited to provide two letters of reference, to be submitted directly to the School of Design by the referees.

*** Following the review of the application questionnaire, resumé, portfolio and letters of reference, qualified applicants may also be invited for an online interview.

Details on these supplementary requirements will be communicated at a later date to qualified applicants, as part of the review process.

English Language Requirements:

  DIPLOMA/CERTIFICATE
PROGRAMS
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMS AND FAST-TRACK/ BRIDGES** GBC DEGREE PROGRAMS*
George Brown English for Academic (EAP) Program Level 8 Level 9 Level 9
IELTS (Academic) 6.0, minimum 5.5 in each skill band 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each skill band
TOEFL 80 (online) minimum 20 in each skill band 88 (online) minimum 22 in each skill band 84 (online) minimum 21 in each skill band
MELAB 80 85 85
PTE (Academic) 54, overall minimum
50 in each skill band
60, overall minimum
55 in each skill band
60, overall minimum
55 in each skill band
CAEL 60 (overall) 70 overall (writing 60) 70 overall (writing 60)
Cambridge English Exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) 169 or more (with no individual skill below 162) 176 or more (with no individual skill below 169) 176 or more (with no individual skill below 169)
George Brown Admissions Test (Mature applicants only) Available Available Not Available

Fees

Base Tuition Fee:

  1. $14600 for 2 semesters (2020-2021 Programs)
  2. $21900 for 3 semesters (2020-2021 Programs)
  3. Incidental Fees (student ID student association membership etc): $2000

This information was accurate on : 12/04/2021
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