We design and innovate to affect culture change, restore a stable climate, regenerate water and food systems, and reduce economic disparities. What do you design for? Let’s work together to design solutions to real problems. 

Master of Design

The Master of Design is a professional graduate level program that blends critical design thinking, creative practice, and engineering principles within a culture of innovation, creativity and social and sustainable entrepreneurship. The program is geared towards working professionals seeking ways to improve their leadership and practice.

Students learn from award-winning faculty and benefit from being part of world-class research taking place on campus. Projects position design thinking within the history of innovation, cultural theory, and to address contemporary local and global challenges.

Combine science, engineering and creative arts

The program connects engineers, designers, artists, and social scientists, and provides them with the opportunity to experience design thinking and human-centered approaches that address challenges facing society – both locally and globally. Our program provides the support and resources needed to turn those risks into transformative solutions. Join us and be a part of a community of changemakers who are redefining what it means to be a master of design.

Program Overview

Advance your career through the MDes program. Questions? Email masterdesign.ok@ubc.ca 

Applications for May 2025 are now closed. Stay tuned for the next round of application details.

Participating Faculty Research

School of Engineering Research Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies Research Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Research

Virtual Information Session

We are looking for our first cohort of people working towards solving critical problems facing humanity. Our goal is to help you do that.

View this video recording to learn more about the program and the application process.