Doctor of Design (DDes) 36 months PHD Programme By University of Calgary |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Degree

Other

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The Doctor of Design (DDes) creates a place for professionals to explore design solutions to major societal issues: the climate crisis, automation and digitization, social inequality and other challenges emerging in our urban environments. 
The DDes is a terminal academic credential catering to mid-career professionals with at least five years' experience in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and related disciplines. Graduates of the program will bring an enhanced skill set with valuable, fresh expertise to their disciplines and practices, ultimately benefiting their clients and society as a whole. The DDes credential will also prepare design professionals to explore opportunities teaching in a post-secondary program.
The DDes is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals interested in pursuing an academic credential without having to step away from their practices for extended periods. Students may carry on their professional activities while completing the program. Symposia are held over long weekends every spring and fall, giving students opportunities to engage with colleagues and a wide range of experts. 
Applicants should apply early. Significant professional experience will be considered in lieu of a graduate academic degree.

Programme overview

Degree

Other

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The Doctor of Design (DDes) creates a place for professionals to explore design solutions to major societal issues: the climate crisis, automation and digitization, social inequality and other challenges emerging in our urban environments. 
The DDes is a terminal academic credential catering to mid-career professionals with at least five years' experience in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and related disciplines. Graduates of the program will bring an enhanced skill set with valuable, fresh expertise to their disciplines and practices, ultimately benefiting their clients and society as a whole. The DDes credential will also prepare design professionals to explore opportunities teaching in a post-secondary program.
The DDes is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals interested in pursuing an academic credential without having to step away from their practices for extended periods. Students may carry on their professional activities while completing the program. Symposia are held over long weekends every spring and fall, giving students opportunities to engage with colleagues and a wide range of experts. 
Applicants should apply early. Significant professional experience will be considered in lieu of a graduate academic degree.

Admission Requirements

3.5+
7.5+
105+
GPA 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 of time.
Minimum education A professional design degree from an accredited school
Documents All documents should be submitted in digital form (.PDF files), uploaded by the applicant to their Student Centre, following submission of their online application. Additional descriptions, specifications, and details about the application documents can be found on the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape website at: https://sapl.ucalgary.ca/future-students/admissions/ddes.

  • Portfolio: A digital portfolio providing examples of or illustrating the applicant's design work, professional work, consulting reports, policy reviews, research, creative thinking, community action, planning products, or graphics and visual communication.
  • 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.
  • CV/Resume: A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).
Professional experience Minimum 7 years of professional experience in their discipline.
Additional requirements Applicants are required to participate in a formal interview (either in person or online) with the Graduate Program Director or their designate.
Reference letters Two

3 Years
Sep

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