Program Overview

Bachelor of Design Program

The Bachelor of Design program at Toronto Metropolitan University is a leading fashion program in Canada, where new voices shape the future of fashion. The program is designed to teach students technical skills, and students are not required to have refined technical skills prior to admission.

Non-Academic Requirements

The non-academic requirements for the Bachelor of Design program include a portfolio and a statement of intent.

Portfolio

The portfolio is an essential part of the application and should include a combination of visual and written work, with both finished pieces and process work. The portfolio should demonstrate the student's:

• Creativity
• Exploratory research
• Technical skills
• Concepts and critical thinking
• Interest in fashion and design

Portfolio Content Categories

Students can choose from a variety of categories, including:

• Clothing & Accessories
• Graphic Design
• Fine Art
• Accessory or Textile Design
• Writing
• Fashion Business
• Fashion Event
• Your Own Choice

The Four Portfolio Pieces

Students should submit four finished pieces of their best creative work, which should reflect their skills, interests, and unique point of view. Process work, such as quick sketches, multiple concepts, material exploration, and photos of work in progress, should also be included.

Statement of Intent

The statement of intent should be written through storytelling and reflect on the student's:

• Introduction to fashion
• Role of identity or culture in their creative life
• Issues in fashion they care about
• Why Toronto Metropolitan University feels like the right place for them

Admission Criteria

Admission to the program is based on both academic grades and the portfolio assessment. The fashion department reviews the portfolio and sends the assessment to the admissions department, which makes an offer of admission based on both factors equally.

Program Structure

The program is designed to teach students technical skills, and students can choose from five concentrations, which do not all include sewing. Students do not declare a concentration when they apply and can start taking courses and electives to customize their experience in their second year.

Research Areas

The School of Fashion at Toronto Metropolitan University is involved in various research areas, including:

• The Suzanne Rogers Fashion Institute
• The Fashion Zone
• The Centre for Fashion & Systemic Change
• The Creative School Facilities
• Faculty Research & Creative Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

• The non-academic requirements assessment fee is $50 CDN and must be paid for the submission to be reviewed.
• The deadline for submitting the portfolio is February 1st, or 10 business days from the academic application, whichever comes later.
• Students can submit multiple pieces from the same category, but it is recommended to show breadth within their creativity and technical skills.
• Process work is not a requirement but is recommended to show the development of ideas.
• The program is designed to teach students technical skills, and students are not required to have refined technical skills prior to admission.