Program Overview

Doctor of Design (DDes) Program

The Doctor of Design (DDes) program at the University of Calgary is a professional degree that focuses on advanced design research and practice. Applications for the program are accepted between September 1 and May 31, with decisions from the selection committee provided by the end of July.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the DDes program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum Education: A professional design degree from an accredited school.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in their discipline.
• GPA: A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale, calculated over the last 60 units (minimum of 20 courses) of university-level courses at the time of application.
• English Language Proficiency: An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 105.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5.
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 62, or higher (Academic version).
  • Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 70.
  • Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
  • On a temporary basis, the University of Calgary will accept both the Duolingo English Test and the TOEFL IBT Home Edition.
    • The minimum Duolingo test score required is 135.
    • The minimum TOEFL IBT Home Edition score required is 105.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following materials:

• Online Application Form: Create an eID to log in and submit the online application form.
• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended, with international students also required to include provisional and degree certificates.
• Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of CDN $125 for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and CDN $145 for international students attending on a Study Permit.
• 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.
• References: Two referees, with names and contact information, both phone and email, in the online application.
• Research Proposal: A statement including the researcher's professional practice background, contexts of the research, potential research area/questions arising from one's professional practice, and broader impacts of the proposed research, with a maximum of 1500 words.
• Curriculum Vitae: A summary of experiences in education, work, volunteering, and other relevant areas.

Additional Requirements

Applicants may be required to participate in a formal interview.

Tuition and Fees

Information about general, supplementary, and tuition fees is available.

Scholarships and Awards

The School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape offers competitive entrance scholarships and funding opportunities.