Design for Health (MDes) in Canada at OCAD Canada

Program Overview for Design for Health (MDes) in Canada:

Become an expert in the rapidly growing field of healthcare design in the Master of Healthcare Design (MDes) at OCAD University. Study full-time or part-time on our campus close to world-class hospitals, healthcare research institutions, and thriving technology groups. 

Almost all aspects of healthcare require design expertise, including the design of systems, services, procedures, and products. With the development of more inclusive health care policies and practices, the health challenges considered in the plan include:

• The emergence of new infections, including epidemics and pandemics
• Chronic diseases, including mental health and addictions
• Aging population
• Health inequality, including access to care for structurally marginalized individuals and groups
• Creating an inclusive and healthy built environment
• Global health initiatives, including HIV/AIDS and access to medicines
• Patient-oriented care planning and delivery, and Paramedic

The Interdisciplinary Health Design Program has four main themes, delivered primarily through study-based learning:

1. Health Background: Developing domain knowledge in health, health care provision, communication, technology, and innovation.
2. Research and Application: Identity, design, implement, and apply qualitative, collaborative design, quantitative, and evidence-based technologies to address health challenges.
3. Design and Innovation: Working with healthcare stakeholders, patients, and partners to create new, ethical and sustainable solutions.
4. Competence and leadership in interdisciplinary cooperation: Incorporate an interdisciplinary team focused on stakeholders such as patients, healthcare providers, and designers to develop solutions and communicate results.

We develop health design medical doctors for people with educational and practical experience in design, health sector or health social sciences. We seek candidates who are committed to learning and developing design solutions for complex healthcare challenges. Most students will have a bachelor's degree in design or related fields in health sciences or social sciences. Some people will have experience in design consulting, health management, patient advocacy, health services, or health technology.

The eligibility for Design for Health (MDes) in Canada for both domestic and international student is:

Application for admission into the Master’s in Design for Health is competitive. Applicants must hold a bachelor degree in a design field, such as BA (in design studies), B.Arch., BED, BID, BDes, BSc, BEng or comparable honors degree/certification with a GPA of 75% (B+) or better during the last two years of study, or must demonstrate exceptional experience and expertise as a practitioner in a relevant discipline.

All applicants must demonstrate creative and conceptual competence at a high level, as well as the clear potential for acquiring a sufficient level of expertise in the diverse disciplines relevant to this degree. Other Admission Requirement:

• Statement of Interest: Describe your key areas of interest in the health sector, detailing how your academic background and professional experience relate to your interests, and how your intended practice and research align with the objectives of the program. The proposal must be 750 words in length.
• Design Portfolio: You must submit samples of the relevant student or professional work produced in the last five years. Visual work, analytic reports, proposal documents, etc. may be included. You are expected to demonstrate proficiency in your primary design discipline(s). Your best work should be represented.
• Alternative Portfolio (for non-design applicants): A limited number of candidates with ‘non- design’ qualifications and backgrounds such as engineering, computer science, public health, and medicine may be considered for entry on a case-by-case basis, considering criteria such as professional and personal experience within the area of design for health. Requirements for applicants with non-design undergraduate degrees are the same as for design degree graduates, except that the portfolio should focus on providing sufficient documentation of experience relevant to health innovation.
• Program Specific Questions: Applicants will be asked to provide responses to a series of questions specific to the program.
• CV: Applicants should include an updated copy of their curriculum vitae.
• Three (3) reference letters.

These are the test eligibilities for the Design for Health (MDes) to qualify.

The international student tuition fees and costs for Design for Health (MDes) in Canada.

We offer many scholarships and funding opportunities for students in the Health Design Program.  

The Manchee Family Graduate Entrance Scholarship was founded in 2014 by the Manchee family. According to the results determined by the program's admissions committee, each year scholarships are awarded to the best students who enter the master's program in health design and design. Two scholarships are awarded, each worth US $ 9,555. 

The Semple Graduate Scholarship was founded in 2016 by Dr. Semple, OCAD College Board President, and awarded graduate students master's courses in registered design and health design based on results determined by the program's admissions committee. The scholarship is worth the US $ 1,000.  

Research Award to assist in health design research projects led by different faculty and staff 

We have many scholars and funding opportunities available to students in the Design for Health program. Funding options for international students in Canada are limited. It is important that you have a solid financial plan in place before beginning your studies. In order to obtain a study permit, you will be required to prove to Canadian immigration officials that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself.