The Interdisciplinary Design Studies (IDDS) program offers students the opportunity to develop the fundamental knowledge, insights and skills common to the field of design and its diverse disciplines and to explore and assess educational and career options.
The IDDS program celebrates diversity of thought, philosophy, values and learning styles with a curriculum emphasizing personal development, creative problem solving and critical and contextual thinking.
Based on the four cornerstones of exploration, self-diagnosis, transition and fundamental skill development, some goals of the IDDS program include:
- Broaden knowledge of the options, opportunities and requirements within the field of design and its various disciplines.
- Encourage informed choices regarding future studies and career paths.
- Enable students to develop their own voices through the formation and expression of their ideas verbally and visually.
- Encourage self-expression respecting social, cultural, environmental, economic and ecological contexts.
- Broaden knowledge and understanding of the theories, methodologies and processes common to all disciplines of design.
The IDDS program offers a comprehensive introduction to design studies and practice that is particularly appropriate for:
- Graduates of secondary school
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Students interested in a career in the field of design but who have not yet determined which discipline would suit them best. Students who have decided on a specific career path but need to expand their foundational skills and improve their portfolio as a means of gaining access to further design studies.
- Current post-secondary students
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Students in other design or related programs such as Marketing, Business, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising, Fine Arts, Social Sciences / Humanities wishing to complement their discipline specific knowledge and skills with IDDS learning outcomes (which include creative problem solving skills, critical and contextual thinking skills, conceptualization and visualization skills and individual and team presentation skills). Some IDDS courses are designated Liberal Education courses.
- Graduates of post-secondary programs
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Recent graduates from any discipline seeking to complement their discipline specific studies with the fundamental design skills mentioned above and supported in an interdisciplinary learning environment, stressing integration, collaboration and synthesis.
- Mature students
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Mature students seeking a transitional program where they can explore career and educational opportunities in the field of design and its diverse disciplines.
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Mature students, working professionals, and Art/Design Educators interested in complementing and enhancing their professional development in areas such as creative problem solving, critical and contextual thinking, conceptualization and visualization capabilities.
In addition to Kwantlen University College’s admission requirements students must also:
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Submit transcripts of secondary and/or post-secondary education including Art, Design and Academic courses (Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) of design-related experience is available).
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Submission of a broad portfolio of project work that demonstrates creative interests and abilities in areas such as:
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Basic 2D and/or 3D fine arts projects including drawing, painting, photography (b & w, colour), printmaking, sculpture, colour studies, textiles, journals and/or sketchbooks of ideas, thoughts, images etc.
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Basic 2D and/or 3D design projects including typography, layout/composition, drafting, CAD, fashion design, landscape design, video production, computer/ digital design, photography (b& w, colour), interior design, storyboards, journals and/or sketchbooks of ideas/image development, exploration of thoughts etc.
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Examples of creative writing, poetry, script writing, marketing/public relations plans, short films, handcrafts such as pottery, woodworking, sewing etc.
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Design-related work experience
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A written statement reflecting personal goals, education and career goals (if possible) and what interests you about the field of design
Note
Any projects too large to transport can be photographed as prints, slides or digital images.
Admissions will notify you of the exact date for portfolio submission.
For out-of-town applicants who cannot submit their portfolio in person, alternate arrangements must be made.
The IDDS program needs to retain your portfolio for two to three days, so if you are applying to more than one program or institution, it is your responsibility to coordinate your portfolio submissions.
The portfolio review for entry into the IDDS program generally takes place at the end of May for:
*Note
It is strongly recommended that students who are applying for a design degree or diploma at Kwantlen, also apply to the IDDS program. Indicate both programs on your application form. Your date of application will apply to both programs.
Applications are accepted from November 1 to March 31. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
The Centre for Applied Design and Communications hosts several information sessions throughout the year to inform the public about programs of study, new developments, emerging degrees, deadlines to apply etc. Visit the department website at www.kwantlen.ca/applied-design/idds.html for more information.
Please call Admissions at 604.599.2512 to enquire about the next information session as well as answers to questions you may have.
*Note:
Students must choose IDDS 1362 or IDDS 1363 to complete their certificate requirements.
**Designated IDDS Liberal Education courses.
Returning IDDS students and students who successfully qualify for a seat in IDDS have priority registration. Registering on your date and time (as per your instructions from Admissions) is extremely important.
Some seats may be made available to students from other Kwantlen programs taking designated IDDS Liberal Education courses, however, these students will not have priority registration nor qualify for the IDDS Certificate.
In addition to tuition, students should be prepared to spend approximately $300.00 to $500.00 for project materials and photocopying during the program.
Upon successful completion of this program (27 credits of IDDS courses and 3 credits of electives) students are awarded a Certificate in Interdisciplinary Design Studies.