Design Research — Master of Design Research (MDR) (Thesis-based)

Frequently asked questions

• How much does Design Research — Master of Design Research (MDR) (Thesis-based) cost?

  CAD 8,576 / year.

• What English score does it need?

  IELTS 6.5 overall is the score listed for this programme.

• How long is it?

  4 years, as listed by the university.

• What are the entry requirements?

  GPA: A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point scale, over the last two years of study (a minimum of 20 courses or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree. | Minimum education: A four year baccalaureate degree, or equivalent from a recognized institution. | Documents: 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/medes. • Digital Portfolio: Provide examples of or illustrate design work, professional work, research, creative thinking, community action, planning products, or graphics and visual communication. If any of the work submitted involved collaboration with others, the applicant should clearly identify their individual contributions. • Examples of Writing: Provide at least one example of the applicant's previous academic or professional work such as a written essay, published research paper, major academic paper, thesis, design project, or consulting report. • Statement of Research Interest: A clear, concise, and substantive statement of interest, which informs the Admissions Committee of the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the MDR degree. Please include educational, professional, and personal background alignment with environmental design; you research within an interdisciplinary content; personal/professional goals and how the MDR program furthers this vision. • Funding plan: Provide a two-year funding plan that demonstrates that financial resources are available for the entire program of study, including scholarship and student award funding to supplement personal funds. • CV/Resume: A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV). Include proficiency in disciplinary CAD/design software programs, academic publications, past funding/scholarship awards, and applicable teaching experience. | Reference letters: Three reference letters, of which at least two should be academic. · English: IELTS 6.5 (no band below 6.0); TOEFL iBT 86; PTE Academic 59; Duolingo English Test 125 · English test waiver: The department or graduate program may waive the English proficiency-testing requirement in certain circumstances, such as the possession of a baccalaureate degree or its academic equivalent from a recognised institution in which the language of instruction is English. Applicants are told to contact the graduate program to which they plan to apply. Source: G.A.1 Graduate Qualifications, https://calendar.ucalgary.ca/pages/833465eb455d4f95aed3e67c017fcd04 · Application fee: CAD 145.00 for International Students (CAD 125.00 for Canadians or Permanent residents), paid when the online application is submitted. Source: Faculty of Graduate Studies Applying for grad studies, https://grad.ucalgary.ca/future-students/how-apply

• Is there a scholarship?

  Full-time students registered in a graduate degree program are eligible for awards and financial assistance, and select awards are available for prospective students; applicants are encouraged to apply for awards at the same time as they apply for admission. The University states that international students are eligible for award applications that do not specify Canadian residency. Government student loans are limited to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, protected persons and American citizens. Source View scholarship page