Design (Honours)
Kitchener Campus (Main), Canada
Bachelor of Design (Honours)
Conestoga College
Visual Design & Entrepreneurship
Program Overview: Bachelor of Design (Honours)
The Bachelor of Design (Honours) at Conestoga College is a four-year degree in visual design complemented by courses in entrepreneurship, marketing, and management. This program ensures graduates possess both creative and visual acuity and the business strategy knowledge necessary to create design solutions for current and evolving market needs.
Conestoga's Bachelor of Design is unique in Ontario for offering a truly interprofessional perspective that blends visual design, entrepreneurship, and liberal studies with co-op opportunities, enhanced studio space, printing facilities, and access to advanced technology. Limited enrolment and small class sizes ensure direct access to faculty with professional experience in visual design and business development.
The program employs a project-based learning approach that addresses design and entrepreneurship skills alongside important issues including accessibility, sustainability, and corporate and social responsibility. Students engage in dynamic studio projects for both in-class and live clients, building a professional portfolio throughout their studies.
Key Program Highlights
- Interprofessional curriculum blending visual design with entrepreneurship, marketing, and business strategy
- Paid co-op work placements providing real-world industry experience and professional connections
- Small class sizes with faculty who have professional experience in visual design and business development
- Access to enhanced studio spaces, printing facilities, and advanced design technology on campus
Curriculum & Modules
The Bachelor of Design (Honours) curriculum covers a comprehensive range of design disciplines alongside business and liberal studies. Students take courses in typography, visual design, colour theory, design studio, drawing and illustration, photography, interactive design, branding, marketing, and more through a project-based learning approach.
Typography & Visual Design
CoreFoundational courses in typography, colour theory, and visual design principles that develop the core creative skills needed for professional design practice.
Drawing & Illustration
CoreFoundation courses emphasizing hand rendering skills, studio and outdoor drawing exercises, life drawing, and perspective and technical drawing to develop observational and representational abilities.
Design Studio & Photography
CoreHands-on studio courses where students work on projects for in-class and live clients, integrating photography and interactive design into their creative practice.
Branding & Marketing
CoreCourses covering brand development, marketing strategy, and business management that prepare students to create compelling design solutions within a commercial context.
Entrepreneurship & Business Strategy
CoreBusiness-oriented modules that equip students with entrepreneurial skills, knowledge of business development, and the strategic thinking required to succeed in the design industry.
Co-operative Education Work Terms
RequiredPaid co-op work placements that allow students to apply classroom learning in real workplace environments, build professional networks, and gain practical industry experience.
Elective & Specialization Options
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Bachelor of Design (Honours) at Conestoga College is competitive, and higher averages may be required due to demand for available spaces. Applicants who do not meet the direct entry requirements may pursue pathway options through Design Foundations or Media Foundations programs. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on your application.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary School DiplomaOntario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
- Minimum AverageMinimum cumulative average of 65% across six Grade 12 U or M level courses
- English RequirementGrade 12 compulsory English (ENG4U) with a minimum grade of 70%
- Recommended CourseOne U level mathematics course is recommended among the six required courses
- Mature StudentsApplicants 19 years of age or older may be considered with equivalent qualifications
English Language Proficiency
- IELTSOverall band score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0 (contact Uni4Edu to confirm current requirements)
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 88 (contact Uni4Edu to confirm current requirements)
- PTE AcademicMinimum score of 60 (contact Uni4Edu to confirm current requirements)
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Conestoga College offers a range of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to support students in the Bachelor of Design (Honours) program. International students are encouraged to explore all available funding options through Uni4Edu to help offset the cost of their studies.
Conestoga College Degree Entrance Scholarship
Awarded to students accepted into their first term of eligible degree programs who have achieved an admission average of at least 70%. This merit-based scholarship recognizes strong academic performance.
Conestoga College Bursaries & Awards
Varies by awardA variety of bursaries and awards are available to enrolled students based on financial need, academic merit, and community involvement. Eligible students can apply each academic year.
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
Varies based on eligibilityEligible domestic students may access provincial financial aid through OSAP. The amount of funding depends on program, course load, educational expenses, living costs, and financial situation. International students should contact Uni4Edu for alternative funding options.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Bachelor of Design (Honours) program are well-prepared for diverse roles across the creative industries. Conestoga College boasts strong graduate employment outcomes, with the college reporting an 87% employed-graduate rate within six months of graduation across its programs. The blend of visual design expertise and business acumen makes graduates highly competitive in today's job market.
Potential Career Paths
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
Conestoga College is widely recognized as a leading polytechnic institution in Canada, consistently earning top rankings for its applied education, graduate employment outcomes, and industry partnerships. While the college does not typically appear in global university rankings, it holds prestigious national and provincial accolades that reflect the quality of its programs.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Design Programs | CourseCompare | Top 10 in Canada |
| Interior Design | CourseCompare | #8 in Canada |
| Applied Research | Research Infosource | Top 5 for Industry Research Intensity |
| Cybersecurity Programs | CourseCompare | #1 in Canada |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Fashion Communication BA
Arts University Bournemouth, Poole, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
September 2026
Gross Tuition
19950 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Global Fashion Management MA
University of Leeds, , United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2026
Gross Tuition
32750 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
MA (Hons) Design Management
Ravensbourne University London, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
June 2026
Gross Tuition
18000 £
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Design
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Milan, Italy
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
21600 €
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Social Design
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Milan, Italy
Earliest Intake
May 2026
Gross Tuition
21600 €
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
