Wilson School of Design

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Whether you're fresh out of high school or making a career change, the Wilson School of Design at KPU will get you job-ready and prepared for success.

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  • Small class sizes and a student-focused environment ensure you get the one-on-one support you need.

Your Health Matters

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Spring 2022 Academic Term

KPU is continuing with more on-campus teaching, learning and research in Spring 2022. Our spring course offerings will include a variety of in-person and online classes, as well as classes being offered in a blended (partially online) format.

Visit the Registrar for more information about Spring 2022 classes and visit Return to Campus for more about KPU’s plans for January 2022.


Fall 2022

Applications open on October 1, 2021.

Have questions? Contact the Future Students' Office at 604-599-3030 or study@kpu.ca.

 

Turn your talent for design into a successful career

If you have an eye for design, a head for business, and a sketchbook full of ideas, the Wilson School of Design is for you.

We challenge our students to take risks, to innovate. We support our risk-takers through small, personalized classes offering intensive hands-on learning experiences. Our faculty bring strong industry connections and real-world knowledge to help you grow your professional network, perhaps even launch your own start-up before graduation.

KPU is a teaching-focused university. We bring together instructors, guest lecturers and alumni to create a student-centred learning environment. Our polytechnic approach keeps classes purposefully small, giving you the opportunity to work directly with faculty.

We're here to push you to your creative limits. And just when you think you're done, we'll push you to go further. All this to prepare you for an exciting, dynamic future in design.

Did you know

The Design Research Network at the Wilson School of Design provides students with the opportunity to participate in research projects, such as those embedded within courses, or as research assistants in dedicated research projects.

Learn more about the Design Research Network

 

Fashion and Apparel Programs

Maybe you're a veteran of the fashion world looking to take on a new challenge. Or perhaps you're a newcomer to the industry with a sketchbook full of ideas. No matter what your background, when you start a Fashion and Technology program or a Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Technical Apparel Design, you're taking your first steps on your fashion journey or gaining the skills, knowledge and experience you need join an industry pushing the limits of human potential.

 

Design Programs

Designed for creative problem solvers and critical thinkers, our design programs deliver a dynamic education, combining academic learning with in-studio, hands-on experience. We offer bachelor programs in Interior Design and Product Design, as well as a Certificate in Foundations in Design to help you find out where your design passion lies.

 

Marketing Programs

Looking for a marketing program that will develop your critical thinking skills and creative problem-solving abilities in graphic design or fashion, while teaching you practical business, communication skills? We've got you covered.

Come join our small community of talented students and immerse yourself in our innovative, studio-based Graphic Design for Marketing program. Here, you’ll develop the critical thinking, industry-relevant tools, and business and marketing savvy you need to future-ready your design career.

With a Diploma in Fashion Marketing, you don’t have to choose between a program that ignites your creativity or a business program that is practical. In our hands-on program, you’ll learn practical skills in business, fashion, communication and marketing, while making industry connections that will launch your career.

  • Grad Showcase

    Want to get a sense of what our grads are doing?

  • Viral Design

    Viral Design is the inaugural exhibition for the Wilson School of Design’s new virtual exhibition space, Artifact. This space was created to showcase multidisciplinary design projects, illustrate the breadth of the design discipline, and highlight collaboration between the Wilson School of Design’s 7 programs.

    Artifact will eventually become a virtual gallery collection of rotating exhibits which address contemporary issues and showcase how our emerging designers create innovative solutions to everyday problems.

  • The Design Loop

    Visit the Design Blog for more inspiring stories about our design community. For the latest media coverage visit our newsroom. And for even more design goodness connect with us on social.

  • Virtual Showcase

    Missed the live event? Not to worry. We’ve gathered everything you need to know about the Wilson School of Design in one place. From info sessions and entrance requirements to student resources and virtual campus tours, you’ll learn from our faculty, alumni, and students what is possible at the Wilson School of Design.

  • Student Awards & Financial Assistance

    Students have access to apply or be selected by their faculty for many awards, scholarships and bursaries. The diversity of design awards and scholarships available is a testament to the dedication and support of many donors and industry partners who believe in the future of design. For more information, please visit Student Awards & Financial Assistance.

  • Academic Advising

    Your design advisor is here for you in these challenging times. Have questions? Please book an online appointment through Advisor Connect, and we will follow up with you. If you have difficulty using the Advisor Connect platform, please email your advisor.

  • Volunteer Opportunities

    There are many opportunities for students to get involved and become a part of the KPU community, through a variety of volunteer initiatives.

  • Work-Study Program

    The Work Study Program at KPU offers part-time job opportunities on KPU campuses for full-time undergraduate students. The program provides financial assistance and career related employment experiences to students with demonstrated financial need. Jobs can offer challenging work and future experience for students who will work directly with faculty members, administrative and academic units.

    Check out the Wilson School of Design's Our Students page for more information.

  • Field Schools

    Each year we offer a design-specific Field School which incorporates art, architecture, interiors, fashion, interior design, and cultural studies. Field School locations change from year to year so you can choose based on your own learning outcomes.

  • Continuing Studies

    We also offer a variety of Continuing and Professional Studies for a wide range of people from young design enthusiasts looking to develop their skills or teachers needing to expand their skills.

Information Sessions
and Events

Interested in studying at the Wilson School of Design, but not sure what program is right for you? Attending an information session is a wonderful way to learn more about programs, courses, fees and how to apply. We also host portfolio reviews and workshops, as well as other design workshops. Visit Info Sessions, Portfolio Reviews & Workshops for more information. And to see what else is happening at the Wilson School of Design, check out our events calendar.

KPU Richmond

The home of the Wilson School of Design is located in the City of Richmond, British Columbia, 20 minutes by train from downtown Vancouver.

Our 65,000 square foot campus includes innovative teaching studios and labs, a testing centre, gallery space, and expanded study and design spaces for students. It also houses advanced technology, such as laser cutters, 3D printers and ultrasonic welders.

Our Faculty

Hailing from around the world, converging at the Wilson School of Design, our faculty offer an impressive range of industry and academic expertise.

Learn more about our faculty