Honours Bachelor of Brand Design Program (G304)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
The Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) – Canada’s largest professional association of graphic designers has given George Brown College’s School of Design top marks, naming it the number one design school in the country based on student work in 2024.
Program Overview
This program is eligible for an entrance scholarship.
Unlock your potential with our Honours Bachelor of Brand Design, a four-year degree program that equips you with the skills to thrive as a brand designer. Immerse yourself in a dynamic curriculum that emphasizes technical design execution, collaboration, research, strategic thinking and compelling brand storytelling. This program is designed for creative minds eager to shape impactful and innovative brand experiences. Join us to master the art of brand design and set yourself apart in the competitive world of branding.
Full Description
Immerse yourself in our Honours Bachelor of Brand Design, a dynamic four-year degree program designed to prepare you for the ever-evolving world of graphic design and branding. Brands today are more than just logos; they are strategic relationships that convey a company's mission and values.
In this program, you'll learn to craft compelling brand identities across diverse platforms and design adaptable brand experiences that engage customers. You'll develop the ability to articulate brand stories that resonate with audiences and collaborate innovatively with diverse teams. By mastering new technologies and adapting to changing environments, you'll bridge the gap between business and creativity.
Graduates are equipped to excel in the competitive world of brand design, ready to deliver impactful and customizable branding solutions. You'll be prepared to write effectively for different scenarios, employ varied research methods in the design process, and compete professionally with competitive pricing. Join us and become a forward-looking brand designer ready to make a significant impact.
Your Field Education Options
Students must complete a 420-hour paid co-op work term in the spring/summer period between the third and fourth year.
Students have the opportunity to complete this co-op domestically and/or internationally as opportunities arise. The majority of co-op work terms are completed in the Greater Toronto Area, where the design sector is robust and the majority of interaction jobs are located.
The School of Design Field Placement team works with many notable training partners, including agencies such as Publicis, K9 Strategy + Design, Trevor/Peter and Relish Interactive; larger, well-known brands such as Nelvana (Corus Entertainment), Rogers Media, Mozilla, Crayola and PUR Gum; and a variety of industry-relevant arts and design institutions, including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) and Applied Arts.
The work term allows students to apply the skills, abilities and knowledge they've acquired in the program in a workplace environment or through an appropriate interaction design research project or initiative. Students gain valuable experience and the opportunity to reflect on the application of previous learning. A faculty member evaluates the student based on feedback provided by the employer.
Students will develop a digital portfolio demonstrating artifacts completed during the co-op work term.
Learn more about Experiential Learning at the School of Design including how to apply, important dates, workflow, and PLAR eligibility.
General Computer Requirements
- Base model MacBook pro is recommended
- 16 gig of RAM
- 1Tb of hard drive space is recommended
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
If you are a George Brown College student who has completed the second or third year of the Graphic Design Advanced Diploma (G102) with a grade point average of 3.2 (75 per cent) or higher, you may be eligible to enter a degree completion pathway to this program. For more information, contact your program coordinator.
Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Brand Design program may qualify to pursue further graduate studies in relevant program areas. Students should contact universities directly to explore graduate school opportunities.
Graduates of the degree will be prepared for graduate studies in branding, design, and communication.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest alumni stories
Ministry Consent
George Brown has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting March 6, 2020. George Brown will ensure that all students admitted to this program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
Courses
Required Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BDES 1004 | Communicating for Design |
| BDES 1005 | History and Cultures of Branding |
| BDES 1006 | Introduction to Design Thinking |
| BDES 1007 | Design Studio 1: Design Foundations |
| BDES 1008 | Production 1: Print & Digital Applications |
| BDES 1009 | Type 1: Foundations |
Semester 2
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BDES 1204 | Research for Design 1: Qualitative & Quantitative Foundations |
| BDES 1205 | Design Studio 2: Design as Communication |
| BDES 1206 | Production 2: Digital Applications |
| BDES 1207 | Type 2: Typesetting and Layout |
| BDES 1208 | Writing Studio 1: Brand Copywriting |
| Select One Lower Liberal Studies Elective | |
Semester 3
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BDES 2304 | Brand Strategy 1: A to Z of the Brand |
| BDES 2305 | Design Studio 3: Intro to 2D & 3D Design |
| BDES 2306 | Production 3: Motion & Video |
| BDES 2307 | Type 3: Typographic System |
| Select One Lower Liberal Studies Elective | |
Semester 4
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BDES 2404 | Critical Perspectives in Communications and Cultural Theory |
| BDES 2405 | Research for Design 2: Qualitative Approaches and Tools |
| BDES 2406 | Design Studio 4: Product & Packaging |
| BDES 2407 | Production 4: Introduction to Web Design |
| BDE S2408 | Writing Studio 2: Brand Story |
| Select One Lower Liberal Studies Elective | |
Semester 5
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BDES 3506 | Brand Strategy 2: Brand Resilience |
| BDES 3507 | Research for Design 3: Data Collection and Analysis |
| BDES 3508 | Design Studio 5: UX/UI Branded Experiences |
| BDES 3609 | The Business of Design: Professional Practice |
| Select One Lower Liberal Studies Elective | |
Semester 6
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BDES 3509 | Design Studio 6: 3D Branded Environments |
| BDES 3606 | Brand Consumption in a Global Economy |
| BDES 3607 | Research for Design 4: Systems and Services |
| BDES 3608 | Design Studio 7: Identity Design |
| Select One Upper Liberal Studies Elective | |
Summer
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| GCOP 1001 | Work-Integrated Learning Co-op |
Semester 7
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BDES 4703 | Brand Strategy 3: Future Brand |
| BDES 4705 | Special Topics: Design for Social Good |
| BDES 4706 | Senior Project I: Thesis Preparation |
| Select One Upper Liberal Studies Elective | |
Semester 8
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| BDES 4802 | Intellectual Property |
| BDES 4803 | Senior Project II: Thesis Development and Production |
| BDES 4805 | Cross Platform Brand Narrative |
| Select One Upper Liberal Studies Elective | |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Use ideation techniques to generate innovative design solutions that respond to a creative brief.
- Participate in a collaborative brand-building project to produce an outcome that meets the needs of the client.
- Incorporate interdisciplinary theoretical approaches in the planning, production, and critique of design and strategy work.
- Plan, conduct and apply research in order to contextualize and make informed design.
- Assess the social, environmental and economic impact of the design solution in order to prioritize sustainability issues in design practice.
- Use the fundamental principles of branding to address the needs of the brand design and strategy for clients of various scales.
- Design solutions in support of a brand strategy.
- Communicate information, arguments, creative ideas and brand stories persuasively to a range of audiences using a variety of verbal, visual and written communication techniques.
- Utilize professional practices and knowledge of the business of branding in all design and strategy work.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
† Fees for this program do not include the $500 cost of the work-integrated learning or co-op work term.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- six (6) grade 12 University (U) or University/College (M) courses or equivalent with a combined average of 65 per cent or above (including English)
- English, grade 12 (U) with a grade or 65 per cent or higher
or
**Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
- English, grade 12 (U) with a grade of 65 per cent or higher
- post-secondary credits may be considered (certain credits only)
- application Questionnaire*
- portfolio*
*Qualified applicants will be invited to complete the application questionnaire and submit a portfolio electronically. Details on the application questionnaire and portfolio requirements will be communicated at a later date to qualified applicants, as part of the review process.
**There is no mature student testing in the required credits for degree programs. Mature applicants must have the English credit required. Additional information on where and how to upgrade can be found on the English upgrading page.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the College level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit the English Proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
George Brown has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting March 6, 2020. George Brown will ensure that all students admitted to this program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is part of our School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus, at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
School of Design Building
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- Future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Come and have your questions answered, learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom at one of our information sessions. You can also book a campus tour.
Honours Bachelor of Brand Design Program (G304)
Program Description
Program Overview
This program is eligible for an entrance scholarship.
The Honours Bachelor of Brand Design four-year degree program will give you the skills you need to succeed as a brand designer. You'll excel in collaboration, research, strategic thinking, technical design execution, and brand storytelling.
Full Description
The Honours Bachelor of Brand Design is a four-year degree program that responds to the rapidly changing world of graphic design by preparing you to be a forward-looking brand designer.
Brands are more than logos or sales tactics––they're strategic relationships between the brand makers and audiences. A brand is a promise to follow through on its mission and values. It's the thoughts and feelings that arise when someone thinks about a company or product.
Upon completing this program, you will:
- Convey a brand's identity through visual and physical designs across various online and offline platforms.
- Research and design adaptable brand experiences that engage customers across different touchpoints.
- Articulate a brand's story, connecting with audiences through various mediums.
- Foster innovative collaboration within diverse teams.
This program will teach you to:
- Craft clear brand messages for various platforms that engage audiences.
- Grasp new technology and navigate both traditional and modern channels.
- Write effectively for different scenarios, audiences, and styles.
- Adapt readily to changing work environments and sectors.
- Collaborate effectively, bridging business and creative aspects of branding.
- Employ varied research methods in the design process.
- Provide diverse and customizable services, including specialized areas like video and animation.
- Compete professionally in sales pitches with competitive pricing.
Why study Brand Design at George Brown College?
Our School of Design has an established reputation for design education that focuses on imagination, hones critical thinking skills, and engages with the latest technologies. Using their professional experience and advanced education, our faculty provide course content that is always evolving and reflective of industry and academic trends.
The School of Design is in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- Future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Our facilities and computer labs include the latest hardware and software and are complemented by a curriculum that reflects changing industry demands.
Your Field Education Options
Students must complete a 420-hour paid co-op work term in the spring/summer period between the third and fourth year.
Students have the opportunity to complete this co-op domestically and/or internationally, as opportunities arise. The majority of co-op work terms are completed in the Greater Toronto Area, where the design sector is robust and the majority of interaction jobs are located.
The School of Design Field Placement team works with many notable training partners, including agencies such as Publicis, K9 Strategy + Design, Trevor/Peter and Relish Interactive; larger, well-known brands such as Nelvana (Corus Entertainment), Rogers Media, Mozilla, Crayola and PUR Gum; and a variety of industry-relevant arts and design institutions, including the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD) and Applied Arts.
The work term allows students to apply the skills, abilities and knowledge they've acquired in the program in a workplace environment or through an appropriate interaction design research project or initiative. Students gain valuable experience and the opportunity to reflect on the application of previous learning. A faculty member evaluates the student based on feedback provided by the employer.
Students will develop a digital portfolio demonstrating artifacts completed during the co-op work term.
Learn more about Experiential Learning at the School of Design including how to apply, important dates, workflow, and PLAR eligibility.
General Computer Requirements
- Base model MacBook pro is recommended
- 16 gig of RAM
- 1Tb of hard drive space is recommended
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
If you are a George Brown College student who has completed the second or third year of the Graphic Design Advanced Diploma (G102) with a grade point average of 3.2 (75 per cent) or higher, you may be eligible to enter a degree completion pathway to this program. For more information, contact your program coordinator.
Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Brand Design program may qualify to pursue further graduate studies in relevant program areas. Students should contact universities directly to explore graduate school opportunities.
Graduates of the degree will be prepared for graduate studies in branding, design and communication fields.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Latest alumni stories
Ministry Consent
George Brown has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting March 6, 2020. George Brown will ensure that all students admitted to this program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course name | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 1005 | History and Cultures of Branding | NONE |
| BDES 1006 | Introduction to Design Thinking | NONE |
| BDES 1007 | Design Studio 1: Design Foundations | NONE |
| BDES 1008 | Production 1: Print & Digital Applications | NONE |
| BDES 1009 | Type 1: Foundations | NONE |
| BDES 1004 | Communicating for Design | NONE |
SEMESTER 2
| Code | Course name | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 1204 | Research for Design 1: Qualitative & Quantitative Foundations | None |
| BDES 1205 | Design Studio 2: Design as Communication | BDES 1007 |
| BDES 1206 | Production 2: Digital Applications | BDES 1008 |
| BDES 1207 | Type 2: Typesetting and Layout | BDES 1009 |
| BDES 1208 | Writing Studio 1: Brand Copywriting | BDES 1010 |
| LOWER Liberal Studies Elective |
SEMESTER 3
| Code | Course name | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| BDE S2304 | Brand Strategy 1: A to Z of the Brand | BDES 1005 BDES 1204 |
| BDES 2305 | Design Studio 3: Intro to 2D & 3D Design | BDES 1205 |
| BDES2306 | Production 3: Motion & Video | BDES 1206 |
| BDES2307 | Type 3: Typographic System | BDES 1207 |
| LOWER Liberal Studies Elective |
SEMESTER 4
| Code | Course name | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 2404 | Critical Perspectives in Communications and Cultural Theory | BDES 1005 |
| BDES 2405 | Research for Design 2: Qualitative Approaches and Tools | BDES 1204 |
| BDES 2406 | Design Studio 4: Product & Packaging | BDES 2305 |
| BDES 2407 | Production 4: Introduction to Web Design | BDES 2306 |
| BDES 2408 | Writing Studio 2: Brand Story | BDES 1208 |
| LOWER Liberal Studies Elective |
SEMESTER 5
| Code | Course name | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 3506 | Brand Strategy 2: Brand Resilience | BDES 2304, BDES 2405 |
| BDES 3507 | Research for Design 3: Data Collection and Analysis | BDES 2405, BDES 2304 |
| BDES 3508 | Design Studio 5: UX/UI Branded Experiences | BDES 2406 |
| BDES 3609 | The Business of Design: Professional Practice | NONE |
| LOWER Liberal Studies Elective |
SEMESTER 6
| Code | Course name | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 3509 | Design Studio 6: 3D Branded Environments | BDES 2305 |
| BDES 3606 | Brand Consumption in a Global Economy | BDES 2404, BDES 3507, BDES 3506 |
| BDES 3607 | Research for Design 4: Systems and Services | BDES 3507, BDES 3508, BDES 3509 |
| BDES 3608 | Design Studio 7: Identity Design | BDES 3508, BDES 3509 |
| UPPER Liberal Studies Elective |
SUMMER
| Code | Course name |
|---|---|
| GCOP 1001 | Work-Integrated Learning Co-op |
SEMESTER 7
| Code | Course name | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 4703 | Brand Strategy 3: Future Brand | BDES 3506 |
| BDES 4705 | Special Topics: Design for Social Good | BDES 3607, BDES 3606 |
| BDES 4706 | Senior Project I: Thesis Preparation | BDES 4703, BDES 3608 |
| UPPER Liberal Studies Elective |
SEMESTER 8
| Code | Course name | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 4802 | Intellectual Property | BDES 3507, BDES 4703, BDES 3606 |
| BDES 4803 | Senior Project II: Thesis Development and Production | BDES 4706 |
| BDES 4805 | Cross Platform Brand Narrative | BDES 2408 |
| UPPER Liberal Studies Elective |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:
- Use ideation techniques to generate innovative design solutions that respond to a creative brief.
- Participate in a collaborative brand-building project to produce an outcome that meets the needs of the client.
- Incorporate interdisciplinary theoretical approaches in the planning, production, and critique of design and strategy work.
- Plan, conduct and apply research in order to contextualize and make informed design.
- Assess the social, environmental and economic impact of the design solution in order to prioritize sustainability issues in design practice.
- Use the fundamental principles of branding to address the needs of the brand design and strategy for clients of various scale.
- Design solutions in support of a brand strategy.
- Communicate information, arguments, creative ideas and brand stories persuasively, to a range of audiences, using a variety of verbal, visual and written communication techniques.
- Utilize professional practices and knowledge of the business of branding in all design and strategy work.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
International Tuition
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
† Fees for this program do not include the $500 cost of the work-integrated learning or co-op work term.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid webpages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- six (6) grade 12 University (U) or University/College (M) courses or equivalent with a combined average of 65 per cent or above (including English)
- English, grade 12 (U) with a grade or 65 per cent or higher
OR
**Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
- English, grade 12 (U) with a grade of 65 per cent or higher
- post-secondary credits may be considered (certain credits only)
**There is no mature student testing in the required credits for degree programs. Mature applicants must have the English credit required. Additional information on where and how to upgrade can be found on the English upgrading page.
English Language Proficiency: applicants with international transcripts who do not provide English proficiency test results must test at the College level in the George Brown College English assessment to be considered for admission.
Please visit the English Proficiency page for more details.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
How to Apply
Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown College Online Application System.
Contact Us
School of Design
Phone: 416-415-5000, ext. 3129
Email: design@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College, you may also call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
This program is part of our School of Design, located at our Waterfront Campus, at 3 Lower Jarvis St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
School of Design Building
The School of Design resides in a new 103,000-square-foot facility in the Daniels Waterfront – City of the Arts development. This state-of-the-art building supports academic programs and industry projects with features such as:
- virtual and augmented reality lab
- usability and testing lab
- Future Ways of Living lab
- peer tutor lab
- digital sandbox
- incubators
- prototyping and workshop spaces
- design and innovation showcase spaces
Come and have your questions answered, learn about the program content and career options, meet your friendly professors and staff, and experience what it is like to be in a George Brown College classroom at one of our information sessions. You can also book a campus tour.
