Honours Bachelor of Brand Design Program (Bridge) (G305)
Program Description
Program Overview
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.
To apply, please review the application process and guidelines information.
If you apply to the May 2025/26 intake for this program, you will start in May 2026. To begin your studies in May 2025, apply to the 2024/25 academic year.
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 within 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.
Advanced Entry Pathway:
Graduates and students currently in year two or three of George Brown College’s three-year Graphic Design (G102) advanced diploma may be eligible for advanced entry into the Honours Bachelor of Brand Design program. Following the winter semester (January–April), students who have successfully completed the second year of the George Brown College Graphic Design (G102) advanced diploma with a GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or higher, or have graduated from the program with a GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or higher, will be eligible to complete a summer bridge program. Upon successful completion of the bridge, students will enter into semester 5 of the degree program in the fall.
Program Structure
Option A:
Two years completed of Graphic Design+ Bridge (three courses + two Liberal Studies electives) + two years of Degree (18 courses plus 420 hours of co-op) = Honours Bachelor of Brand Design.
Option B:
Three years completed of Graphic Design+ Bridge (three courses + two liberal studies electives)+ two years of Degree (18 courses plus 420 hours of co-op) = Graphic Design advanced diploma PLUS Honours Bachelor of Brand Design.
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.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Brand Design program may qualify to pursue further graduate studies in relevant program areas like branding, design, and communications. Students should contact universities directly to explore graduate school opportunities.
Graduates and students currently in year two or three of George Brown College’s three-year Graphic Design (G102) advanced diploma may be eligible for advanced entry into the Honours Bachelor of Brand Design program. Following the winter semester (January–April), students who have successfully completed the second year of the George Brown College Graphic Design (G102) advanced diploma with a GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or higher, or have graduated from the program with a GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or higher, will be eligible to complete a summer bridge program. Upon successful completion of the bridge, students will enter into semester 5 of the degree program in the fall.
Program Structure
Option A:
Two years completed of Graphic Design + Bridge (three courses + two Liberal Studies electives)+ two years of degree (18 courses plus 420 hours of co-op) = Honours Bachelor of Brand Design.
Option B:
Three years completed of Graphic Design + Bridge (three courses + two liberal studies electives) + two years of degree (18 courses plus 420 hours of co-op) = Graphic Design advanced diploma PLUS Honours Bachelor of Brand Design.
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
Courses
Required Courses
Bridging Courses, Semester 4
Required bridge courses to be completed in the summer term:
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BDES 2409 | Introduction to Brand Studies and Strategy |
| BDES 2410 | Brand Studies Research Preparation |
| BDES 2414 | Brand Writing |
| Select Two Lower Liberal Studies Electives | |
Bridging students will need to complete two non-core liberal studies elective courses, at least one of which should be taken during the bridging semester.
Semester 5
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| BDES 3516 | Brand Strategy 2: Brand Resilience |
| BDES 3517 | Research for Design 3: Data Collection and Analysis |
| BDES 3518 | 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 between Years 3 and 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GCOP1001 | 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 has reliably demonstrated 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
This program is intended for current School of Design (George Brown College) students who are completing, or have recently completed, the 3-year advanced diploma in Graphic Design (G102).
Application Process and Guidelines
Step 1
Determine if you are eligible to enter George Brown College’s Honours Bachelor of Brand Design program.
Only graduates, and second- and third-year students of the (three-year) advanced diploma in Graphic Design (G102) will be considered for this program.
Current students must have a program GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or above from their diploma program. Former students must have graduated with a program GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or above from their diploma program, and have graduated in the last three years.
Step 2
There is no need to apply via the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS). To apply to the bridge program, contact Kristine.Do@georgebrown.ca expressing interest in transferring from Graphic Design to Brand Design (for current students).
Step 3
An application form will be sent to you in March. Our admissions office will confirm your eligibility and will register you for the summer bridge courses.
This college has been granted consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting March 6, 2020. The college shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named 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.
Special Requirements
Note: Offers will be conditional on the basis of completing the term with an overall GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) (or having graduated with said GPA in the last three years).
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.
Honours Bachelor of Brand Design Program Bridge (G305)
Program Description
Program Overview
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.
To apply, please review the application process and guidelines information.
If you apply to the May 2024/25 intake for this program, you will start in May 2025. To begin your studies in May 2024, apply to the 2023/24 academic year.
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.
Advanced Entry Pathway:
Graduates and students currently in year two or three of George Brown College’s three-year Graphic Design (G102) advanced diploma may be eligible for advanced entry into the Honours Bachelor of Brand Design program. Following the winter semester (January–April), students who have successfully completed the second year of the George Brown College Graphic Design (G102) advanced diploma with a GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or higher, or have graduated from the program with a GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or higher, will be eligible to complete a summer bridge program. Upon successful completion of the bridge, students will enter into semester 5 of the degree program in the fall.
Program Structure
Option A:
Two years completed of Graphic Design+ Bridge (three courses + two Liberal Studies electives) + two years of Degree (18 courses plus 420 hours of co-op) = Honours Bachelor of Brand Design.
Option B:
Three years completed of Graphic Design+ Bridge (three courses + two liberal studies electives)+ two years of Degree (18 courses plus 420 hours of co-op) = Graphic Design advanced diploma PLUS Honours Bachelor of Brand Design.
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.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Brand Design program may qualify to pursue further graduate studies in relevant program areas like branding, design, and communications. Students should contact universities directly to explore graduate school opportunities.
Graduates and students currently in year two or three of George Brown College’s three-year Graphic Design (G102) advanced diploma may be eligible for advanced entry into the Honours Bachelor of Brand Design program. Following the winter semester (January–April), students who have successfully completed the second year of the George Brown College Graphic Design (G102) advanced diploma with a GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or higher, or have graduated from the program with a GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or higher, will be eligible to complete a summer bridge program. Upon successful completion of the bridge, students will enter into semester 5 of the degree program in the fall.
Program Structure
Option A:
Two years completed of Graphic Design + Bridge (three courses + two Liberal Studies electives)+ two years of degree (18 courses plus 420 hours of co-op) = Honours Bachelor of Brand Design.
Option B:
Three years completed of Graphic Design + Bridge (three courses + two liberal studies electives) + two years of degree (18 courses plus 420 hours of co-op) = Graphic Design advanced diploma PLUS Honours Bachelor of Brand Design.
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
Courses
Required Courses
Bridging Courses, Semester 4
Required bridge courses to be completed in the summer term:
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 2409 | Introduction to Brand Studies and Strategy | NONE |
| BDES 2410 | Brand Studies Research Preparation | NONE |
| BDES 2414 | Brand Writing | NONE |
| Lower Liberal Studies Elective | ||
| Lower Liberal Studies Elective |
Bridging students will need to complete two non-core liberal studies elective courses, at least one of which should be taken during the bridging semester.
Semester 5
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 3516 | Brand Strategy 2: Brand Resilience | BDES 2304 BDES 2405 |
| BDES 3517 | Research for Design 3: Data Collection and Analysis | BDES 2405 BDES 2304 |
| BDES 3518 | Design Studio 5: UX/UI Branded Experiences | BDES 2406 |
| BDES 3609 | The Business of Design: Professional Practice | NONE |
| Lower Level Liberal Studies Elective |
Semester 6
| Code | Course Name | Pre-requisite |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 3509 | Design Studio 6: 3D Branded Environments | BDES 2305 |
| BDES 3606 | Brand Consumption in a Global Economy | BDES 2404 BDES 3517 BDES 3516 |
| BDES 3607 | Research for Design 4: Systems and Services | BDES 3517 BDES 3518 BDES 3519 |
| BDES 3608 | Design Studio 7: Identity Design | BDES 3518 BDES 3519 |
| Upper Level Liberal Studies Elective |
Summer between Years 3 and 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| GCOP 1001 | Work-Integrated Learning Co-Op |
Semester 7
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 4703 | Brand Strategy 3: Future Brand | BDES 3516 |
| BDES 4705 | Special Topics: Design for Social Good | BDES 3607 |
| BDES 4706 | Senior Project I: Thesis Preparation | BDES 4703 BDES 3608 |
| Upper Level Liberal Studies Elective |
Semester 8
| Code | Course Name | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|
| BDES 4802 | Intellectual Property | BDES 3517 BDES 4703 BDES 3606 |
| BDES 4803 | Senior Project II: Thesis Development and Production | BDES 4706 |
| BDES 4805 | Cross Platform Brand Narrative | BDES 2408 |
| Upper Level Liberal Studies Elective |
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated 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
Application Process and Guidelines
Step 1
Determine if you are eligible to enter George Brown College’s Honours Bachelor of Brand Design program.
Only graduates, and second- and third-year students of the (three-year) advanced diploma in Graphic Design (G102) will be considered for this program.
Current students must have a program GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or above from their diploma program. Former students must have graduated with a program GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) or above from their diploma program, and have graduated in the last three years.
Step 2
There is no need to apply via the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS). To apply to the bridge program, contact Kristine.Do@georgebrown.ca expressing interest in transferring from Graphic Design to Brand Design (for current students).
Step 3
An application form will be sent to you in March. Our admissions office will confirm your eligibility and will register you for the summer bridge courses.
This college has been granted consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting March 6, 2020. The college shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named 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.
Special Requirements
Note: Offers will be conditional on the basis of completing the term with an overall GPA of 3.2 (75 per cent) (or having graduated with said GPA in the last three years).
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.
