Bachelor of Design - Advertising at OCAD University - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-05-13

Program overview

Welcome to Canada’s top advertising program at OCAD University! This unique program combines classes in graphic design, branding, creative copywriting, and essential career-building skills. As the only four-year program of its kind in Canada, it offers students the opportunity to learn storytelling from various perspectives while encouraging them to challenge traditional norms. With experienced instructors from the industry and guest speakers from leading ad agencies, students gain invaluable insights and connections that enhance their learning experience.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Design in Advertising program is designed to be completed in four years. Throughout this time, students will engage in a comprehensive curriculum that prepares them for a successful career in advertising. The program structure includes:

First Year: Introduction to advertising, art, and design fundamentals.
Second Year: Focus on advertising strategy, digital advertising design, and photography.
Third Year: Advanced advertising concepts, research, and storytelling.
Fourth Year: Real client projects in boot camps, independent thesis project, and showcasing work at GradEx.

Additionally, students have the option to participate in internships and experiential learning opportunities, allowing them to gain practical experience in the field. The program also offers the flexibility to choose a minor, enabling students to expand their skills and knowledge in a secondary field.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Design in Advertising program at OCAD University provides students with a variety of unique experiences, including:

Internships with leading advertising agencies and companies.
Creative in-class projects with real-world industry partners.
Exclusive summer internships that enhance practical skills.
Gallery exhibitions showcasing student work to the public.
Freelance creative opportunities to build a professional portfolio.
Boot camps in the fourth year where students work with real clients to create and pitch advertising campaigns.

These experiences not only enrich the learning process but also help students build a professional network and gain valuable industry insights.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Design in Advertising program have a wide range of career options available to them in Canada. Some potential job roles include:

Advertising Account Manager: Responsible for managing client accounts and ensuring that advertising campaigns meet client expectations.
Creative Director: Oversees the creative process and leads a team of designers and copywriters to develop innovative advertising concepts.
Copywriter: Creates compelling and persuasive text for advertisements, marketing materials, and promotional content.
Brand Strategist: Develops and implements strategies to enhance brand identity and market presence.
Digital Marketing Specialist: Focuses on online marketing strategies, including social media, SEO, and content marketing to drive engagement and sales.

With a strong foundation in advertising principles and hands-on experience, graduates are well-prepared to enter the competitive job market and make a significant impact in the advertising industry.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-05-13

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Bachelor of Design - Advertising program at OCAD University, applicants must meet the following Academic Requirements:

Portfolio: A portfolio is required for all studio BFA and BDes programs, which demonstrates the applicant's suitability and potential for success in the program.
Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts from their previous educational institutions.
International Applicants:
- Secondary School Graduation equivalent to Grade 12 in Ontario with an overall average of B or 70% numeric equivalent in the final year.
- If applying from a country where English is the official language, a minimum grade of B or 70% in English 12 or equivalent is required.
- If applying from a non-English speaking country, or if the applicant's first language is not English and they have not completed four consecutive years of high school in an English-medium school system, they must present successful results of an English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT).
International Baccalaureate (IB): A minimum final score of 24 points is required, with IB English included as one of the courses with a final grade of 4 or higher.
British Pattern Curriculum: Proof of completion of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE/IGCSE) with five O-Level subjects with a minimum C grade, and at least two A-Levels or four AS-Levels with a minimum grade of C.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Successful completion of AP courses will be considered when assessing academic requirements.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

It is important to note that admission to OCAD University is competitive, and meeting the minimum academic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission. Final decisions on admission rest with the Undergraduate Admissions Office, and all admission decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

For any clarification or support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

The language/medium of instruction at OCAD University is English. It's important for your success at OCAD U that you demonstrate proficiency in both spoken and written English that is sufficient to meet the demands of studio/classroom instruction, written assignments, as well as participation in discussions and critiques.

In addition to meeting academic entrance requirements and English prerequisite course (if applicable) requirements, all applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit results of an English Language proficiency test meeting or exceeding the test results indicated below.

OCAD University reserves the right to request an English Language Proficiency test from any applicant regardless of their academic background. English Language Proficiency requirements are subject to change.

The following English Language Proficiency tests are acceptable for admission to an undergraduate program at OCAD U. Test results will be considered valid if completed within 24 months of the intended start date at OCAD U:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic: Minimum 6.5 overall with no part below 6.0 (Academic Module).
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT: Minimum total score of 84 with at least 20 in Reading, at least 19 in Listening, at least 22 in Speaking and at least 20 in Writing.
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition: Minimum total score of 84 with at least 20 in Reading, at least 19 in Listening, at least 22 in Speaking and at least 20 in Writing.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test): Minimum 58 overall with at least 56 in Listening, at least 56 in Reading, at least 56 in Speaking and at least 56 in Writing.
Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum overall score of 110 with at least 105 in Production.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language Assessment): Minimum 70 overall with no band below 60.
COPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) and TOP (Test of Oral Proficiency): Minimum 86 overall with at least 32 in Writing, at least 22 in Reading, and at least 22 in Listening. Minimum score of 6 in TOP.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!