Understanding the world through design, media and visual culture
From architectural and visual studies to digital media and communication, our design and visual studies programs explore how we shape (and are shaped by) the material and digital worlds around us. Combine creative thinking with critical analysis as you explore the built environment, digital culture and visual communication. Whether you're designing interactive experiences, analyzing media or exploring communication and culture, you'll build the skills to think critically and contribute across creative and professional fields.
3rd largest design industry in North America
14th in the world for graduate employability according to the Times Higher Education Global Employability Ranking, 2024
24,000+ designers employed in Toronto, making it the fastest growing design sector in Canada
Discover Student stories
Each of our students has a unique story. Here are just a few from the creative and collaborative community that makes up design and visual studies at U of T.
Architectural Studies (Specialist); French (Minor); Spanish (Minor)
Riya
Riya combines her passion for architecture with real-world experience and leadership on campus as she looks ahead to graduate studies.
Rotman Commerce: Management (Specialist), Marketing, Strategy & Innovation (Focuses), Visual Studies, Economics (Minors)
Raya
Raya is a marketing student who wants to one day open her own advertising firm.
Unique learning pathways
Design and visual studies span studio practice, critical theory, architectural design and emerging media. Across our campuses, you'll build creative and conceptual skills that help you think visually, collaborate effectively and lead across a range of industries.
Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
Architectural Studies and Visual Studies at Daniels let you explore the intersections of design, culture and technology. Specialist streams in architecture focus on design, history and theory and sustainability, while Visual Studies offers paths in studio practice or critical curatorial studies. You'll study in a creative, interdisciplinary environment with access to cutting-edge studios, fabrication labs and urban learning spaces.
Faculty of Arts & Science
Explore how we create, understand and interpret visual and media culture across time and technologies. Arts & Science on the St. George campus offers a range of programs that examine everything from film and digital platforms to the cultural life of objects and signs. These programs offer interdisciplinary paths where you can pair theory with hands-on experience through internships, archival work or media practice.
U of T Mississauga
UTM's programs bridge creative and technology. Visual Culture and Communication, offered in partnership with Sheridan College, combines courses in visual studies, media theory and digital design. You can also explore art history, studio practice and the impact of communication and technology on culture through programs like CCIT and Digital Enterprise Management.
U of T Scarborough
At UTSC, build technical skills and creative confidence alongside courses in art theory, history and critical practice. Studio Art offers immersive, hands-on learning in painting, sculpture, photography and digital media. UTSC also offers a joint New Media Studies program with Centennial College, blending academic learning with industry-focused design and communication training.
Program spotlight: Visual Studies
Campus: St. George
Visual Studies combines studio practice with critical approaches to contemporary art, design and visual culture. The program offers two specialist streams: Studio, which supports interdisciplinary art-making across media, and Critical Practices, which focuses on curating, writing and cultural analysis. You'll build strong visual literacy and critical thinking skills, while exploring the social and historical contexts of art.
Building experience through your studies
Through studio courses, internships and hands-on assignments, you'll have many ways to build practical experience as you study. These opportunities help you develop your creative voice and explore career paths.
Daniels: Summer Course in Berlin
UTSC: Topics in Cinema Studies
UTSC: Co-op programs in arts, science and management
UTM: What makes ICCIT so special?
Arts & culture spaces on campus
You'll find galleries and creative spaces across our three campuses, offering endless inspiration after class. Discover where design, art and visual culture come to life at U of T.
Building on the distinguished histories of its two galleries, the Art Museum at the St. George campus offers year-round exhibitions that promote research, interdisciplinary scholarship and art historical knowledge at local and global levels.
Located on the Mississauga campus, the Blackwood Gallery is a contemporary art centre that presents thought-provoking exhibitions, supports artistic research and fosters public dialogue through art.
The Doris McCarthy Gallery on the Scarborough campus is a public art space that fosters artistic innovation, critical thinking and cultural exchange through contemporary exhibitions and community engagement.
Hart House art opportunities nurture innate creativity and exploration. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your journey, Hart House is a place for you to play, relax and express yourself through various creative mediums.