You are now in the main content area

Master of Interior Design

LEFT: IDS 2023 booth designed by Interior Design students | CENTRE: Students working in the Design Studio | RIGHT: "Akin Studios" by Interior Design student Meimei Yang

  

Interior Design Programs

Master of Interior Design

The Master of Interior Design (MID) program is a rigorous, one-year post-professional program designed to prepare future leaders and changemakers to take on growing industry demands. As a student in the program, you'll gain a deep understanding of how interior design impacts society and delve into cutting-edge concepts such as design thinking models, emerging technology, and new approaches to sustainability. Whether your goal is to pursue academia or break new ground as a designer, this program will give you the tools and expertise you need to succeed.

The one-year Post-Professional MID program is for those who hold an accredited undergraduate degree in interior design, such as a Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) or Bachelor of Design (BDes), an accredited Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), or have passed the NCIDQ exam.

  

Degree Earned

Master of Interior Design

Program Format

Full time / 1 year


LEFT: "Play To Power (A Generation)" by Interior Design students Meimei Yang, Daniella Muraca, Nautica Holdip & Buthaina Ahmed | RIGHT: Student working in the Design + Technology Lab

  

Why Master of Interior Design?

Research + Creativity

Prepare for the design industry and build strong practice and theoretical foundations with curriculum that fosters both creative work and advanced research.

Facilities & Technology

Access a world-leading digital fabrication facility as well as traditional woodworking shops, ceramics facilities and a materials library specifically curated for interior design.

International Reputation

Earn an internationally recognized degree from the only interior design graduate program in Ontario. Our reputation within the design community means opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and expand your professional network.

Paid Opportunities

Apply for scholarships, funding and paid opportunities like research assistant and graduate teaching assistant positions.

Moving the Industry Forward

Be a part of a progressive educational hub that's responding to the economic, social, cultural, environmental and technological forces demanding change in interior design and allied fields.

A Growing Field

According to the most recent Government of Canada's job outlook, employment growth for interior designers will increase over the next five years.


Curriculum


Student working on furniture production in RSID workshop
Creative Practice + Design Inquiry

The Master of Interior Design curriculum strikes a balance between creative practice and design inquiry. Working in a studio environment, you'll explore emerging trends and develop innovative design solutions to real-world problems. Through research and community engagement, you will learn how the built environment contributes to strong communities.

ID8100 Design|Research Seminar I

Graduate Elective

Milestone: Creative Project Proposal

ID8101 Design|Research Seminar II  

Graduate Elective

Milestone: Creative Project Phase I

Milestone: Creative Project Completion


Admissions


Academic Requirements

  • Completion of a four-year undergraduate (or equivalent) degree in interior design from an accredited institution such as a Bachelor of Interior Design (BID) or Bachelor of Design (BDes), an accredited Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), or have passed the NCIDQ exam.
  • Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study
  • Transcripts
  • English language proficiency requirement

Non-Academic Requirements

Statement of interest

A statement of 500-1000 words that addressed the following:

  • Applicant’s reason for pursuing a graduate degree in Interior Design
  • Areas of emphasis the applicant wishes to pursue
  • How the applicant's previous studies and experiences have prepared them for this program
  • Career objectives upon completion of the degree program

Resumé/CV

Include professional work experience, creative practices, and related activities.

Two letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation must come directly from the referee. At least one recommendation letter must be from a professor familiar with the applicant’s work. Applicant submitted copies will not be accepted.

Portfolio

A portfolio consisting of 10-15 pages of design or design-related work. Applicants with prior professional work experience can include office projects in the portfolio but will be asked to identify the role and scope of work completed on any team project, as well as any team projects from previous academic work. Please complete the Statement of Authorship form. (external link, opens in new window) 

Proof of Accreditation

A letter from the degree granting institution confirming the applicant’s program was CIDA accredited. Where an applicant did not attend a CIDA accredited program but passed the NCIDQ exam, documentation can be submitted confirming this from NCIDQ or from the certifying organization.

For candidates holding a professional Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture, they should consult with the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ), or local professional Interior Design organization for eligibility to take the NCIDQ exam.

*Please note that the TMU interior design program leading to the Bachelor of Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). As a TMU Interior Design graduate, you will only need to submit a letter stating you will graduate (or graduated) from the TMU Interior Design undergraduate program.

Admissions Deadline

Domestic Applications - OPEN

You should submit your application, including all supporting documents, via the online portal by the First Consideration Deadline:

January 19, 2024.

Applications will be accepted until the program has filled all available spots in the program and the waitlist.

International Application - CLOSED

You should submit your application, including all supporting documents, via the online portal by the Preferred Deadline :

December 10, 2023

Applications will be accepted until the First Consideration Deadline: January 19, 2024, at which point the program will review applications received and may close admissions.
 

Admissions Timeline

Generally the program will begin reviewing applications after the first consideration deadline in January. Offers of admission will begin mid-to-late-March and continue throughout the spring and summer until the program is full.

  

Information Sessions

Master of Interior Design Information Session

Program Information Session

Admissions Q&A - Graduate Studies at The Creative School

Admissions Q&A session

Do you have questions about applying to one of The Creative School graduate programs? Join our graduate program administration team to get answers.

Dates:

  • April 19 at 12pm
  • April 30 at 12pm

Funding

Admissions Awards 

No application required, awarded based on your admissions application.

  • Toronto Metropolitan Graduate Fellowship (TMGF)
    Value ranges from $2,000 to $6,000.
  • Toronto Metropolitan Graduate Development Award (TMGDA)
    Value ranges from $2,000 to $6,000.
  • Ontario Graduate Fellowship (OGF)  
    Value is $12,000 for one year.

Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) / Toronto Met Graduate Scholarship (TMGS)

  • $15,000 award for one year.
  • Eligible applicants will be notified by the program to submit an application around February/March. 
  • For students with an A- in each of the last two years of completed study.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Canada Graduate Scholarship (SSHRC CGS-M)

  • $17,500 award for one year.
  • For Domestic applicants with an A- avg. in each of the last two years of completed study.
  • Application deadline is Dec 1; award is granted for the following Fall term.

Frequently Asked Questions


No. The MID is designed as a post-professional degree that allows candidates to deepen their knowledge in a particular area of Interior Design. Applicants should hold undergraduate degrees that fulfill professional requirements.

The Post-Professional Master of Interior Design does not fulfill requirements for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) examination. It is intended for applicants who already hold a professional accredited degree designated by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), or already have professional certification through the NCIDQ exam.

The MID allows candidates to conduct practical and professional research in areas of interest in the field of Interior Design. While completing this program can help a graduate be a better interior designer, the program is not designed to facilitate licensure.

In addition to teaching opportunities, graduates of the MID program will be well placed to take up more senior roles in design firms. The program is also well suited to designers interested in research opportunities, interdisciplinary collaborations, and to launch their own creative practices.

Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study

In Graduate Studies at TMU, the minimum passing GPA is B- (2.67 or 70%). Anything below is considered an F.

This is an in-person program.

The program is one year (3 terms) in length.

The minimum time to complete the program is 1 year (3 terms). You may be able to extend the time you take to complete the program, but that would require special permission and additional tuition fees.

The MID program is full time, there is no part time option at this time. You may be able to extend the time you take to complete the program, but that would require special permission and additional tuition fees.

There is no co-op option in the curriculum at this time.

No. Undergrad courses can not be applied towards a Graduate degree.


You belong at
The Creative School

As an Interior Design student, you'll be part of The Creative School, a dynamic faculty offering 27 degree programs in media, design and creative industries. Through global experiences and transdisciplinary opportunities, our students emerge as some of the most in demand and employable graduates anywhere.

Ready to apply?