KPU’s Wilson School of Design ranks among the best global design education schools

Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Wilson School of Design (WSD) made its way to the top 10 best global institutions in design education.

In the latest World Brand Design Society rankings, WSD sits in second place in the best design education category and sixth place in global design education. KPU’s design school is the only Canadian institution to make it to the top 10 of both lists.

This recognition highlights the work of the WSD’s graphic design for marketing (GDMA) program, which has produced several award-winning student projects, wrote Carley Hodgkinson, chair of the GDMA program, in an email statement to The Runner.

“GDMA’s success reflects the dedication of our faculty — [myself], John Belisle, Michael Cober, Marga Lopez, Matt Heximer and Erin Ashenhurst — and a curriculum built to reflect real-world industry standards,” Hodgkinson wrote.

“Our students are closely supported by instructors and industry mentors from the first day of the program, encouraging personal and creative growth that leads to standout branding and campaign projects.”

The points for the rankings were organized based on student award submissions, according to a press release. San Diego City College, FH Salzburg in Austria, and HSE Art and Design School in Russia are among the other top design education schools that made it to the top 10 of both lists.

This latest distinction comes after the Registered Graphic Designers ranked WSD the top graphic design school in Western Canada last year, which “[solidified] the program’s reputation as a strong choice for future designers,” Hodgkinson wrote.

“Our hope is that this award will be recognized by local secondary schools and by new students looking at a future graphic design education.”

Cali Martin, a GDMA graduate and graphic designer at Dossier Creative, wrote in an email to The Runner that it feels incredible to see the program she was enrolled in recognized on a global scale.

“It’s a proud moment not just for myself, but for the whole program,” she wrote. “Our professors have always encouraged us to put ourselves out there — to submit to awards, showcase our work, and get involved with the broader design community. These awards are a reflection of that culture and it’s proof of the strong work that consistently comes out of the program.”

Martin added that recognition like this “doesn’t happen in isolation,” but is instead the result of mentorship, collaboration, and the program’s belief in its students and their potential.

“I hope it inspires current and future students to take that leap too. As I often say, you never know until you try,” she wrote. “[GDMA instructors] are incredible people and a joy to learn from. They have been a pivotal part of my journey as a designer and I’m grateful for their continued encouragement now as an alumni.”

For more information about the WSD, visit www.kpu.ca/design.