Master of Design (M.Des) is a two-year postgraduate degree programme in the field of Design. Masters in Design is usually undertaken by those who have a strong interest in the arts and aspire to become the best in the field of design. Candidates for the M.Des programme must meet the prerequisites by earning a qualifying degree in design, architecture, interior design, fine arts, or any other field from an accredited university with at least 50% marks.

MDes programme can be completed in four semesters and typically costs between INR 1 lakh to INR 4 lakh per year. Students generally study MDes as higher education after BDes. The degree is open to students from various streams such as Fashion, Design, Fine Arts, Engineering, Commerce, Science, and Architecture. MDes syllabus covers topics including Sustainable Systems, Craft Studies, Industry Guided Project Proposal, Brand Communication, and Introduction to Industry practices. 

Master of Design (MDes) is one of the degrees that helps in specialization and advancing skills for a career in the Design field. MDes degree offers one to learn real-world-based techniques, industry-specific theories, and design skills through projects so that one learns the nitty-gritty to the core. Students can gain admission to the top institutes through several national and state-level entrance exams, including the most popular NIFT Entrance Exam. Students can pursue MDes after completing their bachelor’s degree in Design –BDes. 

MDes Course Highlights

MDes is a postgraduate level course that can be pursued for further knowledge by students. To get admission to one of the top MDes colleges candidates must clear the entrance exam, which can be followed by a personal interview to complete the process. Some important points related to MDes programme are listed below:

Note: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.

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All About MDes Course

MDes stands for Master of Design. It is a postgraduate specialised design degree programme. MDes is typically pursued by individuals who have a passion for the arts and want to excel in the design industry. MDes is best suited for applicants with a deep interest in the artistic sector and who desire to acquire the ultimate standard in the area of design.

The admissions process and fees for Master of Design programmes differ from university to university. The cost of a master’s degree in design varies from university to university. Private universities may charge a little higher tuition fee for MDes admission, whilst government colleges may charge very little. An MDes degree course can be completed between INR 2 to INR 10 lakh. Some colleges require entrance tests, while others accept students based on their high school scores. 

Why Study MDes Course?

• A Master of Design degree is the gateway to specialization and research as it is an advanced degree to conquer the Fashion and Design Industry in different disciplines such as Craft, Textiles, Special Needs, Publications, Media, Lifestyle Products, Graphics, and User Experience Design.
• The scope of a Master of Design degree is huge as it opens opportunities in various streams such as Industrial Engineering and Design, Product Research Analyst, Communication Design, Product Design, and Engineering, Visual Design, Animation, and Automotive Designing.
• Every day, the world of design evolves, and as a result, the demand for motivated and creative designers grows. During this degree, students will have the opportunity to work on assignments that will provide them with hands-on experience working in design studios.
• The aspirants of MDes can get find better job opportunities after MDes and enhance their pay scale. The programme prepares individuals to become entrepreneurs after completing the course or having appropriate skills. Following the conclusion of the course, many graduates have launched their own clothing lines.

Who Can Pursue MDes?

Candidates who aspire to become fashion designers, interior designer, or game developers can enrol in the programme. Students can pursue this programme after completing their bachelor’s degree in design. Likewise, individuals who wish to become entrepreneurs should enrol in the programme. Also, candidates who are creative, and have an eye for detail can pursue this master’s degree.

Students were also interested in topics related to M.Des:

Fashion Designing Course Details 

MDes Course Eligibility Criteria

Only those students who meet the requirements of the university or institute are granted admission to the Master of Design programme. If a student is unable to meet the requirements, universities will not admit him or her. Each university has its own set of requirements for MDes applicants. The general requirements for MDes are shown below.

• Candidates must hold a design-related bachelor’s degree or diploma with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 50%.
• Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or architecture may also apply for the programme.

MDes Course Entrance Exams 2024

To get admission to one of the specializations of the MDes degree, candidates are supposed to successfully qualify for certain entrance examinations. A list of such entrance exams is mentioned in the table below.

Note: This information is sourced from official website of the institute/exam.

How to Prepare for Design Aptitude Test (DAT)?

The full form of DAT is Design Aptitude Test (DAT). It is one of the most important Design entrance exams that is administered by the renowned National Institute of Design (NID). Employers in the design industry frequently acknowledge and cherish NID’s outstanding reputation and the education and training it offers. On the job market, NID graduates are in high demand.

There are several titles for the DAT portion of design admission exams. For example, NID DAT Mains in the NID admission Exam and Creative Ability Test (CAT) in the NIFT Entrance Exam. The questions still have the same goal, which is to assess candidates’ aptitude for design.

Which is better MDes from NID or MDes from IIT Bombay?

Depending on your interests, career aspirations, and personal goals, you can decide which MDes (Master of Design) programme at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) or the National Institute of Design (NID) is preferable. Although both universities are esteemed and provide excellent design programmes, their areas of expertise and strengths differ. Here are some things to think about:

NID is a leading design-focused organization that focuses only on design education. It has a solid reputation in the industry and provides a large selection of design programmes. However, IIT Bombay is a prestigious engineering college with a well-respected design programme, so it might provide a more interdisciplinary viewpoint. The staff at NID and IIT Bombay are both highly experienced, however IITs frequently place a greater focus on research. Students can make their choice as per their preferences.

MDes Course Syllabus

The Master of Design course is offered in various specializations. The course curriculum may differ for every design institute. The four-semester degree offers design subjects at an advanced level and not basic knowledge-based subjects.

Here you can check the course curriculum of popular design specialization for Master of Design degree.

MDes Specialisations

There are different specialities available because there are numerous subjects where the Master of Design degree is offered. Below is a table of the main specialities.