PhD in Design

Scholarly research is an important cornerstone that distinguishes professions from trades. Practice-oriented disciplines like design, grow and remain relevant only if their professionals constantly contribute to and expand this body of knowledge.

Our Doctor of Philosophy in Design invites design practitioners and teachers, aspiring design researchers and experienced professionals with a passion for design — to proactively engage with and build into this growing body of design research. It urges introspective designers with years of practical experience to validate and formalize theories, tools and techniques within the scholarly framework. And encourages research in the fertile fields where design intersects with science, humanities, arts, and education.

To pursue a PhD here, your research must match our Faculty's areas of interest. As a first step, go through these and contact the concerned faculty to develop your proposed research.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and there is an opening for your area of research, you may complete the formalities of application through the IITB Admission Portal.

Eligibility 

The commitment for our PhD is long term requiring a minimum of 4 years. Apart from strong commitment, you require good analytical abilities, excellent language skills, tenacity, self-motivation, open-mindedness along with humility and a willingness to learn.

Encouraging design research in India, our course is currently flexible and inclusive:

Candidates with a Masters degree in Design (MDes) / MArch / MTech. / MPhil. (2­year degree) / MFA / Postgraduate Diploma in Design of NID or equivalent degree from reputed universities—may apply through the postgraduate entry route. In accordance with their experience, they may undertake their thesis as full-time or part-time students. As PhD scholars, they are required to take up courses to complete 20 credits before commencing their thesis.

Candidates with BDes/BArch/ PGDP Des or masters in other fields having demonstrated interest and outstanding experience in their proposed research area—may apply through the undergraduate entry route. As PhD scholars, they will require to complete 44 credits alongside our master’s students before commencing their thesis.

For more details on the course credits, refer to the PhD Course Structure.

A valid CEED score is required to be eligible for a scholarship (TA/TAP/RA/RAP).
To know more about the eligibility criteria and for relevant links, please refer to the PhD Admission page.

PhD Application

All formalities of admission must be done through the IIT Bombay website.
For all details related to the admission and application process, please visit the PhD Admission page:
PhD Admission - IDC School of Design

IDC accepts applications through IITB-Monash PhD Program as well.
For details regarding the program, please visit: IITB-Monash PhD Program

Future Prospects

Our PhD scholars go on to become teachers and mentors. Many build careers in academics or design research. Some develop business ideas or design methods, while others pursue post-doctoral research.