Course Details

Industrial Design Centre (IDC) at IIT Bombay has a well – established Master of Design degree (M.Des) programme in Industrial Design, Visual Communication, Animation Design, Interaction Design & Mobility and Vehicle Design as well as a Ph.D. programme in Design.

Scholarly research is an important cornerstone that distinguishes professions from trades. Research and 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, candidates are strongly suggested to check the PhD Research Areas that are suggested for current intake. Also visit the Faculty page to understand the research interests of the faculty members at IDC School of Design.

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.

The commitment for our PhD is long term requiring a minimum of 3 to 4 years. Apart from strong commitment, you require good analytical abilities, excellent language skills, tenacity, self-motivation, and open-mindedness, along with humility and a willingness to learn.

For details on the timeline of PhD research work at IDC School of Design, refer to this page: PhD Timeline.

Course Structure

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

Below is an overview of the minimum-credits requirement based on the degree of entry:

Course Credits for different years

Credits

Below is an overview of the minimum-credits requirement based on the degree of entry:

Dual Degree

Details are yet to be updated