PhD 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, 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.

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.

PhD Course Structure

Encouraging design research in India, our course is currently flexible and inclusive.
For details on the course structure and credit requirements, refer to this page: PhD Course Structure.

Eligibility 

To know about the eligibility criteria and the different PhD categories, refer to this page: PhD Eligibility Criteria.

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.