Masters of Design Innovation
A 2-year postgraduate programme that enables creative thinkers and designers to apply design thinking, innovation methods and technology to real-world challenges.
Masters of design innovation overview
This programme at the School of Design Innovation blends theory and hands-on project work with industry-aligned problem solving. Learners explore design methods, creative technology and innovation frameworks that prepare them for multidisciplinary roles in design practice, strategic innovation and leadership. Students experience:
Interdisciplinary design progression
across product, communication, interaction and apparel design, enabling students to move from foundational design thinking to specialised, practice-led innovation domains.
Studio-led learning environments
with hands-on design studios, workshops and project spaces that support visualisation, prototyping, research and iterative design development.
Industry-linked design practice
through project-based learning, real-world briefs and thesis work that connect design methods with contemporary challenges in products, services and experiences.
Strong conceptual grounding
in design thinking, visual language, research methods and innovation frameworks, supported by structured coursework and guided project work across semesters.
Programme details
Academic structure
Our faculty combines academic depth with real-world expertise, guiding students through both fundamental theory and applied innovation
- Credit structure: Basic Sciences (28 credits), Engineering Sciences (43 credits), Aerospace (52.5 credits), Projects (15 credits), Humanities & Management (19.5 credits), Electives (15 credits), Total 173 credits.
- Total credits & degree requirement: The programme requires not less than 165 credits to be awarded a B.Tech degree.
- Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
- Core vs Professional phases: The first two years constitute the “Core Program,” and the last two years the “Professional Program,” with electives introduced in the latter phase.
| S.No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3D Form Studies | 3 |
| 2 | Indian Thought and Traditions | 3 |
| 3 | Photography and Moving Images | 3 |
| 4 | Elements of Design – Applied & AI | 3 |
| 5 | Entrepreneurship Practice | 3 |
| 6 | Design Project – 1 | 6 |
| S.No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rich Media Applications | 3 |
| 2 | Ergonomics | 3 |
| 3 | Discipline Elective 01 | 3 |
| 4 | Discipline Elective 02 | 3 |
| 5 | Design Project – 2 | 12 |
The selected student(s) will have the opportunity for international immersion at Pininfarina during the entire second year.
| S.No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Online Elective 1 | 3 |
| 2 | Online Elective 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Thesis Project – 1 | 18 |
| S.No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thesis Project – 2 | 24 |
| Elective Track | Elective Courses |
|---|---|
| Communication Design |
Advanced Graphic Design Typography & Information Design Motion Graphics & Storyboarding Visual Narrative & Film Theory |
| Industrial Design |
Human-Centered Product Design Materials & Manufacturing Processes Ergonomics & User Research CAD & Digital Prototyping |
| Interaction Design |
User Research & Design Thinking UI/UX Design Principles Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) Prototyping with AI Tools |
| Apparel Design |
Fashion Illustration & Sketching Textile Science & Creative Fabric Manipulation Advanced Garment Making Skills Fashion Innovation Lab: From Concept to Catwalk |
Eligibility
- A bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Engineering, Architecture, Design, Interior Design or an equivalent discipline (four-year programme after 10+2).
- A professional diploma in Design equivalent to a four-year programme after 10+2.
- A bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts (10+5).
Admission
- In-person interview: Mandatory for both B.Des and M.Des applicants.
- Additional consideration: Preference may be given to candidates with UCEED or CEED scores.
Fee structure (per annum):
Below is the core fee structure for the Master of Design Innovation programme.
| Category | Tuition fees (per annum) | Hostel charges (per annum) | Caution deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian students | ₹ 2,00,000 | ₹ 2,10,000 | ₹ 20,000 |
*Note: The M.Des fee structure is designed to provide transparency and help students and parents plan their education effectively. The fees reflect the value of a programme that combines creativity, innovation and industry exposure. A detailed breakdown is provided to ensure applicants have complete clarity before applying.
Important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last date to apply for 2nd round of admissions | 03 May 2025 |
| 2nd round of personal interviews | 07 May 2025 |
| Commencement of the Fall 2025 semester | August 2025 |
| Last date to apply for 1st round of MU written test | TBD |
| Written test for qualifying candidates (1st round) | TBD |
Hear what our students say…
“Here, teaching and research are not separate silos. Every project is an opportunity to involve students, to make them active contributors to new knowledge.”
“The University’s global partnerships have allowed me to co-teach with peers abroad and bring international perspectives into the classroom, something our students truly value.”
“What excites me at Mahindra University is the freedom to pursue interdisciplinary research. Collaborating with colleagues from engineering and social sciences has expanded my work in ways I never imagined.”
FAQs
The Master of Design Innovation develops the ability to apply creative design thinking, problem framing and research methods to product, service and experience challenges in diverse sectors.
Students choose one discipline from Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interaction Design or Apparel Design during the programme.
Weightage is given to UCEED/CEED scores where applicable; an in-person interview is mandatory for evaluation.
Final-year applicants may apply, subject to meeting eligibility criteria at the time of admission.
