The Master of Design (M.Des.) programme at Doon University is a research-intensive Master's programme that develops advanced domain expertise through design research, interdisciplinary inquiry and practice-led innovation. Design today demands professionals who can not only create innovative solutions but also generate new knowledge through rigorous inquiry and critical reflection. The programme is designed for designers who wish to deepen their domain knowledge, strengthen their research capabilities and address complex societal, technological, environmental and industrial challenges through evidence-based design practice. Through advanced studios, design research, field engagement and a major thesis, students learn to integrate theory, practice and research to create meaningful impact.
The School of Design offers the Master of Design through two academic pathways.
The Integrated M.Des. pathway is available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Design programme at Doon University. Students who successfully complete the four-year B.Des. programme and meet the prescribed academic requirements may continue into an additional year of advanced study leading to the Master of Design degree.
The fifth year shifts from undergraduate design education towards advanced domain specialization and design research. Students undertake specialised coursework, research seminars, independent investigations, collaborative projects and a Master's thesis that contributes original knowledge within their chosen area of design.
Students who choose to exit after four years and satisfy the degree requirements will be awarded the Bachelor of Design (B.Des.).
The two-year Master of Design programme is intended for graduates holding a four-year Bachelor of Design degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
The programme enables students to develop advanced expertise in a selected design domain while building strong competencies in design research, research methodologies, interdisciplinary inquiry and academic writing. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in industry, design consultancy, innovation, research organisations and doctoral studies.
The programme culminates in a substantial research-led design project or Master's thesis demonstrating independent scholarship and domain expertise.
A distinguishing feature of the M.Des. programme is its emphasis on the integration of design research with advanced domain specialization.
Students are encouraged to develop expertise in selected areas of design while engaging with contemporary research methods, critical theory and emerging technologies. The curriculum promotes inquiry through research, experimentation and evidence-based design practice, enabling graduates to address complex real-world challenges through both scholarly investigation and creative innovation.
The programme adopts a research-led, studio-based pedagogy that combines advanced coursework with independent inquiry. Students engage through:
The curriculum encourages students to develop as reflective practitioners, researchers, innovators and future academic leaders.
Graduates are prepared for advanced careers in:
