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M-DES in Visual Communication at Delhi Technological University
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Visual Communication at Delhi Technological University Delhi?
This Visual Communication program at Delhi Technological University focuses on equipping students with advanced skills in digital media, branding, and user experience design. It emphasizes a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, preparing graduates to navigate India''''s rapidly evolving design and advertising landscape. The program distinguishes itself by integrating contemporary design tools and methodologies with a strong foundation in visual aesthetics.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative graduates with a background in design, engineering, or fine arts who seek to specialize in visual communication. It caters to freshers aiming for entry-level roles in digital agencies and experienced professionals looking to upskill in areas like UI/UX, motion graphics, or brand strategy. Career changers with a passion for visual storytelling and technology will also find this program beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue dynamic career paths such as UI/UX Designer, Brand Strategist, Motion Graphic Artist, or Digital Product Designer in India. Entry-level salaries can range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25+ LPA in leading Indian and multinational companies. The skills acquired are highly sought after, aligning with certifications in Adobe Suite, UX tools, and design thinking methodologies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Visual Design Fundamentals & Software- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to deeply understand design principles, color theory, and typography. Simultaneously, gain proficiency in core design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Practice daily with creative briefs and explore tutorials.
Tools & Resources
Adobe Creative Suite, online courses (e.g., Coursera, Udemy), design blogs like Smashing Magazine
Career Connection
Strong foundational skills are critical for all visual communication roles, providing the bedrock for building a robust portfolio for internships and entry-level positions.
Cultivate Design Thinking & Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively apply design thinking methodologies to academic projects, focusing on user-centric problem-solving. Practice qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather insights and validate design decisions, documented thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
IDEO Design Kit, Nielsen Norman Group articles, user research platforms like SurveyMonkey
Career Connection
Developing strong research acumen is invaluable for UX/UI design, product strategy, and any role requiring informed design solutions, making you a more strategic designer.
Build a Curated Digital Portfolio- (Semester 1-2 (continuous))
Start documenting and showcasing all academic projects, studio work, and personal design experiments in a professional online portfolio from day one. Regularly update it with high-quality visuals and concise project descriptions.
Tools & Resources
Behance, Dribbble, personal website builders (e.g., Squarespace, Adobe Portfolio)
Career Connection
A compelling portfolio is the single most important tool for securing internships and placements, acting as your visual resume for potential employers in India''''s competitive market.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Projects & Electives- (Semester 3)
Actively seek out opportunities for projects that cross traditional design boundaries, perhaps with engineering or management students. Strategically choose departmental and open electives to broaden your skill set or deepen specialization.
Tools & Resources
DTU''''s various departmental collaborations, hackathons, design competitions
Career Connection
Working in diverse teams mirrors real-world industry settings and expands your network. Specialized electives allow you to gain unique skills, enhancing your employability in niche areas.
Seek Industry Internships & Mentorship- (Semester 3 (or during breaks))
Actively apply for internships during semester breaks or part-time during the semester with design studios, advertising agencies, or tech companies. Seek out mentors from the industry to gain practical insights and guidance.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, internship portals (e.g., Internshala, Naukri), DTU''''s placement cell
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable practical experience, build professional networks, and often lead directly to pre-placement offers, significantly boosting career launch in India.
Develop Specialization through Advanced Studios- (Semester 3)
Utilize studio courses (Communication Design Studio-II) to focus on a particular area like advanced UI/UX, motion graphics, or brand strategy. Create comprehensive, high-fidelity projects that demonstrate specialized expertise.
Tools & Resources
Figma, Adobe After Effects, advanced branding platforms
Career Connection
Specialized projects form the core of a targeted portfolio, making you a strong candidate for roles requiring specific skills and expertise, improving salary prospects in Indian design firms.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Major Design Project- (Semester 4)
Invest deeply in the Major Design Project, treating it as a real-world client brief. Focus on holistic problem-solving, meticulous execution, robust documentation, and a compelling final presentation.
Tools & Resources
All relevant design software, advanced research tools, presentation software
Career Connection
This project is your capstone, showcasing your ability to deliver high-quality, impactful design solutions from concept to completion, often serving as the primary talking point in placement interviews.
Network and Prepare for Placements- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, attend industry events, and network with professionals. Refine your resume, cover letter, and interview skills, specifically focusing on portfolio presentation and articulating your design process.
Tools & Resources
DTU Career Services, LinkedIn networking, mock interview sessions
Career Connection
Effective networking and preparation are crucial for securing desirable job offers, ensuring you are well-positioned for career growth immediately after graduation.
Explore Entrepreneurship and Freelance Opportunities- (Semester 4 and beyond)
Consider how your design skills can be applied entrepreneurially, perhaps by taking on freelance projects or developing a personal design venture. This builds business acumen and independent problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
Freelance platforms (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr - for experience), startup incubators (if available at DTU)
Career Connection
This path fosters innovation and self-reliance, opening avenues for independent design consultancy or even founding a startup, contributing to India''''s burgeoning design ecosystem.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Des/B.Tech/B.E./B.Arch/BFA or equivalent degree with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/PwD) and a valid CEED score.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Mid-Semester Exams, Internal Assessments, Continuous Evaluation), External: 50% (End-Semester Exams, End-Semester Jury/Viva Voce)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDVC-701 | History and Theory of Visual Communication | Core | 4 | History of Design, Communication Theories, Aesthetics and Visual Culture, Semiotics in Design, Design Movements, Cultural Context of Visuals |
| MDVC-703 | Visual Design Fundamentals | Core | 4 | Principles of Design, Elements of Visual Language, Typography Basics, Color Theory and Application, Layout and Composition, Visual Perception and Gestalt |
| MDVC-705 | Design Research Methodologies | Core | 4 | Research Paradigms, Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Data Collection Techniques, Analysis and Interpretation, Research Ethics, Design Thinking for Research |
| MDDE-701 | Advanced Computer Graphics | Departmental Elective | 4 | Advanced Raster Graphics, Vector Graphics Applications, Image Processing Techniques, 3D Modeling Fundamentals, Animation Principles, UI/UX for Graphic Interfaces |
| MDVC-751 | Communication Design Studio-I | Studio/Project | 6 | Visual Narrative Development, Branding and Identity Design, Editorial Design Projects, Information Graphics, Poster and Advertising Design, Packaging Design Concepts |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDVC-702 | Digital Media and Interaction Design | Core | 4 | User Experience Design (UX), User Interface Design (UI), Information Architecture, Wireframing and Prototyping, Usability Testing, Web and Mobile App Design |
| MDVC-704 | Brand Identity and Strategy | Core | 4 | Brand Management Principles, Brand Positioning and Architecture, Brand Communication Strategies, Corporate Identity Systems, Brand Storytelling, Market Research for Branding |
| MDOE-XXX | Open Elective-I | Open Elective | 3 | Topics chosen from university-wide approved list |
| MDVC-752 | Communication Design Studio-II | Studio/Project | 6 | Advanced UI/UX Projects, Motion Graphics and Animation, Service Design Principles, Data Visualization, Cross-Media Campaigns, Social Design Initiatives |
| MDVC-754 | Seminar | Seminar/Practical | 2 | Research Presentation, Literature Review, Academic Writing Skills, Critical Analysis, Peer Feedback, Current Design Trends |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDVC-801 | Advanced Typography and Publication Design | Core | 4 | Typographic Systems, Grid Systems for Layout, Readability and Legibility, Digital Typography, Publication Layouts, Book Design Principles |
| MDDE-803 | Digital Fabrication and Prototyping | Departmental Elective | 4 | 3D Printing Technologies, Laser Cutting Techniques, CNC Machining, Additive Manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping Methods, Materials and Processes |
| MDVC-851 | Design Project-I | Project | 10 | Problem Identification, Concept Development, Extensive Research and Analysis, Design Implementation, Documentation and Reporting, Presentation Skills |
| MDOE-XXX | Open Elective-II | Open Elective | 3 | Topics chosen from university-wide approved list |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDDE-805 | Future Trends in Design | Departmental Elective | 4 | AI in Design, Metaverse and VR/AR Design, Sustainable Design Practices, Speculative Design, Human-Computer Interaction Trends, Design for Social Impact |
| MDVC-852 | Major Design Project (Dissertation) | Project/Dissertation | 18 | Advanced Design Research, Comprehensive Design Solution, Industry Standard Implementation, Critical Evaluation of Design, Thesis Writing, Viva Voce Examination |
