M-DES in Immersive Media Design at Manipal University Jaipur
Jaipur, Rajasthan
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About the Specialization
What is Immersive Media Design at Manipal University Jaipur Jaipur?
This Immersive Media Design program at Manipal University Jaipur focuses on the convergence of technology and creativity, preparing students for the rapidly evolving field of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. With India''''s growing digital economy and a surge in demand for AR/VR content creators, this program offers a cutting-edge curriculum. It differentiates itself by integrating design thinking with advanced technological skills, fostering innovation in areas like experiential learning and digital entertainment.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative individuals and tech enthusiasts. It welcomes fresh graduates with a background in design, architecture, or related fields seeking entry into the immersive media industry, as well as working professionals from IT or media looking to upskill or transition into AR/VR development. It also suits career changers eager to leverage design principles with new technologies, provided they meet the foundational academic and admission test prerequisites.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including Immersive Experience Designer, AR/VR Developer, UX Designer for XR, 3D Modeler, or Game Designer. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning upwards of INR 10-20 LPA in companies like Tata Elxsi, Infosys, and various design studios. The program aligns with industry needs, setting graduates up for significant growth trajectories in the burgeoning Indian immersive tech market.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Foundational Portfolio- (Semester 1-2)
Actively apply theoretical knowledge from subjects like 3D Modelling and Immersive Media Fundamentals to create small, engaging projects. Document every design iteration, software skill learned, and concept explored in a digital portfolio, even if simple.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbook, Adobe Creative Suite, Blender/Maya (student versions), online tutorials
Career Connection
A well-maintained early portfolio demonstrates practical skills and passion to potential mentors and for future internships, providing a tangible representation of learning.
Engage in Peer Learning & Hackathons- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex concepts, share project feedback, and collaboratively learn new software. Participate in intra-university or local hackathons focused on AR/VR to gain rapid prototyping experience and teamwork skills under pressure.
Tools & Resources
Discord/WhatsApp groups, university-organized hackathon events, online coding challenge platforms
Career Connection
Collaborative skills are crucial in industry. Hackathons provide practical problem-solving experience and a chance to network, often leading to internship or project opportunities.
Develop Strong Research & Documentation Habits- (Semester 1-2)
For every major design project or case study, rigorously apply the research methodologies learned in Contextual Design Research. Document your user studies, design rationale, and testing outcomes thoroughly. Practice concise technical writing.
Tools & Resources
Notion, Miro, Google Docs, academic databases, MUJ library resources
Career Connection
Demonstrating robust research and documentation skills is vital for design roles, showcasing an ability to justify design decisions and contribute to design knowledge within a team.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize through Electives & Advanced Software- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose Elective subjects that align with your career interests (e.g., advanced game development, architectural visualization). Dedicate extra time to master industry-standard software and engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, or specialised XR development kits.
Tools & Resources
Unity Hub, Unreal Engine, Oculus/HTC VIVE SDKs, GDC Vault videos, online masterclasses
Career Connection
Deep specialization makes you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in companies seeking experts in particular XR technologies or applications.
Seek Industry Exposure via Internships/Projects- (Semester 3-4)
Actively pursue internships during semester breaks or engage in faculty-led industry projects. Focus on applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, building a professional network, and understanding corporate workflows.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, university career services, industry networking events, MUJ''''s placement cell
Career Connection
Internships are often direct pathways to full-time employment and provide invaluable practical experience, refining soft skills essential for the workplace.
Participate in Design Competitions & Showcase Work- (Semester 3)
Enter national or international design competitions, especially those focused on immersive technologies. Use these platforms to refine your skills, gain recognition, and publicly showcase your portfolio projects to a wider audience, including potential employers.
Tools & Resources
India Design Council competitions, UXIndia, national student design challenges, personal website/Behance
Career Connection
Winning or even participating in competitions boosts your resume, provides excellent networking opportunities, and validates your design capabilities to recruiters.
Advanced Stage
Master Advanced Project Development & Deployment- (Semester 3-4)
For the Immersive Media Project I and II, aim for a fully functional, polished prototype. Focus not just on design but on technical implementation, optimization, and potential deployment pipelines. Document your entire development lifecycle thoroughly.
Tools & Resources
Project management software (Jira, Trello), version control (Git), advanced debugging tools, cloud platforms for deployment (AWS, Azure)
Career Connection
A well-executed final project that demonstrates production-ready skills is your strongest asset for showcasing capabilities to employers, especially in technical design roles.
Network with Industry Professionals & Alumni- (Semester 3-4)
Actively connect with professionals in the immersive media industry through LinkedIn, alumni events, design conferences, and guest lecture sessions at MUJ. Seek mentorship, advice, and potential job leads.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn Premium, industry-specific forums, MUJ Alumni network, design meetups
Career Connection
Networking is critical for job discovery, gaining insights into industry trends, and securing referrals, often leading to opportunities not publicly advertised.
Develop a Professional Placement Strategy- (Semester 4)
Prepare a compelling portfolio, resume, and cover letter tailored for specific immersive media roles. Practice interview skills, including technical assessments and design critiques. Leverage the university''''s placement cell for job search and interview support.
Tools & Resources
Portfolio platforms (ArtStation, Behance), resume builders, mock interview sessions, MUJ placement cell workshops
Career Connection
A strong, targeted placement strategy ensures you are well-prepared to secure desirable roles immediately after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in Design (B.Des/B.Arch/B.Plan/BFA) or any other bachelor''''s degree with 50% aggregate marks, + MUJ Admission Test (MET/DAT) / NID / CEED / UCEED score.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 57 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MID 6101 | Contextual Design Research | Core | 3 | Research methodologies, User-centered design, Contextual inquiry, Data analysis, Qualitative and quantitative research |
| MID 6102 | Immersive Media Fundamentals | Core | 3 | Introduction to immersive technologies (VR, AR, MR), History of immersive media, Core concepts and principles, Ethical considerations, Future trends in immersive media |
| MID 6103 | 3D Modelling and Animation | Core | 3 | Introduction to 3D software, Polygon modeling techniques, Texturing and rendering, Rigging and animation principles, Digital sculpting |
| MID 6104 | Interaction Design for Immersive Spaces | Core | 3 | Principles of interaction design, User experience (UX) for immersive environments, Input methods and gestural interfaces, Spatial UI/UX design, Prototyping immersive interactions |
| MID 6105 | Prototyping and Fabrication | Core | 3 | Rapid prototyping techniques, Physical computing fundamentals, Sensor integration and IoT for design, Material exploration and selection, Additive manufacturing and fabrication processes |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MID 6201 | Narrative and Storytelling for Immersive Media | Core | 3 | Story structure and plot development, Character development and world-building, Interactive narratives and branching storylines, Transmedia storytelling, Immersive sound design and spatial audio |
| MID 6202 | Advanced Immersive Technologies | Core | 3 | Advanced VR/AR hardware and ecosystems, Haptic feedback systems, Mixed reality (MR) systems and applications, Artificial Intelligence in immersive media, Real-time rendering and optimization |
| MID 6203 | Game Design and Development | Core | 3 | Game mechanics and rule systems, Level design and world creation, Game engines (Unity/Unreal) and scripting basics, Playtesting and user feedback integration, Monetization strategies and game economics |
| MID 6204 | Human-Computer Interaction for Immersive Systems | Core | 3 | Ergonomics and comfort in XR, Usability testing for immersive experiences, Cognitive load and attention management, Accessibility in immersive systems, Future of Human-Computer Interaction |
| MID 6205 | Elective – I | Elective | 3 |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MID 7101 | Immersive Media Project – I | Project | 6 | Project planning and scope definition, Concept development and ideation, Research and problem identification, Iterative design and prototyping, Stakeholder feedback and documentation |
| MID 7102 | Emerging Trends in Immersive Media | Core | 3 | Metaverse and Web3 integration, Digital twins and industrial metaverse, Immersive analytics and data visualization, Societal impact of immersive technologies, Ethical considerations in AI and XR |
| MID 7103 | Entrepreneurship in Design | Core | 3 | Business models for design startups, Market analysis and competitive landscapes, Intellectual property and legal aspects, Funding and investment strategies, Design thinking for business innovation |
| MID 7104 | Elective – II | Elective | 3 |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MID 7201 | Immersive Media Project – II | Project | 10 | Advanced prototyping and implementation, Deployment strategies and platforms, User testing and iteration based on feedback, Project exhibition and presentation, Portfolio development and client communication |
| MID 7202 | Internship / Professional Practice | Internship | 2 | Industry exposure and real-world application, Practical skill enhancement, Professional ethics and workplace conduct, Project report writing, Networking and career development |