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B-DES in Communication Design at RK University

RK University, a premier private institution in Rajkot, Gujarat, established in 2008, is UGC recognized and NAAC 'A' Grade accredited. Spanning 100 acres, it offers diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Known for its academic strength and vibrant campus life, it attracts students seeking quality education with promising career outcomes.

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location

Rajkot, Gujarat

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About the Specialization

What is Communication Design at RK University Rajkot?

This Visual Communication Design program at RK University focuses on developing creative problem-solvers adept at conveying messages through visual media. Rooted in Indian cultural contexts and global trends, it blends traditional aesthetics with modern digital practices, preparing students for diverse roles in India''''s rapidly expanding design industry, emphasizing innovation and cultural relevance.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for creative individuals passionate about visual storytelling and impact. It attracts fresh 10+2 graduates aspiring to launch careers in graphic design, advertising, or digital media. Working professionals seeking to upskill in specific design technologies or career changers transitioning into the vibrant Indian design industry will also find significant value.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect robust career paths as graphic designers, UX/UI designers, advertisers, illustrators, or animators in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15+ LPA. The curriculum aligns with industry demands, fostering growth trajectories in top Indian design studios and tech companies.

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Build Strong Visual Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)

Focus intensively on drawing, sketching, and understanding design principles. Regularly practice observation drawing and explore various materials to develop a versatile hand and critical eye. Engage with art history to contextualize design elements.

Tools & Resources

Sketchbooks, charcoal, watercolors, online tutorials (e.g., Drawfee Show, Proko), museum visits (virtual or physical)

Career Connection

A strong foundation in visual arts is crucial for any design discipline, enabling better conceptualization and execution in later specialized roles.

Master Design Software Basics Early- (Semester 1-2)

Dedicate time outside classes to become proficient in foundational design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Experiment with tools, follow online tutorials, and complete small personal projects to reinforce learning.

Tools & Resources

Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, YouTube tutorials, Skillshare, free online courses for beginners

Career Connection

Software proficiency is a non-negotiable skill for entry-level design positions, significantly boosting employability in the Indian design market.

Cultivate Creative Problem-Solving Mindset- (Semester 1-2)

Actively participate in brainstorming sessions and design challenges. Start observing everyday design around you critically, identifying problems and mentally ideating solutions. Engage in peer critiques to refine your analytical thinking.

Tools & Resources

Design Thinking methodologies, brainstorming apps (Miro, FigJam), design blogs (Design Observer, AIGA Eye on Design)

Career Connection

Design is fundamentally about solving problems; developing this mindset early prepares you for real-world design briefs and client challenges.

Intermediate Stage

Deep Dive into Specialization – Branding & Typography- (Semester 3-4)

Go beyond classroom assignments in branding and typography. Undertake self-initiated projects like rebranding local businesses or designing unique typefaces. Build a personal library of design references and case studies.

Tools & Resources

Brand guidelines of successful Indian companies, typography resources (Google Fonts, Typewolf), Behance, Dribbble

Career Connection

Strong specialization in core communication design areas like branding and typography makes you highly valuable to agencies and in-house design teams.

Build a Diverse Digital Portfolio- (Semester 4-5)

Continuously document all your design projects, both academic and personal. Focus on presenting a clear design process for each project. Start building an online portfolio on platforms like Behance or a personal website.

Tools & Resources

Behance, Adobe Portfolio, Wix, Squarespace, High-quality photography of physical projects

Career Connection

A well-curated portfolio is your primary tool for securing internships and jobs in the competitive design industry in India.

Engage with Industry through Workshops & Competitions- (Semester 4-5)

Attend design workshops, webinars, and industry events organized by RK University or local design communities. Participate in student design competitions (e.g., CII Young Designers Awards, Design Yatra) to gain exposure and feedback.

Tools & Resources

Event listings from NASSCOM, FICCI, local design guilds, college career services, design competition websites

Career Connection

Networking and competition participation build industry connections, provide practical experience, and can lead to mentorship and job opportunities.

Advanced Stage

Secure a Strategic Internship- (Semester 6)

Actively seek and complete a substantial internship in a reputable design studio, advertising agency, or corporate design department. Focus on contributing meaningfully to projects and learning from experienced professionals.

Tools & Resources

RK University placement cell, LinkedIn, Naukri, Glassdoor, personal network, portfolio

Career Connection

Internships are critical for real-world exposure, skill refinement, and often lead to pre-placement offers in the Indian market.

Develop a Capstone/Thesis Project with Impact- (Semester 7-8)

For your major project, choose a problem with real-world relevance, preferably one that addresses a societal or industrial need in India. Conduct thorough research, iterate rigorously, and aim for a high-quality, implementable solution.

Tools & Resources

Research papers, academic databases, industry reports, expert interviews, user testing groups

Career Connection

An impactful capstone project demonstrates your ability to independently tackle complex design challenges, a key requirement for senior design roles.

Refine Professional Communication & Interview Skills- (Semester 7-8)

Practice articulating your design process, project outcomes, and personal philosophy clearly. Prepare for interviews by researching potential employers and rehearsing answers to common design interview questions.

Tools & Resources

Mock interviews, presentation software, professional communication workshops, feedback from faculty and mentors

Career Connection

Excellent communication and presentation skills are vital for client interaction, team collaboration, and successfully landing desired job roles post-graduation.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • A candidate should have passed HSC (10+2) or its equivalent examination from any recognized Board with minimum 45% marks (40% for SC/ST/SEBC) and have appeared in qualifying examination like NID/NIFT/CEE-B.Des/UCEED/DAT/RUDAT or other equivalent design aptitude test OR must have cleared RK University’s Design Aptitude Test (RUDAT).

Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters

Credits: 196 Credits

Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Drawing I (Fundamental Drawing)Core4Basic forms and shapes, Perspective drawing, Sketching techniques, Light and shadow studies, Composition principles
Material Exploration ICore4Properties of various materials, Basic fabrication techniques, Material handling and safety, Textural studies and surfaces, Form creation with materials
Design Fundamentals (Elements and Principles of Design)Core4Elements of design (line, form, space), Principles of design (balance, rhythm, emphasis), Visual perception theories, Gestalt principles, Introduction to design process
Introduction to ComputersCore4Computer hardware and software, Operating systems basics, File management, Basic office applications, Internet and digital literacy
History of Art & Design ICore3Prehistoric art and architecture, Ancient civilizations (Egypt, Mesopotamia), Classical Greek and Roman art, Medieval European art, Early Renaissance art
English CommunicationCore3Grammar and vocabulary, Sentence and paragraph writing, Formal letter writing, Public speaking and presentations, Listening skills
Aptitude & Reasoning ICore2Logical reasoning puzzles, Verbal reasoning comprehension, Quantitative aptitude basics, Spatial reasoning visualization, Basic problem-solving strategies

Semester 2

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Drawing II (Geometric, Orthographic Projections & Human Figure Drawing)Core4Geometric drawing techniques, Orthographic and isometric projections, Human anatomy and proportions, Live figure sketching, Rendering techniques
Material Exploration IICore4Advanced material characteristics, Joinery and fastening techniques, Model making and prototyping, Surface finishes and textures, Sustainable materials
Colour Theory and ApplicationCore4Color wheel and schemes, Psychology of color, Color harmony and contrast, Digital color modes, Color application in design
Introduction to Software for DesignCore4Vector graphics software (Illustrator), Raster graphics software (Photoshop), Basic CAD tools, 2D animation principles, Image editing and manipulation
History of Art & Design IICore3Baroque and Rococo art, Neoclassicism and Romanticism, 19th-century art movements, Early 20th-century modern art, Design movements (Arts and Crafts, Bauhaus)
Environmental ScienceCore3Ecology and ecosystems, Biodiversity and conservation, Pollution types and effects, Natural resources management, Sustainable practices
Aptitude & Reasoning IICore2Advanced logical reasoning, Analytical reasoning scenarios, Data interpretation techniques, Critical thinking and inferences, Design aptitude questions

Semester 3

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Design ThinkingCore4Empathize and define phases, Ideation techniques, Prototyping and testing, User-centered design approach, Problem-solving methodologies
Visual Communication Design I (Introduction to Visual Communication & Semiotics)Core4Fundamentals of visual communication, Introduction to semiotics, Signs, symbols, and icons, Visual hierarchy and layout, Communication models
Basic PhotographyCore4Camera functions and controls, Composition techniques, Lighting principles, Exposure triangle, Digital image editing
Typography ICore4Anatomy of typefaces, Type classification, Leading, kerning, tracking, Typographic hierarchy, Font pairing and selection
Digital Design Tools ICore4Adobe Photoshop proficiency, Adobe Illustrator proficiency, Vector illustration techniques, Raster image manipulation, Basic graphic layout software
Indian ConstitutionCore2Preamble and its ideals, Fundamental rights and duties, Directive principles of state policy, Structure of Indian government, Constitutional amendments
History of Indian ArtElective3Indus Valley Civilization art, Buddhist and Jain art, Mughal and Rajput painting, Colonial and modern Indian art, Folk and tribal art forms
Psychology for DesignersElective3Cognitive psychology principles, Perception and attention, Memory and learning, User behavior analysis, Emotional design and aesthetics

Semester 4

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Visual Communication Design II (Branding & Identity Design)Core4Principles of branding, Logo design and development, Brand guidelines creation, Corporate identity systems, Brand strategy and positioning
Typography IICore4Advanced typographic layouts, Grid systems for design, Editorial typography, Web and digital typography, Experimental typography
IllustrationCore4Drawing for illustration, Digital illustration techniques, Character design and development, Editorial and conceptual illustration, Storyboarding and visual narratives
Digital Design Tools IICore4Adobe InDesign for layout, Figma and Sketch for UI/UX, Prototyping tools, Layout design principles, Collaborative design workflows
Basic AnimationCore412 principles of animation, Traditional animation techniques, Digital animation software, Stop motion animation, Introduction to motion graphics
Copywriting for DesignersElective3Principles of effective copywriting, Crafting headlines and taglines, Writing body copy for ads, Storytelling in marketing, Persuasive communication techniques
Design ManagementElective3Design project management, Team leadership and collaboration, Client communication strategies, Design strategy and planning, Budget and resource management

Semester 5

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Visual Communication Design III (Advertising & Campaign Design)Core4Advertising campaign development, Creative brief interpretation, Media planning and strategy, Print and digital advertisement design, Social media campaign creation
Packaging DesignCore4Structural packaging design, Graphic design for packaging, Material selection and properties, Sustainable packaging solutions, Branding and visual identity on packaging
Motion GraphicsCore4Adobe After Effects proficiency, Kinetic typography, Visual effects basics, Broadcast design elements, Explainer video production
User Interface Design (UI)Core4UI design principles, Wireframing and mockups, Design systems and components, Usability testing for UI, Mobile UI design guidelines
Digital Design Tools IIICore4Advanced UI/UX prototyping tools, Animation software applications, Introduction to 3D design software, Collaborative design platforms, Version control for design assets
Art DirectionElective3Visual storytelling and concepts, Creative brief development, Photoshoot and video production direction, Brand visual language consistency, Campaign execution and oversight
Design Research MethodsElective3Qualitative research techniques, Quantitative research methods, User interviews and surveys, Data analysis and synthesis, Ethnographic research

Semester 6

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Visual Communication Design IV (Publication Design & Editorial Layout)Core4Publication design principles, Editorial layout and grid systems, Magazine and book design, E-book layout and digital publishing, Information graphics and data visualization
Web DesignCore4HTML and CSS fundamentals, Responsive web design, Web typography and imagery, User experience for web, Introduction to Content Management Systems
UI/UX DesignCore4User research and persona development, Information architecture, Wireframing and prototyping, Usability testing and analysis, User journey mapping
Design Portfolio DevelopmentCore4Portfolio curation and selection, Project documentation and presentation, Storytelling through portfolio, Personal branding for designers, Online portfolio platforms
Advanced PhotographyElective3Studio photography techniques, Portraiture and product photography, Advanced lighting setups, Photo manipulation and retouching, Visual storytelling with photographs
Film & Video EditingElective3Video editing software (e.g., Premiere Pro), Principles of cinematic editing, Sound design for video, Visual effects integration, Documentary and narrative editing
InternshipProject8Practical industry experience, Application of design skills, Professional workplace exposure, Mentorship and feedback, Project delivery and presentation

Semester 7

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Visual Communication Design V (Environmental Graphics & Wayfinding)Core4Environmental graphic design, Wayfinding systems development, Signage design and materials, Experiential graphics for spaces, Public space design considerations
Design EntrepreneurshipCore4Developing a business plan for design, Funding and investment strategies, Marketing design services, Legal aspects of design business, Pitching ideas to stakeholders
Intellectual Property RightsCore2Copyright law for creatives, Trademark registration, Patent and design rights, IP protection strategies, Ethical considerations in design and IP
Major Project I (Pre-Thesis)Project10Research proposal development, Literature review and analysis, Problem identification and definition, Methodology and research plan, Preliminary design concepts and exploration
Interaction Design PrinciplesElective3Human-computer interaction, User flows and scenarios, Affordances and feedback, Prototyping interactive systems, Usability and accessibility in interaction
Service DesignElective3Service blueprints and mapping, Customer journey mapping, Service touchpoints analysis, Co-creation workshops, Service innovation strategies

Semester 8

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
Major Project II (Thesis)Project20Final design solution development, Detailed project documentation, Thesis presentation and defense, Project exhibition and showcase, Critical evaluation and reflection
Professional Practice & EthicsCore4Client contracts and agreements, Freelancing and agency models, Team collaboration and leadership, Professional etiquette and standards, Ethical considerations in design
AI in DesignElective3AI tools for generative design, Design automation with AI, Machine learning in design processes, Ethical implications of AI in design, Future of design with artificial intelligence
Design FuturesElective3Speculative design methodologies, Trend forecasting and analysis, Foresight techniques for design, Societal impact of emerging technologies, Scenario planning for design
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