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M-DES in General at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies

UPES, Dehradun is a premier UGC-recognized private university established in 2003. Known for its industry-aligned specialized programs across 9 schools, including Engineering, Management, and Law, it features a 44-acre campus. UPES boasts strong placements with a highest CTC of INR 50 LPA and is consistently ranked among India's top universities.

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Dehradun, Uttarakhand

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About the Specialization

What is General at University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradun?

This Master of Design (M.Des) program at the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, focuses on nurturing design professionals equipped to innovate across diverse sectors. With a strong emphasis on user-centered design, emerging technologies, and strategic thinking, the program prepares graduates for the evolving design landscape in India. It differentiates itself through its multi-disciplinary approach and industry-aligned curriculum, addressing the growing demand for skilled designers in sectors like IT, manufacturing, and consumer goods.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for creative individuals from design, engineering, architecture, or even humanities backgrounds seeking to deepen their design expertise. It caters to fresh graduates aiming for impactful entry into the design industry, as well as working professionals looking to transition into design leadership roles or upskill in contemporary design practices. Candidates with a passion for problem-solving, innovation, and a minimum of 50% in their undergraduate degree are well-suited.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect to pursue diverse career paths in India, including roles like UX Designer, Product Designer, Design Strategist, Industrial Designer, and Visual Communication Specialist. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly higher, often reaching INR 15+ LPA in leading Indian design studios and tech firms. The program fosters critical thinking and practical skills vital for growth trajectories in design consultancies and corporate design teams.

OTHER SPECIALIZATIONS

Specialization

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Master Design Thinking & Research Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)

Actively engage in design thinking workshops, practice user research methods, and critically analyze case studies. Focus on understanding the core principles of problem identification, ideation, and validation early on to build a strong theoretical base.

Tools & Resources

Nielson Norman Group articles, IDEO design kits, Miro, Figma for early wireframing

Career Connection

Develops foundational problem-solving abilities crucial for internships and entry-level positions in design agencies or tech companies, laying the groundwork for user-centric innovation.

Develop Strong Visual & Technical Design Skills- (Semester 1-2)

Dedicate time to mastering visual design principles, typography, and color theory. Simultaneously, get hands-on with fundamental digital design tools and explore materials through studio projects, bridging aesthetics with practicality.

Tools & Resources

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), SketchUp, CAD basics, Material Connexion database

Career Connection

Essential for creating compelling portfolios, enabling students to demonstrate practical skills sought by recruiters for roles in graphic design, product visualization, or UI layout, thereby increasing employability.

Engage in Peer Learning & Feedback Cycles- (Semester 1-2)

Form study groups, participate actively in critiques, and provide constructive feedback to peers. Learn to articulate design decisions and receive criticism gracefully, refining your design rationale and communication skills.

Tools & Resources

Studio critique sessions, online collaboration platforms (e.g., Google Docs), informal group discussions

Career Connection

Develops communication and collaboration skills vital for team-based design projects in industry, enhancing ability to present and defend design solutions during interviews and professional roles.

Intermediate Stage

Specialize through Focused Projects & Internships- (Semester 3-4)

Choose a specialization aligned with career goals (e.g., UI/UX, Product Design) and pursue projects and internships specifically in that area. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world design challenges to gain practical expertise.

Tools & Resources

Figma, Adobe XD, Blender, SolidWorks, industry project briefs, summer internships

Career Connection

Builds a specialized portfolio, gains practical industry experience, and establishes professional networks crucial for securing placements in desired design domains upon graduation.

Build a Professional Portfolio & Online Presence- (Semester 3-4)

Continuously curate and refine a strong portfolio showcasing diverse projects, detailing design processes, and highlighting impact. Establish a professional online presence on platforms like Behance, Dribbble, or LinkedIn.

Tools & Resources

Behance, Dribbble, LinkedIn, personal website builders (e.g., WordPress, Webflow), portfolio review sessions

Career Connection

A well-crafted portfolio is the primary tool for designers to attract recruiters and secure interviews, demonstrating capabilities and professional readiness to potential employers.

Network with Industry Professionals & Attend Workshops- (Semester 3-4)

Actively attend industry workshops, design conferences, and guest lectures. Network with professionals, alumni, and potential mentors to gain insights, identify opportunities, and build a robust professional contact list.

Tools & Resources

Design summits (e.g., India Design ID), local design meetups, LinkedIn professional groups, university career services events

Career Connection

Opens doors to unadvertised job roles, provides mentorship, keeps skills updated with industry trends, and facilitates future collaborations and accelerated career growth in the design field.

Advanced Stage

Engage in a Capstone Project & Thesis- (Semester 4)

Undertake a comprehensive capstone project or master''''s thesis that demonstrates advanced design research, problem-solving, and implementation skills within your chosen specialization. This serves as a culmination of your learning.

Tools & Resources

Research methodologies, project management software, advanced design tools relevant to specialization, faculty mentorship, academic databases

Career Connection

The capstone project is often the centerpiece of a portfolio, showcasing depth of knowledge, independent work, and ability to deliver a complex design solution, critical for senior roles or further research opportunities.

Prepare for Placements & Mock Interviews- (Semester 4)

Actively participate in campus placement drives, tailor your resume and portfolio for specific job roles, and practice mock interviews to hone your communication and presentation skills. Understand company expectations thoroughly.

Tools & Resources

University career services, placement cell resources, online interview platforms (e.g., Pramp), industry-specific interview guides

Career Connection

Directly prepares students for the recruitment process, significantly increasing their chances of securing desirable job offers and making a smooth, confident transition from academia to industry.

Cultivate Leadership & Professional Ethics- (Semester 3-4)

Take on leadership roles in student organizations or design projects. Develop a strong understanding of professional ethics, intellectual property rights, and sustainable design practices, critical for responsible design leadership in the industry.

Tools & Resources

Design ethics guidelines, IPR workshops, project leadership opportunities, industry talks on design sustainability

Career Connection

Positions graduates as responsible, ethical leaders in the design community, enhancing their long-term career prospects and ability to contribute positively and strategically to society and organizations.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • Minimum 50% marks in 10th and 12th. B.Des/B.Tech/BE/B.Arch/BFA (4-year duration) with minimum 50% marks. Students from other disciplines like Humanities, Commerce, Management, Sciences are also eligible with minimum 50% marks in 10th, 12th and Graduation (3-year/4-year duration).

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)

Credits: 78 Credits

Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
DDMD7001Design Thinking: Principles & ProcessCore4Design Principles, Design Process Models, User-Centered Design, Ideation Techniques, Problem Solving Frameworks
DDMD7002Design ResearchCore4Research Methodologies, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Data Collection, Research Synthesis
DDMD7003Fundamentals of Visual DesignCore4Elements of Design, Principles of Design, Typography, Color Theory, Layout and Composition
DDMD7004Materials and Manufacturing ProcessesCore4Material Properties, Manufacturing Techniques, Prototyping, Sustainable Materials, Production Considerations
DDMD7005Design Studio ICore4Project-Based Learning, Concept Development, Iteration, Presentation Skills, Design Execution

Semester 2

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
DDMD7006Human Centred DesignCore4Ergonomics, Human Factors, Usability Testing, User Experience Principles, Inclusive Design
DDMD7007Design for Emerging TechnologiesCore4AI in Design, IoT, VR/AR, Smart Systems, Future Technologies
DDMD7008Design ManagementCore4Design Strategy, Project Management, Brand Building, Design Leadership, Intellectual Property
DDMD7009Advanced Digital Tools for DesignCore4CAD Software, 3D Modeling, Digital Prototyping, Rendering, Animation for Design
DDMD7010Design Studio IICore4Advanced Project Work, Design System Development, Portfolio Building, Professional Practice, Interdisciplinary Design
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