PhD in Design (Doctor of Philosophy in Design)

PhD in Design Course Details

PhD in Design is a full-time design course at the doctoral level. The duration of the course is 3 years. Design courses enable students to tap into their creative instincts and create reliable and achievable designs using fabrics, furniture, and lighting. This advanced degree in design requires creativity and innovation at the same time. You must be able to think outside the box and translate your ideas into complete, working products.

A Ph.D. in Design is a research-focused doctoral degree that provides advanced education in the field of design. It is intended for students who are interested in pursuing a career in design research, teaching, or innovation. The program typically involves an in-depth exploration of design theory, methodologies, and practices, and culminates in the completion of a research project or dissertation.

The Ph.D. in Design program typically covers a wide range of topics, including design history and theory, design research methods, design thinking, and innovation. Students may also specialize in a specific area of design, such as product design, graphic design, or interaction design, among others.

PhD in Design Highlights

The Ph.D. in Design program has several highlights, including:

Research Focus: The program is designed to provide students with advanced training in research methodologies, critical thinking, and analysis, which are essential skills for conducting independent research in the field of design.

Flexibility: Ph.D. in Design programs are often flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework and research to their interests and career goals. Students can choose to specialize in a specific area of design or explore interdisciplinary research areas.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Ph.D. in Design programs often encourage collaboration with experts in other fields such as engineering, psychology, and business. This cross-disciplinary approach can help students to develop innovative solutions to complex design problems.

Career Opportunities: Graduates of Ph.D. in Design programs are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, research, or industry. They can work as design educators, consultants, researchers, or innovators, among other positions.

Contribution to Society: Ph.D. in Design graduates can make significant contributions to society by applying their research findings to solve real-world problems and improve the quality of life for people. Their work can impact various fields such as healthcare, education, technology, and sustainability.

PhD in Design Course Details

PhD in Design Eligibility Criteria

A master's degree in a relevant field such as design, architecture, engineering, or fine arts.

Strong academic record and research potential.

A portfolio of work demonstrating the applicant's design skills and research interests.

Some programs may require a minimum GPA, standardized test scores such as GRE, and language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.

PhD in Design Popular Entrance Exam

Some institutions require candidates to take an entrance exam that evaluates their design skills and knowledge of design theories and methods.

NIFT

CEED 

AIEED

PhD in Design Course Duration

Typically, Ph.D. in Design programs take 3-5 years to complete, depending on the program's structure and the student's research progress.

PhD in Design Selection Criteria

• Academic record and research potential.
• Professional experience and design portfolio.
• Statement of purpose and research proposal.
• Letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam scores (if required).

PhD in Design How to Apply

Candidates can apply online through the university's website or through a centralized application system such as Common Application.

The application package typically includes transcripts, a statement of purpose, a research proposal, letters of recommendation, a design portfolio, and an application fee.

In summary, the Ph.D. in Design admission requirements, duration, and selection criteria vary depending on the institution offering the program. Candidates should check the specific program's website or contact the admissions office for detailed information on how to apply.

PhD in Design Admission Process

Candidates can apply for a Ph.D. in Design program by visiting the official website of the institution offering the program.

They need to fill out the application form, and attach the required documents such as transcripts, statement of purpose, research proposal, letters of recommendation, and design portfolio.

The application fee varies from institution to institution, and candidates should check the fee structure before applying.

Merit-Based Selection

• Submit your application to the university of your choice.
• Perform well in the postgraduate examinations as the scores obtained in these form the basis of the entire admission process.
• In due course of time, universities release their cutoff lists. Check if you are eligible for admission into the desired course.
• If eligible, visit the college and submit all the required documents.

Admission-based selection

• Submit your application to the university of your choice.
• Register for the entrance exam you must pass to get into your desired university.
• To be shortlisted for further admission rounds, candidates must score above the threshold set by their respective universities.
• After the written examination, a series of personal interviews will be conducted to form a final merit list of shortlisted candidates.
• Once all the examinations have been conducted, the university will declare the results and publish the merit list of shortlisted candidates based on written examination and personal interview rounds.
• After the admission process, seats will be allotted to eligible candidates and candidates will be required to deposit the course fee and register for each academic year.

Syllabus of PhD in Design

The Ph.D. in Design program syllabus typically includes courses in design theory and history, research methods, and advanced design practices.

Some programs also offer courses in design thinking, innovation, and interdisciplinary design.

The program culminates in the completion of a research project or dissertation that demonstrates the candidate's original research contribution to the field of design.

Job Profiles After Completed PhD in Design 

Ph.D. in Design graduates can work in academia, research, or industry.

PhD in Design Career Opportunities:

• Design Educator/Professor
• Design Researcher/Consultant
• Design Entrepreneur/Innovator
• Design Manager/Leader
• Design Strategist

PhD in Design Top Colleges in India:

• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
• National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad
• Industrial Design Centre, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai
• School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi

PhD in Design Admission Procedure

• Application for the entrance exam 
• Result declaration
• Entrance pass scholar calling for the interview and document verification
• Provisional registration for pre Ph.D. course work classes
• Coursework classes shall be attended as scheduled by University
• Course work examination
• Result declaration of coursework
• Submission of synopsis ( 2 spiral bound copies with soft copy of synopsis)
• Departmental research committee meeting scheduled by University
• A registration letter shall be issued
• Research work started by scholar
• 6 progress reports shall be submitted
• Soft copy thesis submit
• plagiarism report check by the university
• Final after the plagiarism report soft copy thesis shall be sent to experts for evaluation
• After the consent of experts pre-submission, one set spiral binding shall be submitted
• After the successful presentation of the pre-submission thesis 3 copies of hard bound thesis shall be  submitted
• Viva shall be conducted as scheduled by University, Degree Awarded.

Documents Checklist For PhD in Design

• Documents (10th onwards)
• Aadhar Card/Pan Card, Caste Certificate
• Migration Certificate (Original)
• NOC (From Organization/ Institute/ University)
• Affidavit (undertaking)
• Guide Willing
• Assignments
• Synopsis (3 copies), Progress Report
• Library No Dues
• Lab Letter
• Thesis Hard copy (Spiral binding)
• No Dues, Thesis (6 hard copies)
• Affidavit -Submission (on Rs 100 Stamp and Notary Attested)
• C.D Soft copies (Thesis & Synopsis)
• Conference Certificate - 2
• Research Papers -2 (with ISSN No.)
• summary (page limit 20-30) -3 Copies 
• Plagiarism Report Below 10%

FAQs About PhD in Design Program

Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.

Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?

ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.

Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?

ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.

Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?

ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.

Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?

ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.

Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?

ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?

ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.

Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?

ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.

Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?

ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.

Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?

ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.

Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?

ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.

Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?

ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.

Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?

ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.