PhD in Design Admission 2024-25, Ranking, Course-Wise Median Packages, Campus

PhD in Design Course Details

PhD Design is a full-time course in design 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.The field of design encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, interior design, and more. As such, the research topics for a PhD in Design can vary widely depending on the student's area of interest. Some common research areas in design include:

Design theory and history: This area of research explores the theoretical underpinnings of design and how it has evolved over time.

Design thinking: This area of research focuses on the problem-solving processes used in design, and how they can be applied to other areas of business and innovation.

Sustainability and social responsibility: This area of research examines the role of design in creating sustainable and socially responsible products and systems.

User experience and interaction design: This area of research focuses on how people interact with products and systems, and how design can be used to improve the user experience.

Design and technology: This area of research explores the intersection of design and technology, and how new technologies are changing the design process and the products and systems that are created.

Doctor of Philosophy in Design

Why Study PhD in Design

A PhD in Design is an advanced-level course. Students who want to learn the intricacies of the design industry should take this course.

This course provides you with basic knowledge about the design process, how it is executed, and how it has evolved in recent years. It is a research-based course. It requires extensive study in the field of design. Typically, students take up any topic and create a project based on research on that topic.

A PhD in Design entitles you to a professor or lecturer position at a design university. It is therefore a must for students who want to immerse themselves in the academic field.

This course teaches a person several skills. Some of them include problem-solving, drawing conclusions, making logical recommendations, and time management.

If you study, you can also earn money. The starting salary for a design professional with a PhD is between 2 and 20 LPA.

This course offers a wide range of career opportunities. Some of the best jobs you can look forward to include costume designer, fabric designer, technical designer, fashion coordinator, senior interior designer, interior designer, assistant manager, accounting manager, and architect.

Doctor of Philosophy in Design Highlights

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Design program offers several highlights that make it an attractive choice for students looking to pursue advanced research in the field of design. Some of these highlights include:

Flexibility: PhD in Design programs typically offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of course selection and research topics. This allows students to tailor their program of study to their specific interests and career goals.

Interdisciplinary approach: Design is a highly interdisciplinary field, and PhD programs in Design often reflect this by offering opportunities to work across multiple disciplines. This can lead to a more well-rounded and diverse education, and can help students develop a broader perspective on design and its role in society.

Research opportunities: PhD in Design programs offer extensive research opportunities, allowing students to conduct original research and contribute new knowledge to the field. This can be an excellent way to build a strong research portfolio and gain valuable experience working in a research-focused environment.

Access to cutting-edge technology: Many PhD in Design programs offer access to state-of-the-art technology and equipment, allowing students to explore new design techniques and methods. This can be particularly valuable for students interested in design and technology.

Career opportunities: Graduates of PhD in Design programs are well-positioned for careers in academia, research, and other areas of design. They may go on to become professors, researchers, consultants, or entrepreneurs, among other careers.

Doctor of Philosophy Design Entrance Exam:

PhD in Design programs may require applicants to take entrance exams such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or equivalent standardized tests. However, requirements may vary depending on the institution, so it is best to check with the program of interest for specific requirements.

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CEED 

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Doctor of Philosophy Design Admission Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for admission to a PhD in Design program, candidates should typically hold a master's degree in design or a related field. Some programs may also consider candidates with a bachelor's degree and relevant professional experience.

Candidates must have a Master's degree in Design or an equivalent degree from an accredited university.

Candidates must have achieved at least 50% points on the advanced exam.

Doctor of Philosophy Design Course Duration:

The duration of a PhD in Design program can vary, but typically takes 3-5 years to complete. This may depend on the individual program, the student's research topic, and the student's progress towards completing their dissertation.

Doctor of Philosophy Design Selection Criteria:

Admission to a PhD in Design program is highly competitive and typically based on several factors, including academic achievement, research experience, and potential for success in the program. Selection criteria may include:

Academic achievement: Applicants should have a strong academic record, typically with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Research experience: PhD programs in Design place a strong emphasis on research, so applicants with prior research experience and publications may have an advantage in the admissions process.

Letters of recommendation: Applicants are typically required to provide letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can speak to their academic and research potential.

Statement of purpose: Applicants are often required to submit a statement of purpose outlining their research interests, career goals, and why they are a good fit for the program.

Doctor of Philosophy Design How to Apply:

To apply for a PhD in Design program, candidates should typically follow these steps:

Research programs: Start by researching PhD programs in Design to find programs that align with your research interests and career goals.

Meet admission requirements: Check each program's specific admission requirements, and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

Submit application materials: Typically, applicants will need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and test scores (if required). Some programs may also require a portfolio or writing sample.

Complete an interview: Some programs may require an interview as part of the admissions process. This may be conducted in-person or via video conference.

Await decision: After submitting your application, you will need to await a decision from the program. Some programs may offer admission on a rolling basis, while others may have specific application deadlines.

Doctor of Philosophy Design Admission Process:

The application form and process for a PhD in Design program may vary depending on the institution. Generally, candidates will need to complete an online application, provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and test scores (if required). Some programs may also require a portfolio or writing sample. Candidates should check with their program of interest for specific application requirements and deadlines.

Merit-Based Selection

Submit your application to the university of your choice.

I achieved good results in advanced exams, as the results obtained form the basis for the entire admission process.

The university will publish its cut-off list in due course. Please check whether you are eligible for admission to your desired department.

If you are eligible, please visit the university and submit all required documents.

Entrance Based Selection

Submit your application to the university you wish to attend.

Register for the entrance exam you must pass to get into your desired college.

To be shortlisted for further admission rounds, candidates must score above the threshold set by their respective colleges.

After the written examination, a series of personal interviews will be conducted to prepare the final merit list of the shortlisted candidates.

Once all the examinations have been conducted, the university will declare the results and publish the merit list of the final selected candidates based on written examination and personal interviews.

After the admission process, seats will be allotted to eligible candidates and candidates will be required to deposit course fees and register for each academic year.

Doctor of Philosophy Design Application Fee:

The application fee for a PhD in Design program may also vary depending on the institution, but generally ranges from $50 to $100.

Doctor of Philosophy Design Syllabus:

The syllabus for a PhD in Design program will vary depending on the program and the student's research interests. However, common areas of study may include design theory and methodology, design history, research methods, advanced design technology, and design education. Students will also typically undertake a research project or dissertation.

Doctor of Philosophy Design Salary and Jobs:

Graduates of a PhD in Design program are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, and other areas of design. According to PayScale, the average salary for a professor of design is around $80,000 per year, but this can vary depending on the institution, location, and level of experience. Other potential career paths for graduates of a PhD in Design program include design researcher, design consultant, design entrepreneur, and design manager.

• Costume Designer
• Architect Interior
• Graphic Designer
• Fabric Buyer
• Technical Designer

Doctor of Philosophy Design Career Opportunities:

Career opportunities for graduates of a PhD in Design program may include:

• Academia: Graduates can pursue careers as professors or researchers in design departments at universities and colleges.
• Research: Graduates may work in research-focused roles in design firms or non-profit organizations.
• Consulting: Graduates may work as design consultants, advising clients on design strategy, innovation, and problem-solving.
• Entrepreneurship: Graduates may start their own design firms or consultancies, specializing in a particular area of design.
• Management: Graduates may work in management roles in design firms or other organizations, overseeing design teams or design-related projects.

Doctor of Philosophy Design Top Colleges:

Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Design program include:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Media Arts and Sciences Program
• Carnegie Mellon University - School of Design
• Royal College of Art - Design Department
• Georgia Institute of Technology - School of Industrial Design
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Design Media Arts Department

Doctor of Philosophy 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 Doctor of Philosophy 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 Doctor of Philosophy 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.