- School of Design
- M.Des.
- Graphic Designs
M.Des. (Graphic Design)
Program details
The M.Des Graphic Design at UPES is a postgraduate program that builds advanced capability in visual communication, brand identity and design thinking, with strong emphasis on hands-on making and contextual learning. Students strengthen their command over typography, composition and layout through studio-led practice—ranging from poster and publication design to logo and identity systems.
The program also trains students to approach design challenges with rigour: research, idea generation, prototyping, testing and evaluation. By studying historical and contemporary design practice, learners develop a sharper critical lens and gradually shape their own voice and visual language through a comprehensive project and portfolio-led outcomes.
Program Highlights
- Access to iMac studio lab and two Cintiq studios for high-quality digital production and experimentation
- Strong focus on practice-based learning through assignments, studio projects and iterative feedback
- Collaborative studio culture that encourages interdisciplinary thinking and peer learning
- Mentorship from experienced faculty in graphics and communication design
- Continuous exposure to current tools, workflows and industry expectations
- Portfolio development is built into the program, helping students present work confidently to employers and clients
Industry Trends & Career Opportunities
Demand for graphic design talent continues to rise across print, digital and experience-led communication—especially in film, animation, gaming, interactive media, and emerging platforms such as AR/VR and motion-led content. As brands shift towards digital-first storytelling, designers are increasingly expected to create compelling work for websites, apps, campaigns and social platforms. While AI may automate parts of production, creative direction, conceptual thinking and visual judgement remain distinctly human strengths.
The industry is also moving towards integrated team-based delivery, where collaboration with UX designers, developers and content teams is essential—making hybrid skills in motion graphics, interaction-aware design and storytelling valuable differentiators.
Typical roles include:
- Graphic Designer
- UX / Visual Designer
- Art Director
- Animator / Motion Graphics Designer
Placements
The program attracts recruiters such as Accenture, Genpact, Ikaria Wellness and TCS. Placement outcomes indicate strong industry demand, with average annual CTC around ₹7.62 LPA and the highest reported CTC around ₹8.39 LPA, depending on portfolio quality, specialism, internships and role fit.
Fee Structure
Click here for detailed Fee Structure.
Curriculum
Semester 1
| Course | L | T | P | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Design and Design Process | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Elements and Principles of Design | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Space and Form | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Typography | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| Elements of Photo, Video and Animation | 1 | 0 | 6 | 4 |
| Basic Graphic Design | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Des project 1: Poster/Branding Identity | 0 | 0 | 10 | 5 |
| TOTAL | 24 |
Semester 2
| Course | L | T | P | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Research Methodology | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Creative Writing | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Package Design | 1 | 0 | 6 | 4 |
| Publication Design | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| Professional Elective 1 Infographics Cultural Anthropology | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Professional Elective 2 Illustration Brochure Design | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| Design Project 2: Publication/ Packaging/ Infographics | 0 | 0 | 10 | 5 |
| Open Elective 1: Graphic Design Trends | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Open Elective 2: Semiotics | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 27 |
Semester 3
| Course | L | T | P | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design Management & Professional Practice | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Summer Internship | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Information Design | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Advertising & Marketing | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Professional Elective 3 Product Graphics Social Communication AR and VR | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| Professional Elective 2 Interaction Design Transmedia Design Media Studies | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Design Project 3: Ad Campaign in print/ Motion/ Social Media/ Way Finding and Signage Design | 0 | 0 | 10 | 5 |
| Open Elective 3: Type in Motion | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Open Elective 4: Design for Social Media | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 24 |
Semester 4
| Course | L | T | P | Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Graduation Project - Graphic Design | 0 | 0 | 30 | 15 |
| TOTAL | 15 |
Eligibility
The minimum eligibility criteria for M.Des Graphic Design to be fulfilled by interested students is as follows:
- Minimum 50% marks at Higher and Senior Secondary Level (X & XII).
- Minimum 50% marks in bachelor’s degree in any stream: 10+2+3 years (B.Des./B.Arch./ B.Tech./ BFA graduates will be preferred).
- Valid CEED/NID/NIFT score.
Selection Criteria
The process of selection criteria for students interested in pursuing M.Des Graphic Design offered by UPES is based on the individual's performance in National Level Exam (Valid CEED/NID/NIFT score) / UPESDAT followed by Portfolio Presentation & Interview.
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