M.Des. User Experience Design
Programme Overview
The M.Des. (User Experience Design) programme at MIT-WPU is an advanced and immersive journey into the world of design innovation. Building on the foundational principles of user experience design, this programme takes a deep dive into transdisciplinary design, design elements, product-service-system design, design tools, and advanced programming languages. It also explores visual design, user interface design, information design, data visualisation, storytelling, and usability engineering. At its core, this programme is forward-looking, emphasising emerging trends in artificial intelligence technologies, the internet of things, and machine learning. It fosters a keen understanding of design principles and human behaviour across a wide spectrum of industries, from information technology to healthcare, manufacturing, retail, education, and beyond.
Through a blend of hands-on projects, internships, live assignments, and study tours, students cultivate independent thinking, creativity, and innovation. This research-driven programme delves into sensory, perceptual-cognitive, behavioural, and socio-cultural domains with a strong focus on functional aesthetics. Students of this programme emerge with the ability to develop prototypes, conduct holistic research, and navigate the design development process, ultimately leading to heightened customer satisfaction. The emphasis on entrepreneurship and creativity is further bolstered through industry internships, live projects, and both national and international study tours, making students well-equipped to shape the future of user experience design.
Major Tracks
- Information Architecture
- Interaction Design
- Visual Design
- Design for Emerging Technologies
Duration & Fees
Duration
2 Years
Applications Open for 2026
Fee Per Year
₹ 4,25,000
Terms & Conditions Apply:
- All Scholarships are awarded on a First Come First Serve basis. All Scholarships are awarded as fee adjustments.
- To continue the scholarship for the entire duration of the programme, a minimum level of the academic score has to be maintained at an 8 CGPA across all semesters, attendance is to be maintained at a minimum of 80 percent, with no live backlogs in any subject/programme and no semester break, and there should be no disciplinary action against the student.
For more detailed information visit our website: https://mitwpu.edu.in/scholarships
Eligibility
Minimum 60% aggregate score in any 4-year Science / Architecture / Engineering / Design graduation from UGC approved Institution or equivalent (at least 55% marks, in case of Reserved Class category candidate belonging to Maharashtra State only)
Selection Process
Admissions will be provided purely based on merit of CEED 2025 / MIT-WPU CET 2025 score, Personal Interaction (PI) and Portfolio Review.
(The exact date and time of the online Examination and Personal Interaction will be communicated to the candidate once scheduled.)
*Note: MIT-WPU retains the right to make changes to any published schedule. Any other criterion declared from time to time by the appropriate authority as defined under the Act.
Programme Highlights
- Cutting-Edge Knowledge and Tools: Provides students with the latest knowledge and advanced tools essential to excel in today's competitive job market.
- Application of Theoretical Insights: Encourages students to apply theoretical insights to real-world challenges, fostering a deep understanding of their chosen fields.
- Real-World Exposure: Offers exposure to authentic professional scenarios, enabling students to build early connections in their respective industries Multidisciplinary Approach: Expands students' skill sets through a multidisciplinary approach, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
- Immersive Learning Environment: Cultivates an immersive learning environment that allows students to fully dedicate themselves to academic pursuits, ensuring a rich educational experience.
- Personal Growth and Leadership: Encourages personal growth and leadership development through student-led clubs, providing opportunities to explore passions beyond the classroom.
- Global Challenges and Innovation: Engages students with immersive programmes that sensitise them to real-world global challenges and inspire innovative solutions to complex societal issues.
- Industry-Academia Collaborations: Actively supports students in securing internships and job placements with renowned organisations through strong industry-academia collaborations.
- Alumni Mentorship: Leverages a robust alumni network to provide mentorship and career guidance, assisting current students in their academic and professional journeys.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Nurtures entrepreneurship by offering funding, mentorship, and valuable network connections through the Pune Technology Business Incubator (TBI), fostering innovation and business acumen among students.
Programme Structure
Semester | Course Type | Course Name/Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
I |
PC | Advanced Design Fundamentals | 2 |
I |
PC | Design Methodologies | 3 |
I |
PC | Fundamentals of Interaction Design | 3 |
I |
PC | Visual Design for UX | 3 |
I |
PC | Digital UX Tools | 2 |
I |
PC | UX Design Project - I | 4 |
I |
PC | Research Methodology for Design | 4 |
I |
UC | Scientific Studies of Mind, Matter, Spirit and Consciousness | 2 |
I |
UC | Yoga | 1 |
Total Credits: | 24 |
Semester | Course Type | Course Name/Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
II |
PC | Systems Thinking | 3 |
II |
PC | Psychology in UX Research | 2 |
II |
PC | Advanced Digital UX Tools | 3 |
II |
PC | Programming for Interactive Interfaces | 3 |
II |
PC | Strategic Content Design | 2 |
II |
PC | UX Design Project - II | 4 |
II |
PE | Program Elective - Track | 2 |
II |
PE | Program Elective - Open | 2 |
II |
UC | Peace Building: Global Initiatives | 2 |
Total Credits: | 23 |
Semester | Course Type | Course Name/Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
III |
PC | Usability Testing | 3 |
III |
PC | Design Strategy and Marketing | 3 |
III |
PC | Design for Omnichannel and Multichannel | 2 |
III |
PC | UX Research Seminar | 3 |
III |
PC | UX Design Project - III | 4 |
III |
PE | Program Elective - Track | 2 |
III |
PE | Program Elective - Open | 2 |
III |
PC | Summer Internship | 2 |
Total Credits: | 21 |
Semester | Course Type | Course Name/Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
IV |
PC | Graduation Project - UXD | 20 |
Total Credits: | 20 |
Semester | Course Type | Course Name/Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
II |
PE | UX for Board Games | 2 |
II | PE | Product UI Design | 2 |
II | PE | Designing for Emerging Trends | 2 |
III |
PE | Spatial Experience Design | 2 |
III | PE | UX for B2B and B2C | 2 |
III | PE | Data Driven Storytelling | 2 |
Career Prospects
UX/UI Designer
User Researcher
Information Architect
User Experience Strategist
Accessibility Expert
Design Researcher
UX Writer
Usability Tester
Front-end Developer
Service Designer
Usability Analyst
Accessibility Specialist
UX/UI Design Manager
Innovation Consultant
Freelance/Independent Designer
Academic/Researcher
Entrepreneur/Founder in Design-Led Startups
Programme Outcomes
- Cognitive Comprehension and Analysis (Understanding): Students will demonstrate an advanced understanding of human cognition and behaviour, analysing user motivations and expectations to inform intuitive and user-centred designs.
- Innovative UXD (Creating): Students will create innovative UXDs that engage users through novel approaches, employing creativity and critical thinking to redefine user experiences.
- Strategic Design Thinking (Applying): Students will apply design thinking strategies to complex challenges, integrating user research, empathy, and ideation to solve real-world problems.
- Ethical and Inclusive Design (Evaluating): Students will evaluate designs from an ethical and inclusive perspective, assessing cultural sensitivities, accessibility, and social impact to ensure equitable user experiences.
- User-Centred Research (Analysing): Students will analyse user data using qualitative and quantitative research methods, deriving actionable insights to drive informed design decisions.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration (Collaborating): Students will collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, utilising communication and interpersonal skills to translate design visions into cohesive products.
- Technological Proficiency (Applying): Students will apply technical proficiency in industry-standard tools and technologies, integrating software skills with design principles to create functional prototypes.
- User Interface Aesthetics (Creating): Students will create aesthetically pleasing user interfaces, harmonising visual elements and design principles to deliver engaging and visually impactful experiences.
- Iterative Design Refinement (Analysing): Students will critically analyse user feedback and data, refining designs iteratively to enhance usability, functionality, and overall user satisfaction.
- Strategic Leadership and Entrepreneurship (Evaluating): Students will evaluate the strategic impact of design decisions, demonstrating leadership and entrepreneurial skills to drive innovative design solutions and business initiatives.
FAQs
The curriculum covers fundamentals of interaction design, digital experience design, UX psychology, advanced digital tools, programming for UX, systems thinking, design strategy, and includes a dissertation and industry internship.
Graduates can pursue roles such as UX/UI Designer, User Researcher, Information Architect, UX Strategist, Accessibility Expert, Usability Tester, Service Designer, Front-end Developer, and Design Researcher.
Yes, the programme emphasises hands-on learning through real-world projects, industry internships, and collaboration with field experts.
The programme is interdisciplinary, focusing on UX design principles, research methodologies, technology, ethical considerations, and understanding human behavior to create intuitive digital solutions.