School of Design, Media & Creative Arts

B.A. (Hon)
Communication
Design

A four-year, studio-intensive programme integrating design thinking, visual craft, communication strategy and technology-enabled making across print, digital, interactive, motion and immersive media.

Degree B.A. (Honours / Research)
Duration 4 Years / 8 Semesters
Credits 160 Total Credits
Location Bangalore
01 / The Programme

Design for a world in motion.

The BA (Honours / Honours with Research) in Communication Design is a four-year, studio-intensive undergraduate programme that integrates design thinking, visual craft, communication strategy, and technology-enabled making.

Grounded in NEP 2020 principles and aligned with Outcome-Based Education (OBE), the programme prepares graduates to conceive, prototype, test, and deliver comprehensive communication systems across print, digital, interactive, motion, and immersive media.

The curriculum progresses from strong foundations in visual language, typography, layout, image-making, and storytelling to advanced specialisations in branding systems, UI/UX design, information design, motion graphics, and immersive communication. Learners engage with contemporary workflows, including AI-assisted design, generative ideation, interaction design, and data-driven storytelling.
Duration of Study
4 Years
(8 Semesters)
Curriculum Framework
NEP 2020 & OBE Aligned
Credit Distribution
160 Credits
(20 / Semester)
02 / Entry

Start with the right foundation.

Here’s what you need to know about entry requirements and foundational preparation for the BA (Hons) Communication Design programme.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Class 12 / Level 4 Qualification

A student who has passed Level 4 / Class 12 schooling, either through formal schooling or through the open school system, or its equivalent shall be eligible for admission to BA programmes.

However, students who have not studied the requisite courses from the discipline related to the respective programmes will have to undertake the prescribed bridge course(s).

The programme is designed to move from visual fundamentals and studio practice into systems, digital interaction, motion, research, professional practice and advanced portfolio development.
03 / What You Learn

Eight dimensions of practice.

From typography and visual systems to AI-assisted workflows and entrepreneurship, the programme builds a broad communication design practice that adapts across media, platforms and industries.

01

Visual Communication Fundamentals

The programme builds strong foundations in visual language, typography, grid systems, composition, colour theory, semiotics, and narrative craft.

02

Design Process and Methods

Learners are trained in life-centred design, user and audience research, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration, and evaluation.

03

Branding and Identity Systems

Develop capabilities in visual identity creation, brand strategy, communication systems, and the application of brand guidelines across media.

04

Digital and Interaction Design

Gain proficiency in UI/UX fundamentals, interaction patterns, information architecture, accessibility principles, responsive design, and prototyping.

05

Motion and Immersive Communication

Explore motion graphics, title design, video-based storytelling, and the fundamentals of extended reality and immersive media workflows.

06

Information and Data-Driven Storytelling

Engage with information design, visualisation, editorial design, wayfinding systems, and public communication with emphasis on clarity, ethics, and impact.

07

Professional Practice and Production

Build skills in design management, professional documentation, print and digital production, quality protocols, client communication, and presentation.

08

Entrepreneurship & Creative Economy

Explore freelancing models, studio practice, pricing strategies, intellectual property fundamentals, portfolio positioning, brand building, and venture readiness.

04 / Curriculum

Eight semesters.
One evolving practice.

The curriculum progresses from foundations in visual language and making to advanced communication design, research, portfolio, professional practice and industry interface.

01 / Foundation

First Year: Foundation & Making

Semester 1 Foundation

  • Design Fundamentals
  • Fundamentals of Communication Design
  • History of Art, Design and Visual Culture
  • Studio 1: Visual Exploration and Making
  • Rhetoric and Composition 1 / Kannada 1 / Hindi 1 / Sanskrit 1 / Malayalam 1 / English 1
  • Mind Management and Human Values 1

Semester 2 Typography & Layout

  • Typography 1: Letterforms and Type Systems
  • Digital Design Tools and Workflows
  • Image-Making: Illustration and Photography Basics
  • Studio 2: Typography and Layout
  • Rhetoric and Composition 2 / Kannada 2 / Hindi 2 / Sanskrit 2 / Malayalam 2 / English 2
  • Mind Management and Human Values 2
02 / Core Systems

Second Year: Identity, Editorial & Systems

Semester 3 Identity & Editorial

  • Branding Fundamentals and Identity Design
  • Editorial Design and Visual Storytelling
  • Design Research Methods 1
  • Communication Semiotics and Visual Meaning
  • Studio 3: Identity and Editorial Systems
  • Environmental Science

Semester 4 Information & Packaging

  • Information Design and Data Visualisation 1
  • Packaging Design and Production
  • Design for Society: Public Good Communication
  • Studio 4: Systems, Information and Impact
  • Indian Constitution
  • Open Elective 1
03 / Advanced

Third Year: Digital, Motion & Practice

Semester 5 Digital & Motion

  • UI/UX Design Fundamentals
  • Interaction Design and Prototyping
  • Motion Graphics Fundamentals
  • Design Research Methods 2: Testing and Evaluation
  • Studio 5: Digital Product and Campaign Systems
  • Open Elective 2

Semester 6 Management & Internship

  • Design Management and Professional Documentation
  • Open Elective 3
  • Open Elective 4
  • Graduation Project Proposal and Pre-Production Studio
  • Internship
04 / Capstone

Fourth Year: Advanced Practice & Future Directions

Semester 7 Studio & Research

  • Advanced Communication Design Studio
  • Critical Theories in Design, Media and Culture
  • Seminar in Design Futures and Emerging Media
  • Research / Dissertation 1 (for Honours with Research) or Advanced Portfolio Studio 1

Semester 8 Graduation & Industry

  • Advanced Portfolio and Exhibition Design
  • Research / Dissertation 2 (for Honours with Research) or Capstone Documentation
  • Professional Practice and Industry Interface / Entrepreneurship Project
05 / Career Enhancement

Built around contemporary practice.

Professional development is embedded into the programme rather than treated as an afterthought.

01

Life-Centred Design Philosophy

Design decisions are grounded in human needs and the wellbeing of communities, ecosystems and future generations—ensuring ethical, inclusive and responsible communication.

02

Studio-Led Portfolio & Jury Culture

Every semester includes studio outputs with external juries to develop professional rigour, critique literacy, and market-ready portfolios.

03

AI & Contemporary Workflows

Learners build fluency in AI-assisted ideation, rapid prototyping, generative exploration, and responsible use of emerging tools—without compromising fundamentals.

04

Industry Integration & Live Briefs

Live projects with agencies, brands, NGOs, startups and media houses build readiness for real-world constraints, timelines, feedback loops and deliverables.

05

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Projects are designed to collaborate with peers across media arts, creative technology, film, animation, and product/UX domains—mirroring contemporary creative ecosystems.

06

Entrepreneurship Pathway

A structured progression from freelance readiness to micro-studio / startup launch through mentorship, business modules, and an entrepreneurship capstone.

06 / Objectives

What the programme develops.

Programme Educational Objectives describe the longer-term capabilities the programme is designed to cultivate.

PEO 01
Creative Practice: Deliver original, culturally aware communication design outcomes across media and platforms.
PEO 02
Technical Mastery: Demonstrate robust skills in contemporary tools, digital production, and responsible AI workflows.
PEO 03
Industry Readiness: Apply studio rigour, quality standards, professional practice and client-facing capability.
PEO 04
Entrepreneurship & Leadership: Build sustainable freelance/studio pathways and lead creative teams/projects.
PEO 05
Research & Lifelong Learning: Engage with evolving design methods, research, ethics, and emerging media.
07 / Outcomes

What you leave able to do.

Graduates develop a connected set of visual, research, technical, professional and collaborative capabilities.

PO 01
Apply design principles to create effective visual communication.
PO 02
Use typography, layout, colour and composition to build coherent communication systems.
PO 03
Conduct user research and translate insights into design decisions.
PO 04
Prototype, test and iterate communication solutions across print, digital and interactive media.
PO 05
Demonstrate digital fluency in design tools and production workflows.
PO 06
Create brand identity systems and apply them consistently across contexts.
PO 07
Design accessible, inclusive, and ethical communication solutions.
PO 08
Develop information design and data storytelling outputs with clarity and integrity.
PO 09
Communicate concepts professionally through documentation, presentations, and critique.
PO 10
Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams and manage projects.
PO 11
Demonstrate professional readiness through internships, portfolios, and industry engagement.
PO 12
Pursue entrepreneurship or employment pathways with business and practice readiness.
08 / Opportunities

Many ways to make a living by making meaning.

The programme prepares graduates for identifiable roles immediately after graduation while building the adaptability required for longer-term creative careers.

01

Core Communication & Visual Design Practice

Graduates shape coherent visual and narrative systems for brands, institutions and communities across print and digital contexts, developing identities, editorial systems, campaigns and visual narratives.

Graphic Designer · Brand Identity Designer · Editorial Designer · Packaging Designer · Advertising Art Designer
02

Digital, Interaction & Emerging Media

Graduates design user-centred experiences across interactive, motion and screen-based environments, integrating usability, accessibility and emerging technologies.

UI/UX Designer · Interaction Designer · Motion Graphics Designer · Visual Storyteller · Creative Technologist
03

Research, Strategy & Design Intelligence

Graduates engage with research-led design practice by investigating audiences, behaviours and communication systems, translating insights into strategic visual outcomes.

Design Research Assistant · Advanced Study · Academic Research · Strategic Design Roles
04

Industry, Applied & Social Impact

Graduates apply communication design within industry, public institutions, NGOs and media organisations, addressing real-world challenges through information design and campaigns.

Industry Practice · Public Communication · NGO & Social Impact · Media Organisations
05

Entrepreneurship & Creative Leadership

Graduates build independent careers within the creative economy through freelance practices, design studios and entrepreneurial ventures, developing client engagement and studio management capabilities.

Design Entrepreneur · Studio Founder · Freelance Designer · Creative Lead
09 / Your Direction

Your creative career starts with a stronger foundation.

Explore the B.A. (Hon) Communication Design programme and take the next step towards a career across visual communication, digital experiences, motion, emerging media, research or independent creative practice.

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