School of Design, Media & Creative Arts

M.A.
Communication
Design

An advanced, interdisciplinary master’s programme bridging 2D, 3D, motion design, and interaction strategy to prepare creative leaders for global visual communication industries.

Degree Master of Arts (M.A.)
Duration 2 Years / 4 Semesters
Credits 80 Total Credits
Location Bangalore
01 / The Programme

Strategic visual narratives for an evolving world.

The Master of Arts in Communication Design is an advanced, interdisciplinary programme that prepares learners to become strategic, empathetic, and technologically adaptive design professionals.

Learners engage with a comprehensive blend of 2D, 3D, and motion design systems, developing the ability to craft immersive narratives, meaningful interfaces, and culturally resonant visual experiences. Students build expertise across visual communication, interaction design, animation, 3D visualisation, brand systems, design research, and professional practices.

The School of Design, Media, and Creative Arts emphasises studio-based pedagogy, industry collaborations, and design thinking. A structured bridge module ensures seamless transition for students from diverse academic backgrounds, establishing a shared creative and technical foundation.
02 / Highlights

Integrated 2D, 3D & Motion Design.

Core pedagogical strengths designed to foster multidimensional storytelling, research depth, and industry leadership.

01

Conceptual Clarity & Literacy

Builds strong foundations in visual communication, composition, semiotics, and design thinking methodologies.

02

Integrated 2D, 3D & Motion

Bridges flat visual systems with spatial 3D thinking, kinetic typography, animation, and multi-dimensional media.

03

Specialisation Pathways

Offers industry-aligned electives enabling learners to focus deeply on Animation, UI/UX, Motion Graphics, or Brand Strategy.

04

Research-Driven Practice

Equips postgraduates with analytical, strategic, and ethical frameworks essential for advanced design leadership.

05

Experiential & Project-Based

Combines creativity, strategy, and technology through studio labs, live briefs, and client simulation environments.

06

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Integrates insights from media studies, behavioral science, and emerging tech to solve complex systemic challenges.

Degree Level
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Duration of Study
2 Years
(4 Semesters)
Credit Distribution
80 Credits
(20 / Semester)
03 / Admissions

Postgraduate admissions.

Review the academic criteria and qualifying benchmarks required to apply for the M.A. Communication Design programme.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Undergraduate Qualification (Level 5.5)

A student who has passed a 3-year undergraduate degree (Level 5.5, a minimum total of 120 credits) shall be eligible for admission to the 2-year M.A. programme. Preference is given to candidates with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in the qualifying examination.

Bridge Course Note: Students who have not studied requisite courses from the discipline related to the respective programme will undertake prescribed foundational bridge module(s).

04 / Curriculum

Four semesters.
One master’s practice.

A progression from visual thinking and 3D spatial design to digital motion labs, brand expression, and an independent master’s capstone project.

01 / Foundations & Motion

First Year: Visual Thinking & Spatial Design

Semester 1 Visual Thinking & 3D

  • Foundations of Design and Visual Thinking
  • Communication Design Principles and Storytelling
  • Introduction to 3D Thinking and Spatial Design
  • Studio 1: Design Research Methods

Semester 2 Motion & Interface Design

  • 3D Design and Motion Fundamentals
  • Interaction and Interface Design
  • Visual Culture and Critical Design Studies
  • Studio 2: Integrated Motion and Identity Design
02 / Advanced Strategy & Project

Second Year: 3D Visualisation & Major Capstone

Semester 3 Animation, Labs & Strategy

  • Animation and 3D Visualisation
  • Brand and Visual Communication
  • Studio 3A: Digital Motion and Form Lab
  • Studio 3B: Visual Strategy and Brand Expression
  • Design Strategy and Professional Ethics
  • Portfolio Development and Industry Readiness

Semester 4 Major Project & Electives

  • Major Project
  • Portfolio Development and Industry Readiness
  • Open Elective 1
  • Open Elective 2
Note: Courses on offer are subject to change between semesters or academic years depending on relevant recommendations from experts in industry, academia and other important stakeholders.
05 / Professional Edge

Career Enhancement Programmes.

Bridging creative expression, research depth, multi-dimensional craft, and strategic industry readiness.

01

Integrated 2D, 3D & Motion Curriculum

Bridges graphic, spatial, and motion design, equipping postgraduates to design seamlessly for both flat screen systems and immersive 3D environments.

02

Industry-Aligned & Future-Focused

Structured around emerging industry demands in UI/UX, motion graphics, 3D visualisation, and digital branding through live studio mentorship.

03

Experiential Studio-Based Pedagogy

Theory and practice converge through iterative workshops, field research, juried critiques, and client simulation challenges.

04

Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Research

Integrates behavioral sciences, media theory, and technology to address systemic communication problems, cultural sustainability, and digital ethics.

06 / Outcomes

Programme Outcomes (POs).

Core competencies mastered across visual literacy, research, technology, and professional leadership.

PO 01
Visual Literacy & Design Skills: Demonstrate mastery in composition, typography, colour, form, and image-making across diverse media.
PO 02
Critical & Concept-Driven Thinking: Apply analytical thinking to develop conceptual design solutions responding to audience needs and communication goals.
PO 03
Tool Proficiency & Production Workflows: Exhibit fluency in contemporary digital tools and production pipelines for print, interactive, and motion media.
PO 04
Narrative & Communication Strategy: Develop coherent visual narratives and messaging strategies integrating research and storytelling principles.
PO 05
Research & Cultural Insight: Analyse trends, evaluate cultural contexts, and apply empirical insights to create relevant, ethical design interventions.
PO 06
Teamwork, Management & Leadership: Demonstrate project leadership, professional documentation, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
PO 07
Ethics, Sustainability & Inclusion: Practice inclusive, responsible design approaches considering accessibility, diversity, and social impact.
07 / Discipline Focus

Specific Outcomes (PSOs).

Specialised visual, narrative, and strategic capabilities defining M.A. Communication Design postgraduates.

PSO 01
Cohesive Communication Solutions: Conceptualise and produce solutions integrating graphic design, typography, storytelling, motion media, and digital interaction.
PSO 02
Audience-Centred Brand Systems: Apply research-driven, context-aware methods to develop compelling brand systems, communication strategies, and user experiences.
PSO 03
High-Quality Visual Narratives: Create expressive narratives through illustration, 3D visualisation, storyboarding, information design, and interactive prototyping.
08 / Opportunities

Professional pathways across industries.

Graduates are prepared for visual design, motion direction, research strategy, and creative leadership roles globally.

01

Core Design & Brand Communication

Shape visual identity systems, editorial platforms, campaigns, and pre-visualisations across print and digital media.

Visual Designer · Brand Strategist · Storyboard Artist · Concept Development Associate
02

Digital, Interactive & Emerging Media

Design spatial interactions, motion sequences, AR/VR experiences, and user interfaces integrating AI and 3D pipelines.

Motion Designer · 3D Animator · UI/UX Designer · AR/VR Prototype Designer
03

Research, Strategy & Policy Insight

Analyse cultural trends and user behavior to translate qualitative insights into strategic visual communication and branding policy.

Design Researcher · Strategic Communications Lead · Brand Policy Consultant
04

Applied Innovation & Creative Direction

Lead cross-functional creative teams across media, advertising, technology, and publishing to deliver high-impact campaigns.

Creative Director · Senior Communication Designer · Motion Graphics Lead · 3D Specialist
05

Studio Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Academia

Launch independent design consultancies, direct creative agencies, or contribute to design education, advocacy, and research.

Studio Founder · Design Entrepreneur · Design Educator · Creative Consultant
09 / Your Direction

Lead the future of
visual communication.

Explore the M.A. Communication Design programme and take the next step toward 3D visual narratives, motion graphics, branding strategy, and creative leadership.

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