UX Design has become a trending career choice for students and professionals today. The excitement and creativity draw people to take design as a career option. But courses for design are quite a few and only a couple of colleges and institutes offer a proper degree in UX Design. We have gathered a list of what we think are some of the best institutes that offer a good UX, Interaction or Product design course. Also to note: a course in design can burn a hole in your pocket, so do go for it only if you can. If you can’t do so, there are plenty of courses online that offer comprehensive training in design which are absolutely amazing and don’t really cost much. Ultimately, it’s your choice on how you want to learn and master the skill.
1. NID (National Institute of Design)
NID offers professional design programmes at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. They also offer academic exchange programmes with leading design institutions/universities across the world. It has courses in UX design at Bachelors’s and Master’s levels.
They offer:
B.Des degree is a 4-year programme which is offered across multiple campuses – Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bengaluru, Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Kurukshetra (Haryana) and Jorhat (Assam)
M.Des degree is a 2.5-year programme offered across three campuses, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Bangalore (different courses are taught on different campuses).
Information Design (only Masters)
Information Design program is a multidimensional program that synchronises design, visual aesthetics, computer science, statistics and humanities to inculcate proficiency in the students. It believes that there is a need for design intervention because information in its raw form is complex and should be transformed into insightful nuggets that can be easily understood by the stakeholders. It aims to create competent design professionals adept in varied domains of Information Design, User Interface Design and User Experience Design. The program intends to equip them with the know-how to transform complex information and data into clarified user experiences on digital platforms that lead to effective knowledge and insight generation.
Interaction Design (only masters)
It focuses on the design and behaviour of various forms of digital products ranging from mobile, web-based, transportation, healthcare, and other domains. It is a course which lays emphasis on research as it believes that the ability to conceptualise, visualise and prototype products following the design process begins with the research phase and progresses till the final design development. The students gain adequate knowledge and training enabling them to design a wide range of products using varied digital media/technologies and for diverse target audiences.
New Media Design (only masters)
The New Media Design course attempts to understand the impact new technologies may have on mankind in the future. The program is transdisciplinary which enables students to create links between fields of art, science, technology and design.
Strategic Design Management (Masters)
The Strategic Design Management discipline at NID focuses on fostering creativity, innovation and foresight that empowers leaders and decision-makers to take meaningful decisions to address business, organisational and global challenges. Strategic design refers to the professional field in which designers use their principles, tools and methods to influence strategic decisions that have a long-term impact on organisations, communities and the eco-system.
Fees structure (for UG)
The fee is submitted semester-wise. The fees are subject to change with a change in mess and hostel fees. The current tuition fee for each semester is Rs. 1,83,500. It adds up to Rs. 1,99,900 per semester, hostel charges, and others. The prices keep varying every semester as per the charges.
Fees structure (for PG)
The fee is submitted semester-wise. The fees are subject to change with a change in mess and hostel fees. The current tuition fee for each semester is Rs. 2,13,500. With all the charges, the fees add up to Rs. 2,14,900 for Semesters 1 and 3, Rs. 2,13,500 for Semesters 2 and 4 and Rs. 2.18,500 for Semester 5. Ahmedabad and Bengaluru campuses are non-residential therefore the fee is less for those two campuses.
Seats:
There are only 19 seats in total per subject. NID believes in a merit-based system, and seats will be offered to you based on that, depending on the category you belong to.
2. IDC, IIT Bombay
IDC at IIT Bombay envisions a holistic design education by ensuring that the students become responsible contributors to society. It enables them to identify contemporary issues, inculcate critical thinking, critique conventional solutions, and challenge the status quo to arrive at creative solutions through collaborative team efforts at different levels of society and influencing policymaking that lead to innovations.
They have both B.Des and M.Des programmes. They even have a 5-year dual degree at the end of which a person will get both a B.Des and M.Des degree.
UX Courses offered by IDC
Communication Design (Masters)
This programme looks at developing graduates with better maturity in handling communication design problems, who will have a deeper understanding of aesthetic aspects and will generate methods and processes for solving communication problems. The emphasis is to become a creative problem solver who can effectively use various design methods.
Interaction Design (Masters)
It aims at creating graduates with good analytical abilities, skilled with specific techniques to create solutions for Indian users and the Indian industry. It largely focuses on interactive media, mobile communication applications, interfaces for software applications, interactive gaming and learning applications.
Eligibility
One needs to qualify CEED exam and meet minimum course requirements to apply to any Master’s programme at IDC.
3. Department of Design, IIT Guwahati
Department of Design, IIT Guwahati offers a B.Des, M.Des and PhD in design. These programs focus on the study, invention, and creative use of technologies to create effective, usable, enjoyable experiences with technology through interdisciplinary research in engineering, design, behavioural and social sciences, and to understand the impact of technology on individuals, groups, and organisations.
Its bachelor and master programs provide complete in-depth knowledge about design. At the undergraduate level, they concentrate on UX design in fields of
Graphic Design
Product Design
Applied Ergonomics
New media design
Interaction design
At their PG level, they concentrate on UX design in the fields of
New media design
Interaction design
Ergonomics
Graphic design
Tangible user interfaces
Eligibility
To get admission to the UG programme, one must qualify for the Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) conducted by IITs. Candidates should have also passed the qualifying examination (Class XII or equivalent) with physics, chemistry and mathematics as subjects.
To get admission to the PG programme one has to qualify for the Common Entrance Examination for Design (CEED) conducted by IITs as a part of their central admission procedure. They further shortlist through an aptitude test and a personal interview session.
4. Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bangalore
Srishti aims to impact ecosystems creatively and to build new ecosystems that produce creative competencies. The institution entrusts itself with producing capabilities through its professional, vocational and research programs.
Experience Design – PGDP Finish
The vision of the Postgraduate Diploma Finish Program in Experience Design at Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology is to help design practitioners broaden their practice towards being critical, creative and reflective.
The course fosters critical, creative practitioner, who delivers effectively and ethically to the demands of the field of Experience Design at present while continuing their own quest for mastery of the craft of designing for experiences through a self-critical and informed approach of reflection-in-action. A reflective maker, equipped with the creative confidence to navigate the inevitable future complexities and uncertainties of this emerging field, challenges status-quo, to inform current and future technologies and the larger practice through conscious experimentation and knowledge building.
User Interface and Interaction Engineering (B.Voc)
The vision of the 3-year program in User Interface and Interaction Engineering is to train aspiring practitioners to develop exceptional skills to craft high-quality, professional interface designs and interactions across multiple media.
Humans increasingly employ and interact with technologies as they go about their daily lives to get things done – all this happens through interfaces. Thus, effective and well-crafted interfaces and thoughtful interactions are the keys to the success of any product or experience today – be it an application, website, game or virtual reality experience. This aspect is at the heart of an increasing number of design-driven organisations offering digital products and services.
The program is geared to train professional practitioners who can undertake job responsibilities within small and large organizations, with skill sets that range from Visual Prototyping, Motion Design, User Interface Design, Web design, Mobile App Design, User Testing, Front-End and UI development, etc.
MA in Experience Design
The vision of the Postgraduate Program in Experience Design at Srishti Manipal is to create balanced practitioners and reflective makers in the field of Experience Design. A balanced practitioner, who delivers effectively and ethically to the demands of the field of Experience Design at present, while continuing their own quest for mastery of the craft of designing for experiences through a self-critical and informed approach of reflection-in-action. A reflective maker, who is equipped with the creative confidence to navigate the inevitable future complexities and uncertainties of this emerging field, challenge status-quo, to inform not only current and future technologies but also the larger practice through conscious experimentation and knowledge building.
Eligibility
To guarantee a seat at the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design & Technology one has to register on the Srishti website for the Srishti Manipal Entrance and Aptitude Test.
5. MAEER’s MIT Institute of Design, Pune
Established in 2006, aiming to create and develop professional education facilities to train the aspiring young generation and thus to provide dedicated, ambitious and skilled professionals to serve society and the nation at large.
UX courses at MIT
User experience design (BDes. & MDes.)
This programme aims to study concepts methods and techniques of information architecture, usability engineering, information design, interaction design, visual design, ethnography and prototype engineering, focusing on artefacts where user experience is essential. Usability has aspects like efficiency, learnability, etc. After the programme, students will be able to design and conduct usability studies of both traditional artefacts’ and systems where experience is important.
Eligibility
One has to clear the entrance test (DAT), studio test and personal interview to get a seat at the MIT Institute of Design, following other basic criteria.
Fees
The fee for Indian nationals (UG AND PG) is 5,98,000 INR, for the first year, and a rise of 10% will happen every year
The fee for international students is (UG and PG)- 7,82,000 INR, for the first year, and a rise of 10% will happen every year
6. Indian School of Design and Innovation (ISDI), Mumbai
ISDI is committed to a new model of cutting-edge design and innovation education, integrated with the commercialisation of design. It believes in a new educational model, inspired by the idea of design and innovation as transformative forces in society. Located in Mumbai, ISDI offers a series of globally benchmarked Undergraduate Programs (UGP), Post Graduate Programs, Short Programs and Professional Programs.
UX courses in ISDI
Product design (UG)
It offers students a deeper understanding of the diverse topics of product and industrial design and builds expertise in the tools and techniques to translate their visions into products. This programme encourages lateral thinking and explores disciplinary boundaries in graphic representation and material prototyping.
Communication design (UG)
This course explores all aspects of communication design like colour theory, interactive design, photography, typography, graphic design, print design and much more. It helps students better understand audiences and use various innovative techniques to reach out to them.
Design and Innovation (PG)
Nurturing Designers, Strategists and Entrepreneurs, DI is a thought-evoking process which shapes mindsets to solve for the future. Crafted to challenge minds, 11 months at the DI Lab are a game-changer. DI dives deep into Design Thinking and Human-Centricity for professionals to explore the innovators in them.
Eligibility
After paying the application fee and submitting an application form with your Statement of Purpose (SOP) one must crack the ISDI challenge to get a seat.
Fees
For UG
One-time Enrolment Fee – Rs. 75,000
Tuition Fees – First Year – Rs. 6,07,000
For PG
Registration & Admission Fees – Rs. 53,100
Tuition Fees – Total Semester Fees – Rs. 5,51,650
7. D J Academy of Design, Coimbatore
Their mission is to provide quality design education which is relevant to the society, thoroughly professional and affordable. It came into existence in 2004, as it felt that there was a need in the country for trained designers. DJAD has an academic collaboration with the prestigious Northumbria University, UK.
UX courses in DJAD
User Experience Design (B.Des & M.Des)
User Experience Design is the process of enhancing user satisfaction by designing and improving the usability, accessibility and desirability provided in the interaction of a person with a product or service to have a friendly interface. The program attempts to use technology to create an interface for a futuristic way of living in a knowledge-driven world. It provides domain knowledge with courses like usability testing, information architecture, application design, interface, and interaction design.
Eligibility
A seat is offered to a student on the basis of the scores obtained in the entrance examination conducted by DJ Academy of Design. Scores obtained in the entrance examination conducted by NID, Ahmedabad and Score of CEED (Common Entrance Examination for Design) IIT are considered for entry into postgraduate Programmes at DJAD.
Fees
For UG (only tuition fee) varies from Rs. 1,86,375 to Rs. 2,66,575 across semesters
For PG (only tuition fee) varies from Rs. 2,16,825 to Rs. 2,97,025 across semesters
8. École intuit.lab, French Institute of Design and Communication, Mumbai
They transform students into the kind of professionals that the industry needs with education in design, digital and creativity. They achieve this by embedding real-life, professional exposure for the students into the academic curriculum. They ensure that the students are industry-ready through hand-picked, professional faculties, weekly and monthly workshops, exchange programmes, and local and international internships. The syllabus constantly evolves to keep pace with changing technology and emerging startups and create an innovative experience in design. It has various kinds of programmes like UG, PG, and Part-time.
Digital Product Design (UG)
The combination of conceptual and technical training at an advanced level for this highly interdisciplinary context prepares functional designers and creative problem solvers. Students leave the program equipped to manage the entire digital product life cycle. They keenly understand the world and its needs, identify opportunities, and respond with beautifully crafted and thoughtfully conceived user experiences.
Their exposure to complex systems, emerging technologies, and integrated experiences prepare them for one of the world’s most lucrative & in-demand design careers.
9. NICC, International College of Design, Bangalore
NICC exists to deliver industry-ready graduates to fill the exponentially-growing and highly-specialised pool of stable, respected and high-income Corporate / Multinational careers. Since the world is rapidly evolving and changing there is a demand for high-level Design Professionals which NICC hopes to churn out.
UX courses in NICC are:
International Postgraduate Diploma in Interaction Design + M.B.A. Information Systems: It is a two year programme with just 10 seats where every semester is divided into quarters. In these quarters students get to apply the knowledge gained from subjects like UI/UX design, SEO, Mobile applications, branding, sustainability and many more.
International Graduate Diploma in Communication Design + B.Sc. Visual Communication Degree: It is a four year course which provides specialisation in- Print Media Design & Illustration, UI / UX Design, Advertising Design (Print and Outdoor, Moving Media, Digital Media) and Packaging Design.
Eligibility
One has to pass the NICC Entrance exam.
10. Symbiosis Institute of Design
SID believes in promoting international understanding through quality education. It currently offers only UG programmes.
UX courses in SID
Communication Design (B.Des)
This program aims to keenly develop an understanding and mastery of communication design principles, theories, and skills. The CD program teaches a problem-solving approach to communication, with a special concern for the people affected by any designed communication. The goal of the program is to prepare students for superior levels of professional employment as communication planners and designers in the areas of print communication, design planning, dynamic information design, interactive multimedia, internet communication, Graphic Design, Video Film Design, Animation Film Design and finally User Experience Design.
Eligibility
One should be able to pass the Symbiosis Entrance Exam for Design (SEED), the studio test and a personal interview to get a seat in SID.
Fees
The fee per annum are 4,60,000 INR (security and library deposit being refundable)
11. Chitkara Design School
Chitkara Design School is part of Chitkara University, a private university in Punjab, India. It offers an undergraduate program and a postgraduate program in user experience design.
UX courses in Chitkara
User Experience Design (B.Des & M.Des)
Chitkara’s UI/UX course is a blend of interdisciplinary approaches needed to achieve an innovative process, focusing on design desirability, technological feasibility and technological viability. The program will equip students with all the technical skills and digital insights integral to designing user-friendly products, services and processes.
Eligibility
One should have passed the Chitkara University Design and Aptitude Test (CUDAT) and a personal interview to get a seat at the university. A valid UCEED score is also taken into consideration.
Fees
The fees for both, the B.Des and M.Des programs are Rs. 90,000 per semester. An additional Rs. 20,000 is collected during admissions.
12. School of Design, UPES
UPES School of Design offers programs like B.Des., M.Des., and B.Des./M.Des. The School of Design nurtures responsible designers who possess cultural understanding, are agile and have broad-based innovation capabilities; designers who can create intelligent, inclusive, sensitive designs, whether to make big differences or small ones. With an infrastructure comprising high-end computer workstations, vacuum-forming machines, spray-painting booths, among other creative learning aids, and industry collaborations that interweave practical learning with classroom teaching, students learn to employ design-led problem-solving techniques to address the most pressing issues of the world.
UX courses in UPES
User Experience & Interaction Design (B.Des)
UPES School of Design’s Under Graduate Programme, B Design (B.Des.) in User Experience (UX) and Interaction Design blends technical know-how, interdisciplinary research and a creative artistic-scientific approach. B Design (B.Des.) in User Experience (UX) and Interaction Design enables the development of creative interfaces that generate progressive and innovative applications for media design, media research, media art, and communication.
Interaction Design (M.Des.)
UPES School of Design’s Postgraduate Programme, M Design (M.Des.) in User Experience (UX) and Interaction Design train students to research, analyze, prototype, and design concepts in business, social, and cultural contexts within existing and emerging technologies.
Integrated (B.Des) – (M.Des) – (Interaction Design)
Integrated B Design (B.Des.) – M Design (M.Des.) in Interaction Design trains students to research, analyze, prototype, and design concepts in business, social, and cultural contexts within existing and emerging technologies. Students will gain proficiency in creating engaging user interfaces, ranging from the 2D screen (UI for web and mobile) to 3D (AR/VR and will be able to conceptualize user experiences around new and emerging technology, and design to make interfaces more usable, useful and pleasant.
Eligibility
For B.Des
Minimum 50% marks in class X and XII with valid JEE MAIN/UCEED/NIFT/NID scores for B.Des and Integrated B.Des-M.Des or with a valid scored in the UPESDAT.
For M.Des
- Minimum SGPA / CGPA 8.5 in the first Semester and subsequent semesters/ year.
- Passed every semester on the first attempt without any supplementary or improvement exam.
- Minimum of 75% attendance in the entire semester.
- No disciplinary action was initiated/ awarded against the student.
- Exemplary behaviour and compliance with all other norms as prescribed by the University.
Fees
B.Des – varies from Rs. 2,32,000 to 2,77,000 over semesters.
M.Des – Rs. 3,02,000 for Semster 1 and 2, Rs. 3,24,000 for Semester 3 and 4.
Integrated BDes + MDes – varies from Rs. 2,28,000 to Rs. 4,25,600 over semesters.
13. World University of Design
As India is poised for growth in almost all fields, design is being looked upon as the key aspect in making India competitive. World University of Design is responding to this need through its cutting-edge, trans-disciplinary programs in the creative domains of Fashion, Design, Communication, Art, Architecture, Media, Management and Humanities. WUD is India’s first and only university dedicated to education in the creative domain and is located in Sonipat, Punjab.
UX courses at World University of Design
B.Des in User Experience and Digital Product Design
This course is designed to achieve an interdisciplinary skill set and equip graduates for many opportunities across fields such as the arts, entertainment/ games, mobile application development, multimedia, product/web design, cyber security, digital analytics and other interactive systems across all sectors. Students can complete the 4-year course to acquire the B.Des degree or also have the option to exit after 3 years with a BSc degree.
M.Des User Experience & Interaction Design
This professionally focused, design-led course equips students with the specialist skills to conceive, prototype and produce human-centered experiences in an interactive digital context. With the modern generation using computers and computer applications to run almost everything, the need to understand these applications and develop user-friendly applications is on the rise.
MBA in Design Strategy and Management
In an interdisciplinary way, the strategy & innovation concentration would have you actively practice Design strategy & Human Centred Design through a pathway of studio courses that teach how to use market insights to build products, create experiences, and launch businesses. In addition to dedicated studio space for heads-down work, students have access to model-making, rapid prototyping, and multimedia technology for the range of projects they take on to bring this work to life.
Eligibility
B.Des
- Sr. Secondary (10+2) with minimum 50% marks
- Admission through Aptitude Test & Interview
- UCEED/NID/NIFT qualified students will be preferred
M.Des
- Graduation with minimum 50% marks
- Admission through Aptitude Test & Interview
- CEED/NID/NIFT qualified students will be preferred
MBA
- Graduation with minimum 50% marks
- CAT qualified students will be preferred
Fees
B.Des – Rs. 3,20,000 per annum
M.Des – Rs. 3,50,000 per annum
MBA – Rs. 4,72,500 per annum
14. Department of Design, IIT Hyderabad
The Department of Design offers a vibrant environment for learning, practising, researching, and exploring several facets of design. The department envisions creatively engaging in the space between technologies and people. This involves facilitating innovation in key emergent areas such as Participatory & Collaborative Design, Communication & Interaction Design, Professional Ethics & Sustainability, Product Systems & Services, Design & Education, Wellness, Crowd-Sourced Design, etc.
UX courses at IIT Hyderabad
B.Des
Bachelor of Design (B.Des) is a full-time undergraduate program in design. The B Des curriculum is designed as a four-level structure that gradually moves from general foundational courses at the introductory level to specialized and detailed domains at the final stage. The students are encouraged to develop their interest areas with design thinking, problem-solving, and creativity and innovation as their core abilities. They will have the freedom to work in the areas of their interest in the core domains of design – Product Design, Visual Communication, and Interaction Design.
M.Des in Visual Design (or) Interaction Design or (Product Design)
Master of Design (M Des) is a 2-year full-time program that aims to provide a broad understanding of design and student-driven specializations in Visual Design, Product Design, and Interaction Design.
Master of Design by Project
Master of Design by Project is a research-based 3-year master’s program, in which the candidates are supported by a stipend from the sponsored project funds. The candidates are primarily expected to work on specific research projects and simultaneously complete credit requirements (Theory and Project) for the M Des program within 3 years. The program aims to provide a broad understanding of design and gives the opportunity to choose electives in Visual Design, Product Design, and Interaction Design.
Eligibility
B.Des
Admission to the B.Des program needs a valid UCEED score
M.Des
A valid CEED score is required for shortlisting for the Design Aptitude Test (DAT) and personal interview conducted by the Department of Design, IITH.
Fees
B.Des – Rs. 1,45,790 per semester
M.Des – Rs. 2,93,200 per semester (if staying in the on-campus hostel), Rs. 2,51,500 (if not staying in the hostel)
15. Unitedworld Institute of Design
Among the top design institutes in India, the Unitedworld Institute of Design (UID) is a rarity. Founded with the aim to outclass the top design colleges in India with its state-of-the-art labs and hands-on creative learning, it seeks to create trendsetters and ideators who’ll lead the future of design in India.
UX courses at Unitedworld Institute of Design
B.Design (Hons.) Interaction Design
B.Design (Hons.) Interaction Design (IxD) is a crucial interdisciplinary programme that aims to enhance the user experience by studying how people interact with various products, systems, and services. The department focuses on research and design to create seamless interactions that meet user needs and expectations.
M.Design Visual Experiential Design
The M.Des. programme of Visual Experiential Design is structured keeping in mind the ever-evolving demands of today’s fast-changing world. Industry demands experiences which are not just limited to texts and images but go beyond, sensory mediums and perhaps even extra-sensory realms. The course empowers graduates that are ‘Future Ready’; both in terms of employability and entrepreneurial endeavours.
Conclusion
This is a list of colleges and institutes we think are the best ones offering courses in UX Design. We recommend getting in touch with each of these colleges to get more details regarding design courses, fees and more. Yes, college can be expensive, but you are not under any compulsion to get into a design college. You can also learn things on your own (online and studying and gaining experiences via internships), if you think heading to college is something you cannot afford. Ultimately it’s all bout you, what decisions you make and whether you decide on heading to school or working things out on your own.
Also if you think there are other institutes with UX design courses, please feel free to let us know in the comments below and we shall add to our future articles. For students or professionals who are looking for courses online there are many places to get online knowledge on UX as well.
