Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Design

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest academic degree awarded upon completing doctoral research that significantly contributes to new knowledge in the field of study. The PhD in Design, initiated by PIFD, aims to cultivate a research culture within the institution that promotes critical reflection, analytical thinking, and discovery. Its objective is to help generate original ideas that address important present and future challenges across various design fields. It emphasizes advanced and in-depth research practices and theories related to previously unexamined topics that require critical investigation. These inquiries yield new creative concepts, theories, methods, approaches, products, and solutions. They foster a research environment essential for academic and professional growth while making an original contribution to design disciplines.

THE PhD in Design is offered in the following modes: Practice-based Research and Theory- based Research. Offering both allows students to pursue their studies in the one that is integral to their research topic and interests.

Theory-based research enriches practical knowledge and assesses existing theories. By the end of the programme, a thorough doctoral thesis or dissertation must be submitted.

Practice-based research incorporates practice as a fundamental aspect of its methodology. This programme combines practical work with academic research, culminating in a written dissertation alongside creative output. The creative work forms the major part of intellectual inquiry and consists of a collection of six to eight pieces. Contextualizing students' creative work is essential to practice-based research, as it addresses real issues and present and future challenges related to design. Both types of research necessitate a thorough synthesis of the work and its original contribution to knowledge.

For the programme, we seek graduates and professionals from diverse design fields who are self-motivated critical thinkers and desire to reflect on their knowledge and invest their time and effort to rethink, reinvent, and provide real, impactful results.

Scope of the Programme

The PhD in Design offers both Theory-based and Practice-based research that covers theoretical and creative contexts.

TThe coursework is a fundamental part of the programme to be completed in the first year, followed by passing the comprehensive examination and proposal defense.

After clearing the examination and synopsis, an in-depth analysis of different research theories and methods related to the field of study is essential and needs to be conducted to generate original ideas and new knowledge.

The creative outcome, such as collection pieces, along with a strong portfolio, covers the creative and critical context in practice-based research and is a fundamental requirement. It needs to demonstrate the originality of the idea.

For both practice-based and theory-based research, the culmination of the PhD in Design is subject to the submission of the dissertation, which is generated from intellectual inquiry and theoretical context. It helps shape new research concepts and theories that address serious present and future concerns that impact us.

Submission of an annual progress report by the end of each academic year is a prerequisite. It provides a detailed record of the doctoral candidate's research activities. The report includes the timeline observed, research theories and practices examined, and methods applied for comprehensive inquiry, which helped originate innovative approaches.

Participation in research activities, such as national and international conferences, research seminars, debates, discussions, and workshops, is integral to developing original ideas. These brainstorming sessions help with cognitive learning, introduce the doctoral student to research advancements in the field, and help identify problems and their solutions. They also build connections with other researchers and their research contributions to design.

Writing research papers on the chosen field of research for conferences and research journals is an important requirement. These papers should add to existing knowledge and provide new direction within the field.

Employability and Career Paths

• Researchers and academicians
• Design research consultants
• Product developers in research-intensive industries
• Creative directors in leading fashion houses, locally and globally
• Entrepreneurs and creative directors/designers