Differences Between BDes and MDes Curriculum
Published by Shikha Kumari on Sep 04, 2025
BDes and MDes are the two important design careers in India. BDes is bachelor’s degree in design while MDes is pursued after completion of BDes. BDes covers broad, foundational education in design which includes core principles, basic practical skills, and hands-on projects; it spans over a duration of four years. On the other hand, MDes is a two-year postgraduate degree which includes deeper knowledge about the subject. This blog highlights the differences between the two degrees including their course fees, curriculum, and other differences.
Course Fees
BDes (Bachelor of Design) course fee varies more widely starting from INR 50,000 to INR 20 lakhs for the full program, depending on the institution type (government vs. private) and specialization. MDes (Master of Design) fees are generally higher per year or semester than a typical BDes year, with total program costs ranging from INR 2 to INR 10 lakhs. The fee range for government colleges for both the degrees is less and it increases for private colleges.
BDes Curriculum
BDes curriculum focuses on teaching basic principles of design including artistic skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It focuses on developing creative ability, sketching, storytelling, and user analysis through various specializations. It involves hands-on work, internships, and projects to develop practical skills and a portfolio.
MDes Curriculum
MDes curriculum involves deeper study within a specific design field, such as fashion design, UX/UI design, or product design. It includes in-depth knowledge of high-end software and complex design challenges. BDes prepares students to enter the industry, whereas MDes enables them to excel and lead in specialized roles.
BDes vs MDes Comparison
| Criteria | BDes (Bachelor of Design) | MDes (Master of Design) |
| Level | Undergraduate degree | Postgraduate degree |
| Focus | Builds foundational design knowledge and basic technical/creative skills | Provides advanced concepts, research, and specialization, fostering strategic thinking and innovation |
| Specializations | Visual Communication, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Product Design | User Experience (UX), Sustainable Fashion, Product-System Design |
| Career Path | Equips students for entry-level design roles | Opens doors to senior positions and highly specialized roles in design industries |
| Admission | Requires completion of 10+2 (high school) | Requires a relevant bachelor’s degree in design or related field |
Conclusion
The BDes and MDes degrees cater to distinct stages of a designer’s career, with BDes laying a strong foundation through broad, practical training and MDes offering advanced specialization and strategic expertise. While BDes equips students for entry-level roles with a focus on creative and technical skills, MDes empowers graduates to lead and innovate in niche design fields. Choosing between them depends on career goals, with BDes ideal for those starting their design journey and MDes suited for professionals seeking to elevate their expertise and impact in the industry.
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