Malvika's Ramblings

M Des (Master of Design) at NIFT

For complete NIFT info goto http://blog.malvikajain.com/nift-admission/
Huge thanks to Pawan Kumar and Devan Das for the following info on MDes.

Pavan wrote:
 
Hi Malvika!

Thanks for the reply! I got rank 18 in NIFT’s 2 year Master of Design programme in design space which is offered in NIFT Delhi and Mumbai centers, 30 seats each. It has 3 specializations one can chose from - fashion, textile and communication design.

Mdes at NIFT is a new course. The 1st batch passed out from Delhi in 2008. Last year it was introduced in Mumbai as well. Earlier the eligibility criterion was a bachelor’s degree in any design discipline. This year onwards they have opened it to graduates from all fields so one can join if s/he can clear the written (creative ability test and general ability test), group discussion and interview which test one’s design aptitude and potential among other things. Those not from a design background will be made to go through some sort of foundation program in the first few weeks.

I think these are very positive steps taken by NIFT for couple of reasons - first most of the top fashion institutes worldwide have very strong MA programmes of international repute. Second, they do not force stringent eligibility requirements. If one shows outstanding potential, industry experience and a portfolio to match then s/he can get into top institutes like central St. martin’s and others even without graduation, let alone graduation in design. I think the education system in our country is not that flexible yet but we are getting there slowly.

Yesterday, I visited NIFT Mumbai and met the relevant faculty members yesterday, and they were very friendly and nice. I had most of my queries resolved.

For details on the course content and eligibility, read about Mdes on the official NIFT website.

There are total 30 seats in Delhi and 30 in Mumbai. The written test has 80% weightage (40% each for general ability test and creative ability test), group discussion and interview have 10% each.

Total of around 180 students were called for GD and interview this year. Our GD was conducted in batches of 10 and the topic was not related to fashion/design. In interview there was a panel of 5 professors. Some students had taken along their portfolios but the panel did not view them. We had not been asked to carry our portfolios and I think since many students did not have a design portfolio anyway, so to be fair to all they were not judging portfolios. The questions they asked seemed to be centered around assessing a candidate's motivation, past achievements, aspirations, thought process, potential and suitability for the course.

Students are required to opt for a specialization in fashion, textile or communication design after they join, as per their interest. Second semester onwards they start getting more into their chosen path. However since the course is quite open ended, the opportunity for learning and exploring specific subjects is always there depending on a student's initiative. The course basically has a research orientation as intended by NIFT. So while one can expect similar content (journalism, photography, styling advertising, graphic design …) and faculty as Fashion Communication BDes course, some more research work will be expected out of the MDes students. 

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By Devan Das, doing M.des at NIFT, Delhi.

MDes at NIFT has3 specializations; Fashion Design, Textile Design and Communication Design.

And just a general word on all the other queries, since there are a lot of ‘non design background’ aspirers, well, let me tell u your background is not a hinderance as long as u show your interest in design and enthusiasm in the field, up-to-date knowledge and sincere involvement with the news and development in the design field, now am not talking about Indian fashion weeks, page 3 or who’s who in the snob world, but do you know your typography, do you know what it real design research and sustainability is. Who’s Paul Rand for example? Steve job and his design philosophy (no , it’s not jus white apple computers…) What’s installation art? Well, that’s just a little food for thought, and no, don’t get worried; i am not saying you’ve to be Einstein either.

But do be warned, the M.Des course is not going to teach u details , they expect a grounding from bachelors and though basic inputs are given in the areas of specialization, the course is more research oriented and you’ve got to be ready for conceptual work as well.

The practical skills? Learn them  in the 4 yr under-graduate course.
all the best!
cheers!