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The field of study, ‘Design,’ offers a few different types of programs across design schools in India. Each of these programs differs from the others primarily in its scope, syllabus, degree offered, and skills learned. Three of the main design programs that are most commonly pursued are the BDes (Bachelor of Design), MDes (Master of Design), and MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Design.
Here, we are going to have a comprehensive look at what each program is about, what education they offer, and how they help the students in their design career. Most importantly, how do they differ from one another?
What is BDes (Bachelor of Design)?
BDes, or Bachelor’s of Design, is a four-year undergraduate program that is focused on nurturing creativity, solving problems, and building technical skills in students pursuing various design specializations under this program.
Product Design, Transportation Design, Interaction Design, Game Design, Visual Communication & Brand Identity, Fashion Design, UI/UX Design, and Interior & Space Design are some of the most popular fields of BDes.
After graduating with a BDes degree, be it in one of the design specializations, students are often equipped with creative thinking skills and technical proficiency. As for the latter, they learn digital tools, sketching, and prototyping. A BDes program also teaches students about user-centered design and real-world application through projects and internships.
What is MDes (Master of Design)?
MDes, or Master’s of Design, is a postgraduate degree for advanced study in design fields. It focuses on creativity, innovation, strategy, and technical skills for creative professionals who want to explore design and all its principles from a higher and deeper plane. This is for those who are looking to build a career in a specific field of design.
Hence, they specialize in it. MDes graduates often come out with expertise in human-centric design, sustainability, and technical problem-solving for numerous industries.
An MDes degree can be obtained in any of the design fields, beginning from industrial, communication, or even fashion. Unlike a BDes, it is usually a two-year program that is configured to enhance your critical thinking and business acumen.
What is an MBA in Design?
An MBA, or Master’s of Business Administration, in Design is a postgraduate design-cum-business degree that combines core management principles like finance and marketing strategy with design thinking, creativity, and innovation.
The program is mainly focused on training leaders to use design as a strategic advantage for business growth, problem-solving, and brand building, among others. It caters to both traditional and modern industries.
MBA graduates in design also learn about applying human-centered design to solve complex business challenges and boost innovation. It is an overall comprehensive course, handcrafted to give you a complete advantage as it integrates design into the overall business strategy.
What is the Difference Between BDes, MDes, and MBA in Design?
The BDes vs MDes vs MBA in Design differences are written in detail in the table below.
| Features | BDes | MDes | MBA in Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years | 2 years | 2 years |
| Curriculum | Foundational design principles with specialized tracks; starts with general design basics and progresses to specific areas | In-depth focus on specific design principles beyond general art or design studies | Integrates design with business strategy; applies human-centered design to solve complex business challenges |
| Skills | Creative thinking, technical proficiency, user-centered design, and real-world application | Design thinking, research, strategic design application, advanced technical skills, project management, and innovation | Innovation leadership, strategic use of design, growth, brand building, and problem-solving |
| Focus Areas | Nurturing creativity and problem-solving for industry-ready careers | Creativity, technical expertise, critical thinking, and business awareness | Strategic management, branding and marketing, leadership, and cross-disciplinary skills |
| Career Goal | Develop innovative designers capable of delivering practical, aesthetic, and functional solutions | Prepare graduates for senior roles in MNCs, startups, research, or entrepreneurship | Roles such as Innovation Lead, Product Strategist, Brand Manager, Design Consultant, Entrepreneur, or Transformation Manager |
| Specializations | Fashion Design, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Product Design, Communication Design, UX Design | UX/UI, Fashion, Product Design, Graphic Design, Strategic Design Management | Design Management, Business Design, Design Strategy |
| Type of Program | Bachelor’s Program | Master’s Program | Hybrid (Design + Business) |
Career Opportunities After BDes vs MDes vs MBA in Design
These are the career opportunities available after pursuing each of these programs:
1. BDes
- Graphic Design
- Communication Design
- Fashion Design
- AI-driven UX
- Sustainable Design
- Interior Design
- Social Impact Design
2. MDes
- Digital & Interaction – UI/UX Designer, Service Designer
- Product & Industrial – Product Designer, Industrial Designer
- Fashion & Textile – Fashion Designer & Coordinator, Textile Designer
- Communication & Visual – Graphic Designer, Art Director, Animator
- Management & Strategy – Design Manager, Design Consultant, Innovation
3. MBA in Design
- Brand/Design Manager
- Product Manager
- Creative Director
- Marketing Manager
- Design Consultants
- UX Strategists
- Entrepreneurs
Salary Comparison: BDes vs MDes vs MBA in Design (India)
While the salary varies for any profession from either of these design programs, there is an average salary for a BDes graduate, which is different from that of an MDes graduate and an MBA graduate in design. Here is the salary difference between BDes vs MDes vs MBA in India:
| Feature | BDes | MDes | MBA in Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salary | INR 3–6 LPA | INR 4–15 LPA | INR 6–20 LPA |
Which is Better in BDes vs MDes vs MBA in Design?
There is no definitive answer to the question that which design program wins in the BDes vs MDes vs MBA in Design battle. Each of these design programs has its own unique features that are distinct from others.
A BDes is always recommended for any design aspirant, since it is usually the starting point for any design career. Students who are eager about design and have figured out their career ambitions very early on in life should easily pursue a BDes program in the specialization of their choice from a reputable design school. This will instill the basics of design in them and the ability to be creative and be technically proficient.
An MDes, on the other hand, is the Master’s degree in design. It is a more advanced study of design, wherein a student learns in-depth knowledge about a specific design field. They also focus on critical thinking, the creativity aspect, business acumen, and technical skills. This is recommended for those who are looking to build their career in a very specific field of design with maximum expertise in it.
An MBA in Design is a comparatively rarer field, with fewer opportunities to pursue as compared to the other two. However, for those who are interested in both management and design careers and want to keep both those areas open for themselves in the future, an MBA in Design is just the right program for them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main difference between BDes and MDes?
BDes is a bachelor’s course for four years, whereas an MDes is a master’s course for two years.
2. Is an MBA in Design better than MDes?
Given the popularity rate and the number of people pursuing it, it cannot be conclusively said that an MBA in Design is better than a MDes degree. Students who want to build their career in design would rather pick MDes, and those looking to build a career in management will pick an MBA program.
3. Can I do an MBA in Design after BDes?
Yes, given that an MBA in Design is a postgraduate degree, I can do an MBA in Design after a BDes.
4. Which Design Degree has the Highest Salary?
Product Design and UI/UX Design are the two degrees that usually offer the highest salary in design.
5. Which Course is Best after 12th for Design?
A B.Des in Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, UI/UX Design, Animation & Game Design, and Product Design are some of the best design courses to pursue after passing class 12.
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