M.Des (Design Computation) at DOD

Manipal

Design the spaces of tomorrow, computed, generative, and built to perform

The Master of Design (M.Des.) in Design Computation is a two-year postgraduate program that develops expertise in computational design, parametric modelling, and generative architectural methodologies with a firm focus on real-world application. You learn to integrate advanced digital tools to design high-performance built environments, shaping innovative and sustainable solutions to complex architectural and design challenges.

Through studio-based learning and structured academic engagement, the design computation master's degree moves you from the fundamentals of parametric form-making to advanced generative systems, digital fabrication, and performance-driven design. You work across visual programming, Building Information Modelling (BIM), AI-assisted generation, and immersive AR/VR tools, building the technical fluency and research capability to address the demands of a rapidly evolving architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

Program Highlights

Parametric Studios: Work hands-on across parametric and generative design studios, translating data and constraints into design morphologies, iterating rapidly, and testing performance through computational analysis and optimisation.

Digital Fabrication: Bridge design and making through material systems and fabrication labs ,from CNC milling, laser cutting, and 3D printing to 3D concrete printing and smart, responsive materials, grounded in sustainability and circular-economy thinking.

Research-Led Thesis: Culminate your learning in a Thesis (Research) or Final Project (Design), applying the full computational toolkit to an individually chosen investigation, with students encouraged to produce a publishable paper.

Lab Work

Gain fluency in visual programming and parametric tools, BIM software (Autodesk Revit, Navisworks), AI-driven generation, and AR/VR platforms (Unity, Unreal Engine), supported by material and digital-fabrication labs.

Industry Project

Undertake project-based, domain-specific work throughout the studios, choosing briefs aligned with your expertise and interests to solve real design and performance problems.

Internships

Complete a summer Professional Training placement in a consultancy, research agency or centre, NGO, or government department engaged in computational or related development — presenting your findings through an evaluated seminar and report on return.

Lab Work

Admissions Path

Apply Online

Submit Eligibility documents

Submit CV, SOP, Portfolio of Work

Merit List

Provisional Admission Offer

Selection criteria

Merit List based on qualifying exam score, SOP & POW.

Note

Provisional Admission is offered to selected candidates

Program Highlights

Lab Work

Industry Project

Undertake project-based, domain-specific work throughout the studios, choosing briefs aligned with your expertise and interests to solve real design and performance problems.

Internships

Lab Work

Program Details

Outcomes
Careers

Upon the completion of this program, you can:

Apply computational and parametric methodologies to develop high-performance, sustainable built environments and design solutions.

Build technical fluency across visual programming, BIM, digital fabrication, AI-assisted generation, and AR/VR visualisation.

Employ generative and evolutionary design techniques — including genetic algorithms and bio-inspired computing — for optimisation and informed design decision-making.

Integrate material systems, fabrication processes, and life-cycle thinking to create efficient, responsible, and innovative outcomes.

Conduct research-led enquiry through a rigorous literature review and an independent Thesis or Final Project, demonstrating conceptual, technical, and executional capability.

Practise ethically and responsibly, addressing the implications of AI, privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property in technology.

Admissions Path

Apply Online

Submit Eligibility documents

Submit CV, SOP, Portfolio of Work

Merit List

Provisional Admission Offer

Selection criteria

Merit List based on qualifying exam score, SOP & POW.

Note

Provisional Admission is offered to selected candidates

Selection criteria

Merit List based on qualifying exam score, SOP & POW.

Note

Provisional Admission is offered to selected candidates

Curriculum and Fees

Year 1
Year 2

Your first year builds the computational foundation. In Design Computation Studio I, you explore form development through parametric methodology, translating input data streams into parametric variables using visual programming tools, generating multiple design morphologies, and fabricating scaled models through additive methods to test their performative capabilities. Digital Tools for Analysis and Optimisation extends this with parametric software for simulation and optimisation across domains, enabling efficient, innovative solutions. Material Systems and Fabrication Processes connects design to making, examining material properties, traditional and digital fabrication (CNC milling, laser cutting, 3D printing), smart and responsive materials, and sustainability through life-cycle assessment and circular-economy principles. Ethics in Technology grounds your practice in responsibility, addressing AI, privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. Program electives let you personalise your path with Generative AI Fundamentals, UX Design Fundamentals, or BIM Fundamentals — equipping you with the digital fluency to model, analyse, and prototype with confidence.

Program Duration

2 Years

Total Program fees

General:

INR 3,68,000

Total Program fees

NRI/Foreign:

M.Des (Design Computation) at DOD

Design the spaces of tomorrow, computed, generative, and built to perform

Program Highlights

Upon the completion of this program, you can:

Industry and Academia Connect

2 Years

INR 3,68,000

USD 5,900

Program Highlights

Upon the completion of this program, you can:

2 Years

INR 3,68,000

USD 5,900