The graphic design course syllabus is designed to teach about the different software, tools, and techniques used to create visually appealing content. Students are equipped with knowledge of branding, design, composition, and layouts through the subjects like typography, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Design Management, etc.
The combination of different Graphic Design subjects, projects, and electives depends on the type of graphic design course. BDes Graphic Design and MDes Graphic Design are the two most popular Graphic Design Courses in India. The important subjects included in a Graphic Design course are interaction design, communication & media theory, typography, digital tools, illustration, etc.
BDes Graphic Design syllabus is divided into 8 semesters. It focuses on key design and illustration concepts through the study of subjects such as design, media, typography, digital tools, photography, grids, and layouts, and might include seminars, projects, and internships. MDes Graphic Design syllabus focuses on Graphic Design subjects in more detail through the study of subjects like history and overview of the design, visual design, motion graphics, UI/UX, data interpretation, printing and publication methods, etc.
Table of Contents
- Graphic Design Subjects List
- Diploma in Graphic Design Syllabus
- Undergraduate Graphic Design Course Syllabus
3.1 Bachelor of Graphic Design Syllabus
3.2 BA Animation and Graphic Design Syllabus
3.3 BDes Graphic Design Syllabus
Graphic Design Subjects List
The curriculum for the various Types of Graphic Design Syllabus varies from college to college and from course to course. Below we have provided a tabulation that consists of all the important subjects taught in the Graphic Design Syllabus that are commonly taught across all the course levels and institutions.
| Graphic Designing Software & Tools | InDesign |
| Corel Draw | Adobe Audition |
| Typography | Image Layout & Effects |
| Adobe Dreamweaver | Illustrator |
| Vector Graphics for Designers | Introduction to Graphic Designing |
| Photoshop | Adobe Flash |
| Shaping, Design & Illustration | Art & Visual Perception |
| Computer Fundamentals | HTML/ Javascript |
Diploma in Graphic Design Syllabus
The diploma in Graphic Design Syllabus has been mentioned below in the form of Semesters as there are only 2 semesters.
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Computer Studies | Introduction to Computer Animation |
| Basic Information | Sound Recording |
| Color Theory for Computer | Voice Breakdown |
| Sound Principles | Animation & Production Process |
| Generic Skills | Web Design |
| Visual Communication | Digital Portfolio Presentation |
| Team Management | Modeling using CAD |
| Background Concept | Flash |
| Character Design | Composing & Shooting on Film |
| Principles of Management | Web Campaign Implementation |
| 2D & 3D Animation | Scripting for the Web |
| Digital Publishing | Digital Portfolio Development |
| Typography | Industrial Training |
| Introduction to Multimedia | Project I |
| Multimedia Authoring | Music & Effects Film |
| Case Study I | Live Project |
Undergraduate Graphic Design Course Syllabus
In the following sections, we have provided the detailed Graphic Design Syllabus for UG-level Graphic Design Courses namely, BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BDes Graphic Design as of provided by the topmost Graphic Design Colleges.
BA Graphic Design Syllabus
Check the list of all the important subjects covered in the BA (Hons) Graphic Design Syllabus in the table given below:
| Design Interactions and Innovations | Design Studies |
| Dissertation: Research and Reflection | Image & Text - Communication Design History for Graphic Design |
| Positioning and Presenting Your Design Practice | Critical Issues in Graphic Design: Research and Practice |
| Visual Vocabularies | Typography and Principles of Visual Communication |
| Historical and Contextual Methods | Concept and Challenge |
| Process and Purpose | Exploring Practices, Process, Materials, and Techniques |
| Design Directions | Communication and Context |
BA Animation and Graphic Design Syllabus
The semester-wise BA Animation and Graphic Design Syllabus have been mentioned below.
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Model III English I | Model III English II |
| History of Art & Design | History of Animation & Visual Effects |
| Elements of Graphic Design | Planning for Animation |
| Rudiments of Animation Drawing | Raster Graphics |
| Techniques of Photographic Composition | Vector Graphics |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Character Designing for Animation | Design for Web |
| Basics of 3D Animation | Stop-motion Animation |
| Classical Animation | Typography |
| Basic Compositing & Visual Effects | Advanced Animation |
| Branding Design | Techniques of 3D Animation |
| Semester V | Semester VI |
| Environmental Studies & Human Rights | Internship |
| Interaction Design | Animation Project |
| Digital Illustration | Publication Design |
| Advanced 3D Animation Techniques | Design Project |
| Open Course - Video Editing, Architectural Design, Digital 2D Animation | Choice-based Course - UI Design, Animation Effects, Painting with Pixels |
| - | Advertising Design |
BDes Graphic Design Syllabus
Here’s a detailed tabular representation of all the important subjects taught in the BDes Graphic Design Syllabus:
| Design process and thinking | Typography and publication design |
| Portfolio making | Introduction to design for moving images |
| Information system design | Advertising design |
| Advanced illustration techniques | Sketching and drawing |
| Design internship presentation | Packaging design and printing technology |
| Visual identity design | Design management |
| Brand communication design | Digital design tools- visual media |
| Information Graphics and Visualization | Visual ergonomics |
| Design fundamentals | Product Design |
| 3D Modeling and Prototyping | Environmental graphic design |
| User interface graphics | History of art and design |
| Introduction to graphic design | Moving Image Design |
| Transportation Design | Introduction to photography |
| Visualisation techniques | Film-Video Design |
| Global immersion program | Culture and design studies |
| Animation Design | Floating credit course |
| Information collection and analysis | Game Design |
| Degree project GD | Introduction to user experience design |
| Graphic design project | Degree project proposal study |
Postgraduate Graphic Design Course Syllabus
In the sections below, we have provided the detailed Graphic Design Syllabus for PG-level Graphic Design Courses namely, MA Graphic Design and MDes Graphic Design as of the year as prescribed by the topmost Graphic Design Colleges and Universities.
MA Graphic Design Syllabus
A detailed tabulation of all the important subjects taught under the MA Graphic Design Syllabus is provided below:
| Media Ethics and Education | Package Design |
| Design Studio | Photo Communication |
| Programming for Designers | Information Design |
| Motion Design | Elements of Visual Design |
| Publication Design | Topography |
| Advanced Typography | Interaction Design |
| History of Art and Design | Final Thesis Project |
| Semester Ending Project | Internship |
MDes Graphic Design Syllabus
Check the detailed MDes Graphic Design Syllabus in the tabular representation provided below:
| Design research methods | Introduction to social design |
| Sustainable systems and craft studies | Introduction to Experience design |
| Brand positioning and Curatorial practices | Trend research & forecasting |
| Design for sustainability & craft | Introduction to Industry Practices |
| Information design | Strategy design management |
| Visualization and Digital Representation | Design as a luxury (floating) |
| Design Philosophy & critique | Design thinking and methods |
| Industry-guided project proposal | Brand communication |
Graphic Design Course Syllabus: FAQs
Ques. What are the subjects of graphic design?
Ans. Graphic designing has a number of subjects that are taught throughout the duration of the course. The most common subjects are Sketching & Drawing, Fundamental of design, Design Management, and many more.
Ques. Is Graphic designing a good career?
Ans. Yes, graphic design provides a good career for individuals and it allows them to earn an average of INR 300,000 per year.
Ques. Is graphic designing easy?
Ans. The best answer is it depends. But the sheer number of courses can be a bit overwhelming to young designers. The key is to develop a strategy to manage the subjects effectively.
Ques. What is the average fee for a certificate course?
Ans. The average fee for a certificate course in Graphic design is about INR 1,000 – INR 10,000.
Ques. Are there any free certificate courses available?
Ans. Yes, free certificate courses are available on platforms like Coursera however you will have to pay for the certification later.
Ques. What is the fee for B.Des Graphic?
Ans. The average fee for B.Des Graphic Design is about INR 3,00,000 – INR 10,00,000.
Ques. What is the full form of B.Des Graphic Design?
Ans. The full form of B.Des Graphic Design is Bachelor of Design in Graphic Designing.
Ques. Is there a master course available?
Ans. Yes, a master's degree is available in graphic design such as MA in graphic design.
Ques. What is the average salary for a graduate with MA in graphic design?
Ans. The average salary for a graduate in MA graphic design is INR 2,00,000 – INR 6,00,000.
Ques. Are electives available in B.Des in Graphic Design?
Ans. Yes, Electives are available and can be taken up from 3 years onwards.







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