What is the focus of the PGP in UI/UX and Product Design at Master’s
Union?
The PGP in Product Design & UI/UX focuses on building
end-to-end design capability, covering user research, problem framing, UX strategy,
interaction design, visual design, and design systems. The programme emphasises real-world
problem solving, design thinking, and collaboration with product and engineering, preparing
students to design meaningful, scalable digital experiences.
Who should apply to this programme?
This programme is for anyone looking to start or transition
into a career in UI/UX and Product Design. It is suitable for fresh graduates, early-career
professionals, and career switchers who aspire to work as Product Designers, UI/UX
Designers, UX Researchers, Strategists, or in emerging roles such as Conversational UX,
AR/VR Design, Accessibility Design, and Prompt Design for product interfaces.
What skills will I gain by the end of the programme?
Graduates develop strong capabilities in user research, UX
design, UI design, prototyping, usability testing, design systems, and stakeholder
communication. In addition, the program builds critical thinking, design leadership, and
collaboration skills required to work effectively in fast-paced product teams.
What career opportunities are available after completing this
programme?
After completing the programme, students can pursue roles such
as Product Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, UX Researcher, or Design
Consultant. Graduates are well-positioned to work with startups, tech companies,
enterprises, design agencies, or even build and scale their own products.
Does the programme offer industry exposure or hands-on experience?
Yes. The programme is built to take you from Designer to a
Product Builder and a Global Operator through a multi-track, studio-led curriculum that
mirrors how real product organizations work. Students design, prototype, and iterate inside
simulated product teams, working on real-world problems under the guidance of top design
leaders. You graduate with proof, not promises–a portfolio that shows clear evidence of your
thinking, building, and shipping.
How is this programme different from traditional design courses?
Unlike traditional design courses that focus mainly on tools
or aesthetics, this programme takes a product-first approach. It combines design craft with
business context, user empathy, and product strategy, ensuring graduates understand not just
how to design, but why design decisions matter in building successful products.
If an applicant doesn’t have an undergraduate degree, can they still
apply?
Yes. An undergraduate degree is not
mandatory for admission to the PGP in Product Design & UI/UX. While many participants may
hold undergraduate or advanced degrees, we also welcome applicants with strong professional
experience, a proven track record of learning, and clear motivation to build a career in
design. Applicants completing their undergraduate degree by May of the following year are
also eligible to apply.
Is there an age limit for admission?
There is no strict age limit for the
programme. Eligibility is evaluated holistically based on your experience, intent, and
readiness for the programme. Applicants with more than 10 years of work experience are
encouraged to connect with the admissions team at pgadmissions@mastersunion.org for personalised guidance on programme
fit.
Will not having a design background affect my chances of admission?
Yes. A prior design background is
preferred but actively encourages applications from diverse academic and professional
backgrounds, including engineering, business, marketing, psychology, arts, and more.
What kind of candidates is the programme looking for?
We are looking for individuals who are
curious, self-driven, and eager to build. Strong candidates show openness to feedback,
comfort with ambiguity, empathy for users, and the ability to learn by doing. Leadership
potential, initiative, and a growth mindset are key indicators of success in the programme.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
TNo, there is no minimum GPA requirement.
Since grading systems vary globally, admissions decisions are not based solely on GPA. We
consider your academic journey holistically, looking at coursework, learning outcomes, and
overall performance, alongside professional experience and motivation.
Can applicants get a call back from Masters’ Union?
Given the volume of requests, we’d
encourage students to reach out to the admissions team via email at
pgadmissions@mastersunion.org. If students would still like to connect with us on call,
reach out to our counselling team at 8929361765.
Can applicants defer their admission offer from Masters’ Union to the
next year?
Currently, we are not offering the option
to defer admission. Those who cannot join the programme in the current year are advised to
apply again next year.
Are all applicants interviewed?
Only candidates who have been shortlisted
post their application submission will be invited for the personal interview.
Are any of the rounds more or less competitive than others?
Each round is equally competitive, with the same acceptance ratio across all rounds.
The most important factor is to dedicate sufficient time and effort into your
application to accurately showcase your strengths and talents. However, applying in
Round 1 offers several advantages:
-
Scholarships: If scholarships are a priority, we encourage applying in Round
1.
-
Hostel Room Choice: Round 1 students get priority in selecting their hostel
rooms, ensuring they can choose from the best available options.
data and present their findings.
-
Notice Period: They have ample time to serve notice periods at their current
jobs.
-
Break Before Studies: They can take a well-deserved break before starting 16
months of intensive study.
-
Loan and Funding: They have more time to apply for loans and arrange funds.
Can applicants get their profile evaluated?
Feel free to connect with the admissions
team to understand your fitment with the programme. While applicants are welcome to send
their CV to pgadmissions@mastersunion.org for a preliminary conversation, due to a large
volume of requests, our responses might be delayed.
Can I submit non-design or cross-disciplinary work?
No, we need a design and product portfolio
that shows user-centric thinking, problem solving, or are equally valid.
What kind of work should be included in the portfolio?
Your portfolio should highlight how you
think, not just what you designed. This can include user research, problem framing,
wireframes, UI explorations, prototypes, experiments, or shipped work. We value clarity of
thought, decision-making, and iteration more than polish alone.
What format should the portfolio or submission be in?
You can submit your work as a website,
PDF, Notion page, Figma link, or Google Drive folder. The format matters less than how
clearly your ideas, process, and outcomes are communicated.
What if I don’t have any prior design experience?
That’s okay. You can submit a problem
exploration, redesign concept, research exercise, or product idea instead. We’re assessing
your potential to grow into a product designer, not just past credentials.
How is the portfolio evaluated during admissions?
Portfolios are reviewed for clarity of
thinking, problem understanding, user empathy, experimentation, and learning mindset. We’re
less focused on tools or aesthetics and more on your ability to reason, build, and improve
Will I build a portfolio during the programme?
YYes. The program is designed to help you graduate with proof – a portfolio that demonstrates real product thinking, collaboration, and shipped outcomes aligned with industry expectations.
Application Submission Policy
If the applicant misses all the three
rounds of a particular intake, the application form and its entire content will expire. At
this point, the applicant will be required to complete a new application from scratch, for
the next intake. An application will only be evaluated once it is complete. If it is
completed after the deadline, it will be reviewed for the next round or (in the case of last
round applicants) the following intake.
Hostel Policy
Masters’ Union offers opt-in accommodation
to students admitted to the PGP. We offer a variety of options, each close to our campus and
equipped with amenities to ensure a comfortable living experience. The fees for the course,
as mentioned on the website, do not include hostel fees. The full fee structure, including
that of the hostel, is sent to all our admitted students along with their offer letter.
Feedback Policy
Due to the large number of applications we
receive for each intake, and the confidentiality of the deliberations of the admissions
committee, we would be unable to provide detailed individual feedback on unsuccessful
applications.
Refund Policy
Fees once submitted cannot be refunded.
Masters’ Union reserves the right to amend this Refund Policy at any time without prior
notice.
Is participation in immersions mandatory or optional?
Participation in any immersion is optional and depends on the
student’s interest. Since our immersions are theme-based, students can choose the one that
best aligns with their career goals and learning preferences.
Is the immersion fee included in the tuition fee?
The immersion fee is not included in the tuition fee. It is a
separate, optional cost applicable only to students who choose to participate in the Global
or Bharat Immersion programmes. 1 day off campus immersions are part of your programme with
no added fee.
Are there scholarships or financial aid options available?
Yes - we offer scholarships on a first-come, first-served
basis for select immersions.
Will there be any certification or academic recognition after
completion?
Yes,students receive an official certificate from the Masters’ Union upon successful completion of the program.
What kind of networking opportunities are available during the
immersion?
The immersions are designed to provide students with ample networking opportunities with faculty and peers as well as with industry professionals and leaders during company visits and interactions.
Are there any financing options?
Yes, there are financial institutions that can provide loans
for up to 95% of the programme fees to the admitted students. Read here for further details.
Is the admissions process different for the 3+1 Dual Degree UG
Programme with Illinois Institute of Technology?
No, the admissions process for the 3+1 Dual Degree UG
Programme is the same as the standard process. Applicants must apply through the regular
admissions portal, and eligibility for the programme is assessed based on their academic
performance, extracurricular activities, and an interview.
Will students have the option to choose the duration of transfer?
Currently, the programme is designed as a one-year transfer
option. Students will spend their fourth year at Illinois Institute of Technology,
completing the final year of their undergraduate degree as part of the 3+1 Dual Degree UG
Programme.
When can the student decide if they want to opt for the 3+1 Dual
Degree UG Programme with Illinois Institute of Technology?
Students are strongly encouraged to decide on opting for the
3+1 Dual Degree UG Programme before starting their undergraduate journey at Masters’ Union.
Early confirmation ensures guaranteed seat allocation and allows for streamlined academic
planning tailored to the programme's requirements.
While students may still choose to opt for the programme during their third year,
this is subject to seat availability, which will be communicated at that time. Confirming at
the beginning ensures a smooth transition and optimal preparation for their transfer to
Illinois Tech.
Will the curriculum at Illinois Tech align with what students study at
Masters’ Union?
Yes, the curriculum has been designed to ensure a seamless
transfer between the institutions. Students will continue to build on the foundational and
advanced topics they study at Masters’ Union.
Can students secure internships in the US while at Illinois Tech?
Yes, students will have access to Illinois Tech’s career
services, which include internship placements, job fairs, and networking events with global
employers.
What will I graduate with at the end of the programme?
Upon completing the programme, you will be awarded a
Professional Certificate for Undergraduate Programme in Tech & Business Management by
Masters' Union. Additionally, you will have the option to enrol in IIM Bangalore to pursue a
BBA in Digital Business and Entrepreneurship, provided you clear all the exams and the
eligibility criteria as set by the IIM Bangalore.
What is the difference between the Masters' Union certification and
the IIM Bangalore degree?
The Masters' Union certification focuses on an
industry-integrated, tech-driven curriculum designed for business management professionals.
The IIM Bangalore (BBA) degree is a traditional academic qualification offered with standard
coursework and university examinations.
What makes the Masters’ Union Programme a better choice than earning
the same degree from IIM Bangalore?
While the IIM Bangalore degree provides a strong academic
foundation,Masters' Union offers real-world exposure from day one. Through outclasses
and internships starting in Year 1, students gain hands-on experience with
industry leaders from top companies like Microsoft, Google, and Zomato. This early exposure,
combined with rigorous academic training, ensures that our students are not only
academically strong but also industry-ready, with the highest CTC touching ₹61.5 LPA and an
average CTC of ₹28.5 LPA, securing top-tier job offers even before graduation.
Is this an online degree, is it authentic?
Yes, the degree is awarded through IIM Bangalore’s online
platform, making it an online degree. However, it holds the same recognition and value as
any full-time IIM Bangalore degree.
How well is this degree recognised for higher studies abroad?
The degree awarded by IIM Bangalore is highly respected and
recognised for higher studies abroad. With IIM Bangalore’s global reputation and the rigor
of its curriculum, the degree holds significant international credibility, opening doors to
top global universities and MBA programs for further education.
Can I still pursue the Masters' Union certification if I don’t enrol
in the IIM Bangalore degree?
Yes, you can still complete the Masters' Union Undergraduate
Programme in Tech and Business Management and earn the certification even if you choose not
to enrol in the IIM Bangalore degree.
