Faculty of Design

Master’s in Furniture Design

The Master's in Furniture Design program focuses on training professionals to actively engage in/ with the rapidly growing furniture industry. The Indian furniture market has been positively impacted by increasing urbanization, a younger demographic, rising disposable incomes and the growth of the office and hospitality sectors amongst others. Whilst design, functionality and affordability continue to remain key drivers, increasing expectations on quality and sustainable practices will direct new opportunities. 

The program takes into account various propositions and considerations in the furniture sector, from online markets to rental offerings, from the mass manufacturing ecosystems of large industries to the scaled productions of the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME’s), from the expanding role of the furniture designer as a professional to that of an entrepreneur.

Overall the program will equip students with the necessary technical skills, design abilities and specialised domain knowledge, whilst focussing on developing strength in the understanding of: materials and manufacturing processes, techniques and technologies, prototyping, ergonomics, aesthetics, material connections, detailing, structuring systems, economics, characteristics (modular, flatpack, etc), and typologies. The program encourages visits to industries, manufacturing units, trade fairs and exhibitions. It recognizes hands-on learning, collaborative approaches, exploratory processes, and seeks to benefit from industry-academia collaborations.

Leaning on its engagement with various aspects of habitat, CEPT is uniquely placed to offer this program. The infrastructure and facilities available at the CEPT FabLab and workshops, along with access to a network of industries, provides students with a supportive ecosystem to develop and execute their projects. 

This M.Des program is structured through essential (mandatory) courses, design studios, and electives. CEPT University’s learning pedagogy emphasises the Studio Unit system framework; where learning and teaching are centred around studios or units which comprise of small groups with a faculty student ratio of 1:8 - 1:12 maximum. These Studio Units account for 70% of the total semester credits.

CEPT benefits from a diversity of teaching methods through a wide access to tutors either with academic strength, or with professional experience. Tutors are expected to teach to their strengths and interests. Students typically engage with tutors within dedicated weekly time allocations. Whilst lecture based courses go on for 12 weeks, the studio unit continues for 16 weeks till the end of the semester. 

Apart from being introduced to a variety of industry professionals who engage with CEPT as visiting faculty or guest lecturers, students also have the opportunity to access CEPT’s networks with industries, companies, studios and experts. Students are also supported by CEPT’s growing placement and outreach activities.