Ph.D. Program in Creative Studies

The Ph.D. in Creative Studies at the School of Creative Studies, D. Y. Patil Deemed to be University, Navi Mumbai, is a doctoral research programme that supports interdisciplinary research across media, communication, fashion, apparel, animation, VFX, gaming, and immersive technologies.

The programme brings academic research together with creative practice, so scholars can work on both the conceptual and applied sides of media, design, and technology while addressing current global questions in the creative industries.

The School offers doctoral research in three specialised domains: Media and Communication Studies; Fashion and Apparel Studies; and Multimedia, Animation and VFX. Research areas include media ethics, digital transformation, audience behaviour, production practices, design innovation, consumer studies, and sustainable systems.

As per UGC guidelines, the eligibility criteria for admission to the Ph.D. programme include:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field from a recognised university.
• A minimum of 55% marks or an equivalent grade in the qualifying examination.
• Relaxation of 5% for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer) and differently-abled candidates.
• Qualification in a national-level eligibility test such as UGC NET (including JRF), CSIR NET, GATE, or any other equivalent examination conducted by central agencies.
• The University conducts the Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET) twice a year.

Cut-offs, entrance test schedules, and interview dates change each cycle. Candidates should check the official DY Patil University admissions page before applying.

The School of Creative Studies offers doctoral research across three specialised domains:

Media and Communication Studies

Research in journalism, advertising, public relations, digital media, film, and emerging communication technologies.

Fashion and Apparel Studies

Research in fashion design, textile studies, sustainability, fashion communication, and global industry trends.

Multimedia, Animation and VFX

Research in animation, visual effects, game design, motion graphics, and immersive media, including virtual and augmented reality.

Scholars are trained in advanced research methodologies, theoretical frameworks, creative processes, and analytical tools. The programmes are designed to:

• Support original and useful research contributions.
• Encourage work across creative and technological domains.
• Promote ethical, socially relevant, and globally informed inquiry.
• Enable engagement with real industry challenges.

Key research areas include media ethics, digital transformation, audience behaviour, production practices, design innovation, consumer studies, and sustainable systems.

• Three specialised domains: Media and Communication Studies; Fashion and Apparel Studies; Multimedia, Animation and VFX.
• Full-time and part-time modes, in line with UGC guidelines.
• D. Entrance Test (PET) conducted twice a year.
• Structured induction into research methods, theoretical frameworks, and analytical tools.
• State-of-the-art media labs, design studios, garment labs, and animation and VFX facilities.
• Access to industry-standard tools and technologies.
• Mentorship from experienced faculty and industry experts.
• Fee of INR 2,00,000/- per year for 2026–2027.

As per UGC guidelines, the duration of the Ph.D. programme is as follows:

Minimum Duration:

• 3 years (Full-time)
• 4 years (Part-time)

Maximum Duration:

• 6 years (Full-time)
• 7 years (Part-time)

Extensions beyond the maximum duration may be granted in exceptional cases, subject to university regulations.

VIEW PET Notification OCT 2026

The Ph.D. programme is suited for individuals who show:

• Aspirations for careers in academia, industry, research, consulting, or leadership roles.
• A strong academic background and genuine interest in research.
• Commitment to independent research.
• Intellectual curiosity and the ability to critically analyse and contribute to existing knowledge.

The University provides a research-oriented academic environment supported by:

• State-of-the-art media labs and studios.
• Well-equipped design studios and garment labs.
• Advanced animation and VFX facilities.
• Access to industry-standard tools and technologies.

Mentorship from experienced faculty and industry experts

Fee for the 2026–2027 academic year is INR 2,00,000/- per year. Candidates should refer to the official admissions page for the current fee structure, payment schedule, and any applicable scholarships.

Scholars are trained in advanced research methodologies, theoretical frameworks, creative processes, and analytical tools.

The programmes are designed to:
• Foster original and impactful research contributions
• Encourage innovation across creative and technological domains
• Promote ethical, socially relevant, and globally informed inquiry
• Enable engagement with real-world industry challenges

Key research areas include media ethics, digital transformation, audience behaviour, production practices, design innovation, consumer studies and sustainable systems.

Admission to the Ph.D. programmes is conducted through:

• Ph.D. Entrance Test (PET), conducted twice a year by the University.
• Personal Interview with the doctoral committee.

The next PET notification is for October 2026. Candidates should refer to the official DY Patil University admissions page for the current PET notification, application form, and important dates.

Graduates of the Ph.D. programme move into careers in:

• Academia and research.
• Media and communication industries.
• Fashion and apparel industries.
• Animation, VFX, and gaming sectors.
• Creative leadership and entrepreneurship.

Doctoral graduates typically work as faculty, researchers, senior consultants, creative directors, policy advisors, and independent scholars across the creative and cultural industries.

• Doctoral research across three domains: media and communication, fashion and apparel, and multimedia, animation and VFX, in a single school.
• UGC-aligned programme structure with clear minimum and maximum duration, and Ph.D. Entrance Test conducted twice a year.
• Access to media labs, design studios, garment labs, and animation and VFX facilities on campus.
• Mentorship from experienced faculty combined with industry experts.
• Focus on interdisciplinary research that combines academic study with creative practice.
• Fee of INR 2,00,000/- per year, one of the more accessible doctoral fees in the creative industries in India.
• Career Service Department support for placements, industry linkages, and post-doctoral pathways.