HCD Global Immersion · One-year hybrid programme · Next cohort January 2027
One certification. Nordic universities. A career in global design.
A hybrid programme for design and engineering graduates in the UAE and beyond, preparing them for leading global universities in sustainability, systems thinking and human-centred design. Certified by DIC, IIT Hyderabad, India.
Who it's for
For graduates heading to the world's best design programmes.
The programme is built for recent design, engineering and related graduates who want a structured path to global universities, original research to their name and a credible international portfolio.
- Recent graduates in design, engineering and related fields
- Mid-career professionals on a career break
- Entrepreneurs and founders
- Employees sponsored by their organisation
- Applicants from the UAE, India and South Asia to postgraduate programmes abroad
What you'll learn
Six modules, from first principles to a university application.
01
Foundations
Principles of Human-Centred Design: history, philosophy and methods through live sessions, readings and a written reflection. Your academic portfolio starts here.
02
Research
Design Research Methods: qualitative and quantitative methods, fieldwork and at least one primary study, documented as a portfolio chapter.
03
Writing
Academic Writing and Publication: write and submit original research to peer-reviewed journals with faculty guidance. Milestone: at least one paper submitted.
04
Portfolio
Academic Portfolio Development: two faculty review sessions and a final faculty sign-off before university submission.
05
Residential (optional)
Residential fellowship at DIC Hub, IIT Hyderabad, India: fellows work with faculty and doctoral researchers on live projects.
06
Pathway
Nordic University Pathway: application guidance, portfolio review and introductions to admissions teams.
Residential fellowship
Three to six months on campus at DIC Hub, IIT Hyderabad, India.
Two fellows per cohort are offered a residential fellowship at DIC Hub, IIT Hyderabad, India, working alongside faculty and doctoral researchers on live projects. The fellowship is awarded on academic performance, not applied for at enrolment.
- Places: 2 per cohort
- Duration: 3–6 months on campus
- Hostel accommodation and a stipend
- Meals covered by the fellowship
Nordic pathway
Structured support towards Nordic universities.
The pathway is run in partnership with Miðstöð Hönnunar og Arkitektúrs (Iceland Design and Architecture). It offers application guidance, portfolio review and facilitated introductions to Nordic universities focused on sustainability and systems design.
The pathway is structured support, not a guarantee of admission. Access depends on meeting the programme's academic standards.
Outcomes
What you leave with.
Credential
Certificate from DIC, IIT Hyderabad, India
Awarded on completing coursework, the portfolio and paper submission.
Research
A submitted paper
At least one paper submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.
Portfolio
A faculty-reviewed portfolio
Signed off by faculty before university submission.
Access
Campus and pathway
Monthly campus visits for all students and structured Nordic pathway support.
Next cohort
January 2027. Rolling admissions.
- Next cohortJanuary 2027. Places are offered on a rolling basis until the cohort is full.
- DecisionWithin 48 hours of the admissions call.
- Pre-immersion packSent two weeks before the start.
01
Enquire
Name, organisation, role and a one-paragraph description of your goals.
02
Statement of purpose
Two pages, reviewed by the admissions panel.
03
Admissions call
30 minutes to test your goals and fit, and walk you through the programme investment.
04
Confirmation
Decision within 48 hours; pre-immersion pack two weeks before the start.
FAQ
Common questions.
How long is the programme?
When is the next cohort?
How do I find out about the investment?
What certificate do I receive?
Does the Nordic pathway guarantee admission?
Next cohort · January 2027