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Diploma in Universal Design · First cohort · Applications open
Universal design: design that works for everyone.
A six-month, studio-led diploma for architects, designers, doctors, administrators and advocates. Awarded by MG University, taught by HCD Institute and co-delivered with DIC Hub, IIT Hyderabad.
The programme
Design with disabled users, not for them.
The diploma is anchored at the Inter University Centre for Disability Studies (IUCDS) at MG University and taught in HCD Institute's studio tradition. After a conceptual foundation, the work is mostly making and testing, ending in a live capstone sourced through the Centre. Persons with disabilities join the cohort as participants.
Who it's for
Three groups who shape how inclusive the world is.
Built and digital world
Makers
Architects, engineers, planners, and product, UX and communication designers.
Care and rehabilitation
Clinicians and educators
Doctors, occupational and physiotherapists, rehabilitation professionals and special educators.
Governance and advocacy
Commissioners and advocates
Civil services officers, administrators, CSR leaders and disability-rights advocates, including persons with disabilities training as auditors and consultants.
- What we look forA genuine reason to design for inclusion, openness to work across disciplines, and willingness to learn with disabled users.
What you'll learn
Five modules and a capstone studio.
- 01 · Foundations: Disability, Rights & InclusionThe social and rights-based model of disability, the spectrum of ability, and the Indian legal framework (UNCRPD, RPwD Act 2016). Shared vocabulary and lived-experience immersion with IUCDS.
- 02 · Principles of Universal DesignThe 7 Principles of Universal Design, the evolution to design-for-all, accessibility vs assistive technology vs reasonable accommodation, anthropometrics and ergonomics. Applied by auditing real spaces and products.
- 03 · Human-Centred Methods for Inclusion (Studio)Immersion and ethnography, co-design, accessibility auditing, prototyping and testing. Milestone: each participant runs a co-design session with disabled users.
- 04 · Domains of ApplicationA common overview, then one specialisation track: built environment and mobility; digital and ICT accessibility (WCAG); or products, communication and services.
- 05 · Policy, Systems & ImplementationStandards, procurement, enforcement, the Accessible India Campaign, governance and urban missions, the business case and advocacy: moving inclusive design into institutional adoption.
- 06 · Capstone StudioA live brief through IUCDS (an audited building, public service, digital product or community need), worked in interdisciplinary teams and shown at a public jury and exhibition that includes the disability community.
Capstone
From brief to tested prototype, with a live user group.
The capstone is sourced through the Centre for Disability Studies and closes with a public jury and exhibition.
Outcomes
What you take away.
Credential
Diploma in Universal Design
Awarded by MG University on completion of coursework, studio work and the capstone.
Portfolio
A tested capstone project
Taken from brief to prototype with a live user group.
Method
Working command of HCD
Co-design, accessibility auditing and prototyping with disabled users.
Depth
Domain specialisation
Built environment, digital accessibility, or products and services.
Network
People who stay with you
Faculty, the IUCDS disability community and your cohort peers.
Fees and dates
Investment and admissions.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Programme fee | On application |
| Included | Studio, capstone and mentoring; toolkit and studio materials; six-month diploma |
| Scholarship-supported seats | For persons with disabilities and the social sector |
| At participant cost | Travel and personal expenses |
| Instalments and concessions | Available, as set out in the admissions pack |
- First cohortBegins late October 2026.
- ApplicationsOpen now. Apply early.
- DecisionWithin 48 hours of the admissions call.
01
Application form
Name, background, current work and a short note on motivation.
02
Statement of purpose
Two pages, reviewed by the HCD–IUCDS panel: your background and the problem you want to solve; why Universal Design and why now; how you will use the diploma and capstone.
03
Admissions call
30 minutes to check fit with your goals and schedule.
04
Confirmation
Decision within 48 hours, with a welcome pack: joining details, reading and the studio calendar.
FAQ
Common questions.
Who awards the diploma?
Where and how is it taught?
What does it cost?
When does it start?
Apply