Which are the top universities worldwide offering Master’s degrees in ophthalmology, and what are their admission requirements?
Nasreen Shaikh, Bangalore
Several British universities offer excellent postgraduate programmes in ophthalmology. The minimum eligibility requirement is a bachelor’s degree in medicine, biomedical sciences or life sciences. Foreign students, whose first language is not English, also need to submit IELTS scores. Among reputable universities in the UK offering Masters programmes in ophthalmology are Edinburgh, Glasgow, Caledonian universities and University College, London.
What are my employment options after completion of my BBA-LLB programme in 2016? Do I need a postgraduate degree?
Anjali Puri, New Delhi
This legal qualification offers excellent prospects and employability options across different industries and organisations. You need not pursue higher studies unless your priorities change. However, a postgraduate degree in law will open up work opportunities in teaching and academia.
I want to pursue a career in sports management. What are the job prospects?
Nitin Rele, Pune
There’s no shortage of career opportunities in this field. With sports becoming big business there are openings galore in the media, sports medicine, team administration and management, financial consultancy, events management, public relations, etc. I would advise you to complete your graduation in commerce or arts with psychology and then sign up for the postgrad diploma course of the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Kolkata or International Institute of Sports Management, Mumbai. You could also consider distance education courses of Jiwaji University, Gwalior or Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu.
After completing my B.Sc degree next year, I want to enrol in an MBA programme with specialisation in pharmaceutical management. What are my options?
SIDDHARTH DESAI, Ahmedabad
Pharmaceutical management and MBA (biotechnology) are two-year courses, for which you are eligible to apply. Entrance tests for these programmes are similar to the general MBA diploma programmes. You could also consider applying for specialised management courses such as insurance, retail and international business management.
I will complete class XII (science) in 2016, after which I plan to enrol in the Naval College of Engineering (NCE), Lonavala. What are its admission criteria?
Darius Mehta, Mumbai
The admission notification of NCE, Lonavala is published twice a year in prominent dailies. Unmarried male citizens aged between 16-19 years, who have cleared Plus Two or equivalent from a recognised exam board with a minimum 75 percent average in physics, chemistry, mathematics and at least 50 percent in English, are eligible to apply. Minimum height should be 157 cm with correlated weight and proportionate chest with minimum 5 cm expansion, and uncorrected vision without glasses 6/6, 6/6.
Applicants are shortlisted on the basis of their class XII school-leaving examination results with toppers called for interview with the Services Selection Board (SSB) where they are put through psychological tests, assigned individual and group tasks, participate in discussions, topped off by an interview. Candidates selected by the SSB and declared medically fit are provided training in order of merit, depending upon the number of vacancies. The NCE trains officers for marine/electrical/electronics/aeronautical engineering and naval architecture cadres of the Indian Navy. On successful completion of the programme, students are awarded a B.Tech degree by the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi.
I want to sign up for a degree programme in biotechnology after Plus Two (science). Which colleges in Mumbai/Pune offer undergraduate courses in biotechnology?
Neeta Sawant, Pune
The B.Sc (biotechnology) degree programme is offered by several colleges affiliated with the University of Mumbai. For the full listing, visit www.mu.ac.in. Admission is usually on the basis of average marks in the class XII board exam. The University of Pune offers a five-year integrated M.Sc (biotechnology) and another six-year integrated M.Sc (biotechnology) course for Plus Two graduates. Admission is on the basis of an entrance test. For further information contact the University of Pune, Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, c/o Department of Zoology, Ganeshkund, Pune 411007.
I plan to study abroad after completion of my BE degree next year. Which country would you recommend for MBA studies?
Dilip Chatterjee, Kolkata
To qualify for admission into reputed B-schools abroad, you need three years of full-time work experience after graduation. Moreover, they require applicants to submit GMAT as well as English proficiency test (TOEFL or IELTS) scores. Consider applying to B-schools globally rather than focusing on one country. The website www.ft.com lists the world’s top B-schools.