I’m a BAMS (bachelor of ayurvedic medicine and surgery) graduate practising in Pune and simultaneously studying law (LLB). Can I practise as a medico-legal consultant?
Shailesh Patil, Pune
I suggest you check with a law firm that deals with medico-legal cases or even your law college whether you qualify to practise on completion of your degree programme. Meanwhile, you could top up your law degree with a correspondence course in medical law. The Symbiosis Centre of Health Care, Pune (www.schcpune.com) offers a postgrad diploma programme (postal and online) in medico-legal systems. The National Law School of India University, Bangalore (www.nls.ac.in) also offers a one-year postgrad diploma in medical law and ethics through distance education.
I’m keen on a career as a sound recordist after completing B. Sc in 2015. Please suggest reputed institutes which offer courses in sound recording. What are the employment prospects of qualified sound engineers?
Sumeet Aggarwal, Mumbai
A sound engineer combines knowledge of physics and recording technology with an ear for sound and music. Sound engineers record high-quality music, speech and sound effects in recording studios and ‘on location’ using complex electronic equipment for music companies, radio, TV, films, advertising agencies, websites, computer and mobile devices.
Sound recording/engineering is usually offered as a three-year diploma programme to physics/electronics graduates. Among the top-rated institutes which formally train sound engineers are the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune; MGR Government Film and Television Training Institute, Tharamani, Chennai; Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata; Mumbai University; SAE School of Audio Engineering at Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram; Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai and Zee Institute of Media Arts, Mumbai.
After completion of your course, you could work full-time for a recording studio, or freelance. Most recording studios are based in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad. The music and entertainment industry is growing rapidly and the remuneration is excellent for professionals with ability and experience.
I’m interested in pursuing an actuarial science course through correspondence. Which institutes offer this study programme?
Sudha Iyengar, Bangalore
You are eligible for the actuarial study programme if you have cleared class XII or equivalent examination. Candidates with aptitude for maths/statistics (85 percent plus) are ideally suited to train as actuaries. This is a self-study course and can be pursued conterminously with a formal bachelor’s degree programme. For details, contact Actuarial Society of India, 9, Jeevan Udyog, 278, Dr. D.N. Road, Fort, Mumbai.
After completing class XII (science) in physics, chemistry, maths and biology next year, I want to enroll for a B. Tech/BE degree course in computer engineering. What’s the admission process and career prospects?
Arvind Swamy, Chennai
There’s plenty of scope for career advancement in computer engineering, especially if you graduate from a well-reputed college.
Numerous engineering colleges countrywide offer computer engineering study programmes. While state colleges have their own admission processes/entrance tests, for admission into the IITs, clearance of IIT-JEE exam is mandatory. A listing of institutions offering computer engineering degree courses in the states is available on www.dte.org.in. For engineering colleges using AIEEE (All India Engineering Entrance Exam) scores for admissions, visit www.aieee.nic.in.
I’m interested in a career in mass communication after completing my B. Sc (computer science) in 2015. What are my study options?
Shalini Das, New Delhi
A postgraduate programme in mass communication will qualify you for careers in journalism, copywriting, public relations and related vocations. On the other hand, an MBA in communication would qualify you for management positions in media organisations or in brand management/corporate communication/marketing jobs in industry. Choose your programme based on your abilities and goals.
I’m in class XI (science) and interested in pursuing a career in marine engineering. What are the eligibility requirements?
S. chakraborthy, Kolkata
The eligibility criterion for admission into marine engineering study programmes is completion of class XII with physics, chemistry, mathematics and English. In addition, you need to be medically fit though spectacles upto plus or minus 2.5 are allowed. To qualify as a marine engineer, you need to complete a four-year undergrad programme in marine engineering or a mechanical engineering degree combined with a pre-sea marine engineering trainee programme.
Among the institutions offering four-year marine engineering degree courses are Marine Engineering Research Institute, Kolkata; Tolani Maritime Institute, Induri; R.L. Institute of Nautical Sciences, Madurai; Naval Maritime Academy, Visakhapatnam, and the Don Bosco Maritime Academy, Mumbai.