I’m currently in class XII (science). I want to know which institutes offer study programmes in psychology and forensics and what are their admission requirements?
Nalini Raman, Chennai
If you are interested in practising as a psychologist you need to complete your postgraduation in the subject. Subsequently it’s advisable to acquire a Ph D to practice forensic psychology. Alternatively you could enrol for a B.Sc degree programme followed by an M.Sc in forensic science. Most universities offer postgraduate programmes in psychology and forensic science. Adm-ission is on the basis of performance in entrance exams.
I’m in class XII (science) and keen on qualifying as an engineer. What’s the difference between computer software and hardware engineering and electrical and electronics engineering?
Deepak Rao, Bangalore
Computer hardware engineers research, design, manufacture, test, and oversee the installation of IT hardware. Software programming is about creating source codes to confi-gure computer systems. Computer operating systems, office suites, word processing programmes and even internet dialling software is the outcome of the work of programmers. Software engineers develop and maintain reliable, efficient, and affordable software systems in accordance with customer specifications.
Electronics and electrical engineering involves creation of electronic devices and systems for sensing, transmitting and processing information, and systems for generating, controlling and applying energy and power. An electrical or electronics engineering degree from a reputed college will qualify you for the best jobs (with good remuneration) in the parent domain as also in hardware engineering and software programming.
After acquiring my BBA (bachelor’s in business administration) degree in 2011, I want to read for an MBA. I’ve already written some B-school entrance exams but if I’m not selected is it advisable to get an MBA through distance education? Or should I take a one-year break and prepare for CAT?
Sudha Mehta, Mumbai
If you don’t receive an admission offer this year, it would be advisable to take up a job in the junior manage-ment/executive cadre of a corporate organisation. Work experience of two years adds weight to your B-school admission application. Acquiring an MBA through distance education rules out campus placement. On the other hand signing up for a full-time MBA programme after two years of work experience will improve your long-term career prospects.
Which universities in the UK and US offer the MBA degree programme with specialisation in banking and insurance? I complete my B.Com degree in 2011.
Reena Dias, Panjim
Well-reputed universities in the US and UK admit students with at least three years work experience into their MBA programmes. If you don’t have the work experience required, it’s best to pursue a Masters degree progra-mme. Also it’s advisable to apply to B-schools globally, rather than restrict your options to a particular country. Log on to www.ft.com for a list of top B-schools worldwide.
After I graduate in statistics in 2012, I want to pursue a Masters in econo-mics. Please suggest some reputed institutions offering this programme.
Surjit Singh, New Delhi
If you fare well in your bachelor’s programme, you will become eligible to apply for the Masters programme offered by the Delhi School of Econo-mics; University of Mumbai; IGIDR Mumbai etc. Entrance test details are available on www.econdse.org; http://www.mu.ac.in/arts/social_science/eco/pdfs/MA_Entrance and www.igidr.ac.in respectively.
I’m interested in a career in mass communications after B.Sc (computer science). Please advise on postgrad diploma courses I could pursue.
Pooja Shah, Ahmedabad
Postgraduate certification in mass communications leads to careers in journalism, copywriting, public relations and related fields. On the other hand, an MBA in communications will qualify you for management positions in media organisations and/or brand management and corporate communications in industry. Some of the more reputed institutes and universities offering postgrad diploma programmes in mass communication are: Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi; Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s colleges of communication in major cities across the country; Pune University; Nagpur University; University of Mumbai; Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, Pune; Asian College of Journ-alism, Chennai; Mudra Institute of Mass Communication, Ahmedabad; Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi among others. They offer postgraduation in mass communi-cation/public relations/electronic media. Several B-schools also offer an MBA with specialisation in communications.
After I complete my M.Sc in pharma-cology I want to press on for a Ph D in the subject. Would an MBA diploma give me an edge over Ph D for a career in the pharmaceutical industry?
Subir Ghosh, Kolkata
Since you’re keen on acquiring a doctorate, I presume you’re interested in research and development jobs as also teaching in higher education institutions. Hence signing up for an MBA will not be of much use.
Will I be qualified for a job in the IT industry after completing my bachelor’s in computer applications (BCA) or do I need a Masters degree?
Siddharth Iyer, Bangalore
Employment depends on your academic record and reputation of the college from which you graduate. An MCA degree definitely gives you an edge in the jobs market.
I’m in class X and want to qualify as an architect. Please advise.
Seema Agarwal, New Delhi
You have to first complete class XII in any discipline with maths as a subject and then apply for admission into the bachelor of architecture programme offered by several universities and engineering colleges across the country. Admission is usually based on an aptitude test.