After completing my bachelor’s degree in architecture, I want to pursue a Masters in the subject. Please suggest universities offering a postgrad qualification in architecture with specialisation in environmental design and planning.
Shirish Kulkarni, Mumbai
CEPT University, Ahmedabad (www.cept.ac.in) offers an M.Tech programme in environmental planning, and the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (www.spa.ac.in) offers a Masters programme in the subject. Moreover the School of Science and Technology, Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik (www.ycmou.com) offers an M.Arch programme in environmental architecture while the Rachana Sansad, postgraduate department, Mumbai 400025, offers a one-year (part-time) postgrad diploma in construction/environmental architecture.
I want to know about the CPA (Certified Public Accountants) course. Will it help improve my job prospects?
Shekhar Rao, Bangalore
Since CPA certification is only required for accountants working in the US, it does not have direct implications for working in India, although it would be a valuable addition. The CPA study programme is a diploma course offered by several Indian tutorial companies. Watch out for ads of these companies in prominent dailies.
I’m doing a postgraduate programme in HRD and labour welfare. What are my job prospects in the retail industry? Can I do a course in retail management via distance learning?
Ashok Chatterjee, Kolkata
Job opportunities are aplenty in the retail sector, although it is experiencing hard times in the current global economic meltdown. A few institutions offer distance learning programmes in retail, but please note, a distance learning degree without relevant work experience won’t give you an advantage in the jobs market.
The Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, Pune (www.scdl.net) and Madurai Kamaraj University, Directorate of Distance Education (www. mkudde.org) offer 12-month postgrad diploma courses, while the Anna University Centre for Distance Education, Chennai (www.annauniv.edu/cde) offers an MBA with specialisation in retail management.
I’m in second year BA and want to enrol in an MBA programme in a foreign university. Do I need to write GMAT?
Erica D’Silva, Mumbai
The GMAT or the Graduate Management Admission Test must be written by graduates applying to universities and B-schools for admission into MBA and other business-related study programmes. The test is divided into three parts — verbal, quantitative and written. You need to complete your graduation and work for a few years before qualifying for entry into an MBA programme abroad. On the basis of your GMAT score (max. 800) you are eligible for admission in B-schools in Australia, Canada, Europe and the US.
Please advise if I can pursue a degree in mass communication after completing class XII next year.
Sunil Chawla, New Delhi
It isn’t necessary to acquire a bachelor’s degree in mass communication to work in the media. A degree in any subject is usually acceptable, provided you have a flair for writing. One option is to enrol for a postgraduate diploma in journalism or media studies. A commerce, business or economics degree provides a good base for a career in business journalism, an arts degree is excellent for mainstream journalism, while a B.Sc degree is ideal for science journalism.
I’ve just written my class X exam. Do I need to complete class XII to qualify for admission into a fashion design school in the UK?
Nalini Subramaniam, Chennai
To be admitted into a bachelor’s programme abroad, you need to complete your class XII. Based on your academic score, you can decide which college/university in the UK is best for you. However to acquire a diploma in fashion design, clearing your class XII school-leaving exam is usually sufficient.
Do I need to write an entrance test to get admission into an MCA (Master of computer applications) degree programme?
Arun Nair, Trivandrum
Yes, you need to write an entrance test. Very often there is a common entrance test conducted by state governments for admission into various colleges offering MCA. However some individual universities/institutes such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Pune and Delhi universities conduct their own entrance tests.
I’m in third year BA and keen on getting an LLB degree after graduation. Can I acquire it through distance learning?
Deepa Shah, Ahmedabad
You can’t get an LLB degree through distance education. You can get a bachelor of academic law or general law degree through correspondence. But this qualification isn’t sufficient for practicing in courts of law. You need to read full-time for a three-year LLB degree to qualify as a fully-fledged lawyer.
I’m in class XII (commerce). I am confused about whether I should opt for a BCA, MCA or BMS degree. Please advise.
Daisy Sidhwa, Bangalore
While BCA graduates enjoy reasonably good job prospects, it would be advisable to opt for an MCA degree to reach the top. On the other hand if you intend to enrol in an MBA programme, a bachelor’s degree in management studies (BMS) is a good foundation. After graduating with a BMS degree, you also have the option to sign up for professional postgraduate courses in journalism, mass communication, advertising and public relations, LLB (three years), social work, human resources management, hospital management etc.
Which study programme offers better job prospects — B.Sc or BCA?
Neeraj Swamy, Bangalore
Job opportunities don’t vary too much; the critical factor is the credibility of the institution you enrol with, its market reputation and campus placement record.