I’m keen on studying robotics after completing my engineering degree in 2013. Which universities offer a Masters programme in robotics? Ravi Krishnan, Chennai In India, studies related to robot technology and its ramifications are conducted by the Union government’s department of science and technology (DST) and department of scientific and industrial research. Research and development opportunities are also available with the departments of electronics and ocean development. The IITs are also in the vanguard of providing robotics study programmes. Abroad, several universities in the UK and Canada offer M.Sc degree programmes in robotics and automation. I’m a third year B.Com student interested in signing up for an MBA programme. How do I prepare for the CAT (Common Admission Test)? Nirmala Rao, Bangalore It’ll be helpful if you enroll in a coaching class as it will familiarise you with the CAT question paper pattern and syllabus. Over 400,000 students write CAT every year, of whom only 4,000 are admitted into the IIMs and other top B-schools. It’s a tough and competitive exam, so you need to study hard to get into a reputed B-school. I’ll be awarded a B.Sc degree in 2013. Can I work in the glamour industry through the MBA marketing route? I’m not a singer, dancer, actor or fashion designer. Mahesh Malkani, Mumbai If you want to work in the entertainment industry, you should apply for jobs in FMCG companies which sign up cricket stars and Bollywood celebrities as brand ambassadors, for which an MBA (marketing) is a good choice. With a marketing specialisation, you also have the option of employment in events, sports and celebrity management companies which represent the commercial interests of actors, models and sportspersons. I’m keen on reading economics after class XII. Should I enroll in a B.Com or B.Sc degree programme with economics as major? Malini Kelkar, Pune You could sign up for an honours degree in economics or a bachelor’s in business economics. You also have the option of a BBA (bachelor of business administration) degree with economics. Admission into an economics Masters programme is open to economics graduates as also graduates from other streams with strong mathematics/statistics background. Job opportunities are plentiful for specialists in economic research and policy, finance, banking, investment management, teaching, IAS etc. Please provide information about the sandwich degree engineering programme offered by UK universities. What are the admission requirements? Satish Chawla, New Delhi A sandwich degree in engineering incorporates a 12-month industry placement after the second year, adding a year to the three-year study programme. It differs from the standard bachelor’s programme inasmuch as you acquire valuable industry experience while studying. Work experience added to the academic experience, gives sandwich degree students an edge usually reflected in their final year examination grades. Moreover, students earn a stipend during the sandwich year. This programme offered by British universities is similar to the co-op option offered by some universities in the US and Canada. What does it take to enroll in a B-school in the US, UK, or…
