I want to pursue postgraduate studies in maths after completing my engineering degree next year. Please suggest courses available.
Rajan Narayan, Chennai
You can sign up for a Masters in maths in any of the following disciplines: statistical mathematics, statistical methods, applied mathematics, industrial mathematics, applied statistics, numerical mathematics, pure mathematics and mathematical economics.
Over 135 universities in the country offer postgrad programmes in mathematics. Another option is the integrated M.Sc-Ph D programme offered by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai; Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, and Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad.
I’m in class XI (science) and want to qualify as a psychiatrist. What’s the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist? Which career is more rewarding?
Nalini Iyer, Bangalore
To qualify as a psychiatrist, you must first graduate in medicine (MBBS) and then sign up for a three-year specialised postgrad degree in the subject. Psychiatrists are qualified doctors authorised to prescribe drugs to patients. On the other hand, psychologists are arts postgraduates and work as counselors; they are not authorised to treat/prescribe medication to patients. Psychiatry is a more rewarding career as once reputation is built, income flow is excellent.
I’m a commerce graduate with several years of work experience in finance and accounts. I’m also currently studying for the ICWA programme to improve my career prospects. I want to know if I’m eligible to apply for jobs in public and private sector banks, public sector companies etc.
Sunita Mehta, Ahmedabad
You are eligible to apply for positions in banks as well as private companies. Browse through job sites and placement agencies to learn about vacancies. However, many companies specify age requirements, so cross-check before applying.
I’m a class XII science (physics, chemistry and maths) student interested in waste recycling and environmental engineering. Which institutes in India offer these courses?
Navin Aggarwal, New Delhi
Numerous institutes and colleges in India offer undergraduate as well as postgrad programmes in environmental sciences/zoology/life sciences etc. Some institutes also offer postgraduate diploma programmes in environmental science and management.
I’m a third year B.Sc (IT) student keen on enroling in a Master of fine arts (MFA) degree programme abroad. Please advise.
Sudha Patil, Mumbai
You must first choose a foreign country and then decide on a course since eligibility criteria vary widely. For Masters degree programmes, most foreign universities require a bachelor’s degree in the relevant discipline, above average academic track record as well as acceptable entrance exam scores. International students also need to submit proof of English language proficiency — TOEFL or IELTS scores.
I’m an MBA student interested in corporate law. Which reputed universities abroad offer courses in international law? Will qualifying abroad help my career in India?
Ralph D’Souza, Panjim
Law degree courses in all countries are general in nature and don’t offer specialisation in any one area of legal practice i.e criminal, civil, corporate etc. You may choose electives in some specific areas, but your field of specialisation will be based on your work experience after qualifying. Study of law in any country trains you to practice law in that particular country. It’s inadvisable to read law in one country, and work in another.
If you wish to add value to your MBA degree/diploma by reading business law, it might be better to opt for a company secretary’s course or the two-year Master of business laws programme offered by National Law School of India University, Bangalore through the distance education mode. This programme covers contract law, laws relating to banking and financial institutions, corporates, industrial relations, environmental policy, investment, insurance, taxation of corporations and commodities, etc.
I plan to move to Singapore after acquiring my computer science degree in 2016. What higher education opportunities are available in Singapore? I’m also considering the US. Please advise.
Ashok Nair, Kerala
The National University of Singapore and several other institutions offer numerous courses in computer sciences. Moreover, universities in the US offering computer science and related courses are aplenty. Postgrad students in the US also have the option of acquiring international work experience through OPT (optional practical training), under which they are allowed to work for 12-29 months after completion of the course. Carefully research the university before making your final decision.
As a diploma student, can I write the IIT-JEE entrance exam?
Deepak Sule, Pune
Yes, diploma students are eligible to write the IIT-JEE exam and if they pass the mains as well as advanced exams, they qualify for admission into any one of India’s 16 IITs.