Are you planning on doing a course in the UK?
What are the best options available in your field of interest? Does the college you've applied to offer a degree recognised in India?
What is a 'trusted partner' and how do they help in the UK application process?
To answer these and many other reader questions, Indranil Ghosh, an expert on the Education UK team, British Council, hosted a chat on August 6. For those of you missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript:
IndranilGhosh says, Greetings from the British Council. We are ready to take your questions.
sneha asked, what are the job prospects like in the advertising field in the UK?
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Sneha, Courses in the UK are world renowned and recognised. We however cannot advise on prospects after completion as they are entirely dependent on a student's capability. Colleges in the UK has a job shop on campus and the career advisors help you seek jobs after completion of your course. In addition to this; from 30 June 2008, international graduates who have studied in the UK will be free to seek employment for up to two years under Tier 1 of the Points Based System (PBS). This allows the most able international graduates to find work in the UK without the need for a sponsor or work permit. Tier 1 (Post-study work) replaces IGS and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. For more information, log on to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk
minki asked, is there any short term course like for 6 months,i had done,b.com,m.com and 6 months computer course.which course i apply for.
IndranilGhosh answers, There are a number of short term courses in different subjects. For a course search logon to www.educationuk-in.org. This website will help you with a wide range of courses in many institutions
RajeshG asked, I have done my masters in physics, what are the steps to enrol for phd from an UK university.
IndranilGhosh answers, Thank you for your participation. Generally, the qualification required for pursuing a PhD is a Masters degree or an MPhil and evidence that you know something about research procedures. Some experience of working alone on a research project is very useful. A research proposal is essential part of any research degree application. This should be short (perhaps two-page) summary, based on research in your field. Short-list the institutions that you will like to apply to. Check your selected universities' web sites via www.educationuk-in.org Find out the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) rating www.hero.ac.uk/rae There are a number of scholarships and fellowships available for postgraduate/research students ranging from part to full tuition fee to full cost of study. Please log on to our websitehttp://www1.britishcouncil.org/india-scholarships.htm for information on scholarships.
Moumita asked, what outcome will i get if i study German in UK?
IndranilGhosh answers, If you ask us, the best way to study a language is probably studying it in a country where it is a native language.However, if you are interested to study English, then UK may be a very good option!
vikas asked, What are job/other earning prospects for a company secretary in UK
IndranilGhosh answers, Dear Vikas, we unfortunately are unable to advise on earning prospects as it depends on a lot of factors including an individual's achievements and capabilities. However you could try researching www.ukcosa.org.uk or www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk for some insight
manish asked, I want to do MBA in international marketing from Collge of New Cassetl, University of Whales kindly let me know about the college and placement
IndranilGhosh answers, UDear Manish, UK education has a world wide reputation for quality. There are two formal rakings available: Check out http://www.unistats.com/ It brings together key sources of official information about the quality of higher education in UK universities and colleges. Also Research Assessment Exercise www.hero.ac.uk/rae The RAE provides quality ratings for research across all subjects. Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 5* (highest). For employment and career prospects check http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk
manish asked, kindly let me know during my study I will get 20 hour job work easily
IndranilGhosh answers, Full-time students from India are allowed to 20 Hours of paid employment during term time. It is fairly common for students to be engaged in various kinds of employment both on and off campus. Check out your institution's International Students' Office or Career office for information on job postings.
raova asked, i have done my masters in Management and with a score of 6.5 in IELTS. what are the job prospects if i do another management course over there
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi, MBA's are very popular degrees and are sought after internationally. If you do your MBA from a recognised UK institution, we would presume that you will find very well-rewarding career opportunities.
Rajesh asked, Hi Indranil, My name is Rajesh and I have received offer letter from University of Arts London for MA in Print Media Management course. I want to know if there are any scholarships that I can appy for - Sept 08 is the intake
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Rajesh,Unfortunately the deadlines for scholarship applications for the academic year 2008 have passed. However, in case you are interested to apply for some for sessions beginning in 2009, you could find further information at http://www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships/
Anup asked, Hello I have got selected in napier univ. My question is documents reqd in applying for visa requires last 5 years IT returns. and my father is working in gulf since long so wat are the alternative documents that can be submitted?
IndranilGhosh answers, Dear Anup, As far as we are aware three years of IT returns are usually fine. However, you could check http://www.vfs-uk-in.com/ for further advice on visas or write to the following emails for further clarifications. West India: vfsuk.west@vfs-uk-in.com East India: vfsuk.east@vfs-uk-in.com North India: vfsuk.north@vfs-uk-in.com South India: vfsuk.south@vfs-uk-in.com
Saif asked, I have done my graduations in mass communications, i want to pursue my masters from UK. Will MA in Mass Communications or Media Management be a better option in terms of job prospects?
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Saif, Both Mass Communications and Media Management are much in demand these days. However, Media Management is a focussed area of study whereas Mass Communications aims to develop a broad understanding of the different channels of communication. We would advise that you consult with the admissions offices of different institutions to gain a further understanding of the course contents. That way it may be easier for you to take a decision.
srinivasan asked, I am currently working for the past 5 years and have finished my masters in Engineering from environmental managment. Can I pursue an MBA there and simulataneously work. Thanks in advance for your answer.
IndranilGhosh answers, Dear Srinivasan, You can definitely apply for admission to an MBA programme. However, while studying you will be able to work for a maximum of 20 hours a week during term time. After graduation, you will be eligible to stay in the UK for two years to seek and pursue employment under the new Tier 1 programme. For further information visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk
Neo asked, Indranil, i know someone who has been selected for commonwealth Ph.D scholarship in UK and after all said and done ,the person is not getting his choice of study place/university and is being forced to go to a lower rung university despite having secured admission to the top university in Uk. who can help?
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Neo, Final selections for the awards are made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. We think they would be best able to answer your concerns. You could find information on the Commission at http://www.acu.ac.uk/
arvind asked, Hello Indranil, i hv done B.pharmacy, i wnt to pursue matsers from UK or germany?bt im confused eithr to go to UK or germany..wht wil b ur suggetsion? regards
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Arvind, There are a wide range of courses available at the masters level in the UK. More information on Masters Courses is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com www.prospects.ac.uk There are two formal rakings available: http://www.unistats.com/bringstogether key sources of information about the quality of higher education in UK universities and colleges. Also Research Assessment Exercise www.hero.ac.uk/rae The RAE provides quality ratings for research across all subjects. Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 5* (highest). We advice that you research these resources. These will be definitely helpful for you and assist you in making a decision. Also consult www.educationuk-in.org for information on advantages of studying and living in the UK!
Sam asked, Hi, Indranil, Do they require a GMAT score for the masters in finance course in the UK?
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Sam, Most Master's courses would not require a GMAT course for admission. However there are a few universities which may ask you to submit GMAT scores. You should check out the websites of the institutions you have planned to apply to.
ravikantisonline asked, Hello,Indarnil I have done my B.pharm and want to studu further in UK My IELTS score 7.0 bands what are the options?
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi, There are a wide range of courses available at the masters level. More information on Masters Courses is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com www.prospects.ac.uk There are two formal rakings available: Teaching Quality Information www.unistats.com brings together key sources of information about the quality of higher education in UK universities and colleges. Also, Research Assessment Exercise www.hero.ac.uk/rae The RAE provides quality ratings for research across all subjects. Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 5* (highest).
joy asked, I have done my M.Pharm and would like to pursue Phd in UK. What are the steps? What are the prospects of Job after M.Pharm in UK?
IndranilGhosh answers, Dear Joy, thank you for participating in this session. The normal minimum period required to complete a Ph.D. is three years. However, majority of students takes longer than three years to complete 'writing up'. A realistic time frame for completion of a Ph.D. is three-and-a-half to four years. Research programmes end in a dissertation or thesis of 70,000-100,000 words & must present original findings that are in principle publishable. Check the eligibility criteria for your chosen course. Generally, it's a Masters degree or an MPhil and evidence that you know something about research procedures. Some experience of working alone on a research project is very useful. A research proposal is essential part of any research degree application. This should be short (perhaps two-page) summary, based on research in your field. Masters courses in UK are for one year and the entry qualifications is a Bachelor's degree (preferably in a related subject) and an English proficiency test (either IELTS or TOEFL). Besides looking at a good academic track record, UK institutions will ask you for two references and a Statement of Purpose. More information on Masters Courses is available on: www.postgrad.hobsons.com www.prospects.ac.uk
Neo asked, Indranil, will you take up my question, please respond if you know
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Neo, Final selections for the awards are made by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK. We think they would be best able to answer your concerns. You could find information on the Commission at http://www.acu.ac.uk/
Stuti asked, Hi Indranil. I want to know bit more about Trusted Partners. There are some consultants who are a Trusted Partner. Is there any specific advantage of applying through them?
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Stuti, Trusted partners are agents who have been traditionally sending a number of students to several UK institutions every year and have been given this recognition by the British High Commission after careful checks. However, there are also other agents who are recognised by UK institutions and if you are approaching an agent to assist you with applications you should check the Agent Zone on www.educationuk-in.org and if they are not on the list then write to the university to check their credentials.
ankit asked, hi, i want to know how is the University of Strathclyde rated as for the Masters in iNTERNATIONAL mANAGEMENT
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi, Ankit There are several ways to check university rankings. You could see RAE ratings from http://www.hero.ac.uk/rae/ or check compilations done by private organisations like Times Good University Guide at www.thegooduniversityguide.org.uk/ or The Guardian's at www.guardian.co.uk/education/universityguide
ROHIT asked, Hi Indranil.I want to know one more thing.What is the reputation of Wigan & Leigh College.in U.K
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Rohit, Wigan & Leigh is a recognised college and they have thousands of students studying different disciplines.
manish asked, kindly let me know about Newcastle College status and MBA from that college is good or not please. I am B.Tech in Electronics & Communication. Is that good for me to do MBA in international business from that college
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Manish, Newcastle College appear in the official list of the Register of Education and Training Providers from Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills, UK. The Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills maintains a 'Provider's register' where all genuine UK institutions are listed. http://www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister/index.cfm. You are requested to contact the college directly for information on job opportunities/career prospects.
Harsha asked, Hello Indranil, I have been working in software industry for couple of years in IT industry. Now i wanted to take a break and want to pursue MBA in finance. I have taken GMAT and scored 710. What are the options which i have ??? Can u name some colleges which i can target.. Location :Prefreably South-Asian Countries
IndranilGhosh answers, Hi Harsha, Check out this website www.educationuk-in.org. Some UK universities in some countries in South-East Asia. This website will help you get further information.
IndranilGhosh says, Dear all, thanks for taking part today, I hope I have been able to give you satisfactory answers to the questions you have all asked today. Good luck with your future studies and I hope this has helped you all. Until next time... Thanks, Indranil