For language buffs

What is the scope of pursuing a PG in English/English Literature? I am presently in second year of B.A. and have an interest in English language.

Sunitha Kumar

English language has proved itself to be a unifier of people. It is good that a few of you do recognise the importance of the language to pursue a vocation. The opportunities are plenty; however, you need to prepare, plan, strategise and benchmark yourself for more visibility.

If you have an interest in teaching following postgraduation, you should pursue Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) and Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.).

This will fetch you a job as Lecturer in a university or college. With a graduation (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), you can become a school teacher. A postgraduation with a B. Ed. or Master of Education (M.Ed.) will take you to Intermediate education as well. The opportunities do not stop here; you can even get into research.

The opportunities in the corporate sector will be in the arena of language training at a general level and more specifically in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) segment. Good trainers are in great demand today.

You can be part of the corporate world in Training and Development and in some companies the same is aligned to Human Resources.

Most universities in India have a Department of English Language and Literature where you can pursue a M.A. programme. One centre of excellence that stands out is The English and Foreign Language University (www.efluniversity.ac.in) (a Central University), Hyderabad (earlier known as Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages/CIEFL).

The various schools in the University will cater to your requirements. Some of the schools that provide opportunities in the areas of English are:

School of English Language Education

School of Language Sciences

School of English Literary Studies

School of Inter-disciplinary Studies

You should contact the Admissions Officer at EFLU, Osmania University Campus, Hyderabad-500008. Ph: 044-27098131.

I have heard about a Diploma in Railway Engineering but have not been able to get details of it from any university or institute of higher learning. Please provide information through your columns.

Rajat Sikander

The Diploma in Railway Engineering (DRE) is conducted by the Institution of Permanent Way Engineers (IPWE) (India) (www.ipweindia.com) which operates under the Ministry of Railways. The programme is offered in the distance learning mode and is of one-year duration. The course is offered over two semesters.

The eligibility criteria:

Non-Railway applicants: Should be a three-year diploma holder in any discipline of engineering recognised by the Central or State Governments or a graduate in science/engineering or a graduate with mathematics and science as one of the subjects in Plus Two.

Railway employees: This category includes personnel from various Railway public sector undertakings. They must possess the above qualification and must have passed the High School/Senior Secondary Examination or possess equivalent qualification with mathematics/science and have a minimum of three years experience in the Railways.

The prospective learner can obtain the application form/prospectus from IPWE, G-11, Rail Bhawan, Raisina Road, New Delhi-110118 (Ph: 011-23387915. E-mail: ipwe@sify.com) by sending a Demand Draft for Rs. 100 favouring IPWE (India), payable at New Delhi. They should also send a self-addressed stamped (Rs. 15) envelope of size 25 cm x 15 cm. The last date for application for the 2010-2011 academic session is August 31.

Can you provide details about the Post-Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine of CMC, Vellore? I completed MBBS in 2004 and would like to pursue the programme.

Deepti Sankhalia

The Christian Medical College (CMC) (www.cmcvellore.ac.in), Vellore, is one among the top five medical institutions in the country. The Department of Distance Education (DDE) conducts the two-year (maximum duration is four years) Post-Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (PGDFM).

For prospectus/application form, connect to Coordinator, DDE, CMC, 2nd Floor, Main Building, Ida Scudder Road, CMC and H, Vellore-632004 (E-mail: dedu@cmcvellore.ac.in). One can even download the application from the website as well.

The programme encapsulates theory and practicum, assignments, log books and project. The contact programme provides ample opportunity for one to understand the nuances in a better way.Please provide information about the MBA programme of Punjab Technical University which I want to pursue. I am working in a textile factory as office administrator and not in a position to attend regular classes.

Bhaskar C.

Punjab Technical University (PTU) (www.ptuonline.com), in a short span of time, has reached out to students in all parts of the country. With the mantra of ‘anytime anywhere affordable university education,' PTU has created a niche for itself.

With PTU you can pursue the MBA and get qualified within two years (maximum duration is four years). Lateral entry is given to those who have a postgraduate diploma in management after graduation and the duration of the course is one year.

The upper limit for completing the MBA under lateral entry is three years.

PTU is accredited to the statutory bodies; it has been established by an Act of State Legislature to promote management, technical and professional education. The degrees and diplomas awarded by PTU are recognised by other universities on a reciprocal basis. It is also recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).