I am doing my BSc in anthropology. I want to pursue higher studies in forensic science. Could you please suggest some good institutes, especially in the UK or the US? What are the tests that I have to clear? When are they held? Is any special qualification required to appear for these exams? Is there any scholarship that I can avail of? Please give details.

Hrishikesh Sharma

Guwahati

uHigher studies in forensic sciences is a vast area with different specialisations like criminalistics, fire science and advanced investigation that offer distinct career opportunities. In many cases, however, one has to have years of work experience in the field to pursue a masters degree in forensic sciences. Given your background, you can approach the following universities in the UK —Bournemouth University offers a MSc in forensic and biological anthropology, Cranefield University offers a postgraduate diploma and a MSc in forensic engineering and science and London Metropolitan University also offers a postgraduate diploma and a masters. In the US, Virginia Commonwealth University offers a masters degree programme in forensic science. Griffith University in Australia also has a MSc course in forensic science. However, these names are indicative only, and you need to find out if you are eligible for these courses.

To study in the UK, you will have to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) tests. The British Council administers the IELTS test regularly. The minimum entrance requirements will vary from one institution to another. To study for a postgraduate degree, you usually need a bachelors degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. If you wish to do a postgraduation in a different subject area, then you will probably need to take a bridging course or a postgraduate certificate first. One can appear for GRE year-round. You can take the test during working hours, in the first three weeks of each month. The test is also offered on the weekend in many locations. To schedule a date to take the GRE, you can contact the Regional Registration Centre at Gurgaon. The address is Prometric Testing Private Limited, second floor, DFL Infinity Tower-A, Sector 25, Phase ll, DFL City, Gurgaon, Haryana 122002. Tel: 124- 4147700. You can take IELTS in over 300 locations worldwide. A full list of test centres is available on www.ielts.org.

I’m a Second year student of economics (honours). I want to pursue an MBA after my graduation and then do a post-MBA course in Singapore. Please tell me about the institutions there, the approximate cost of study, the eligibility and the application procedures.

Lionel Kant

uThe National University of Singapore (NUS) offers a PhD in management. The minimum qualification is an outstanding bachelors degree (in any discipline) but a masters degree is considered an advantage. All applicants should submit either their GMAT or GRE scores. Applicants who obtained their degrees from universities where English is not the medium of instruction have to submit their TOEFL scores. Recommendations from two academic referees also have to be submitted. After screening the applications, the shortlisted candidates are called for an interview.

The NUS Research Scholarships are awarded by the university to outstanding candidates to pursue a full-time graduate research degree. The scholarships are given for a year and are renewable annually, subject to satisfactory progress and performance. Each scholarship carries a monthly stipend of S$1,500 and a full research fee subsidy.

All applications to the INSEAD PhD can be accessed at http://www.insead.edu/phd/admissions/online_application.cfm. Tuition fees are currently set at 30,000 euros per year for the first and second years and 5,000 euros per year for the third and fourth years.

WRITE IN
Send your queries to Foreign Fundas Careergraph, The Telegraph, 6 Prafulla Sarkar Street, Calcutta 700 001. Fax: 22253142; e-mail: career@abpmail.com