Ask the experts: Can she do a Masters in Engineering?

Jul 13, 2011

Q I am in Form Six doing physics, economics, math and art. I would like to do telecommunication engineering in a recognised university in Uganda. Which principals must I pass?

Francis Kagolo discussed your questions with the experts and got you the answers

Q I am in Form Six doing physics, economics, math and art. I would like to do telecommunication engineering in a recognised university in Uganda. Which principals must I pass?
Anonymous


AAt Makerere University, mathematics and physics are the two essential subjects considered when calculating the cut-off points for this course.

Being the essential subjects, they are multiplied by three. Economics and chemistry are also considered relevant subject and multiplied by two. The same thing applies to Kyambogo University. Thus, you ought to pass these three subjects highly to be admitted for the course.

Q My daughter is doing technology in physics. Can she do a master’s in an engineering course or will need to first do a post-graduate diploma course?
Dorcus


A You did not specify whether she is doing a diploma or bachelor’s degree. But if you meant a Bachelor of Science Technology (Physics), then she might have no reason to worry.

According to Charles Okello, a lecturer at Kyambogo, physics is the core subject for most engineering courses, be it at a bachelor’s or master’s level. This means your daughter will be eligible for direct admission to a master’s course even without a post-graduate diploma.

However, she has to read hard and get at least a second class upper degree.

Q I was offered a diploma in civil engineering at Makerere University and a degree in economics and statistics at Kyambogo University. I wanted a diploma but people are saying it has no value (not marketable). I am confused. Which is better?
Fred


A You ought to know that the world has become so competitive and those with the higher academic level are getting more opportunities. Marion Alina, a lecturer of mass communication at Makerere University, says you better do a degree if you have the chance.

She says if you do a diploma, still you will need to upgrade to at a least a bachelor’s degree level to be able to compete on the job market.

Q I sat S.6 in 2007 and got three principal passes, a subsidiary and a pass in history, divinity, literature and fine art but I did not money to join university. My heart is clouded with grief for I see no future. Who can save me!!
Edison A


AYou can get a Government scholarship if you apply through the mature age entry scheme. There are also a number of non-governmental organisations and universities within and outside the country that offer scholarships. They include the Madhvani Foundation, Ford Foundation, Caritas and some embassies, among others.

Such scholarships and their requirements are usually advertised in newspapers. But it would do no harm if you took the initiative and knock on their doors.

Q I wanted to study B.Com or any business course at Makerere University but ended up with Bachelor of Sciences in Computer Science. What opportunities does it avail me in this competitive world?
Carol A.K.



A Technology has evolved over the years and today, computers and the Internet are in vogue; almost all companies and organisations have IT departments and need graduates of IT and computer science to man those units.

Experts say computer science and related courses are still a little more marketable. Fred Sunday, a systems administrator, says there are many fields of specialisation when one does computer science.

Graduates can be employed as network managers, programmers, website developers or user support administrators, depending on one’s area of specialisation.


Q I got 3CE00 in history, economics, geography and divinity and three years have passed. Can I study a course at university in Uganda in arts or science in wild life management?
Edson Nabulo


AYou scored two principal passes, the minimum required for admission to university. According to the National Council for Higher Education standards, you qualified for admission to university.

However, you did not qualify for all courses since each course requires different subjects.
For instance, the course you want is a science course which, according to the Joint Admissions Board, only requires students who passed biology and chemistry. You may apply for other arts courses.

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