THE STREAM WHICH WAS EARLIER REGARDED AS THE ONLY OPTION FOR ‘LOW-SCORING STUDENTS’, IS NOW BEING GIVEN DUE RESPECT. THE ARTS STREAM IS RICH WITH NEW COURSES AND ADDED SPECIALISATIONS, MAKING IT A VIABLE STUDY OPTION AFTER CLASS 12
BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA)
BACHELOR OF DESIGN (BDes)
BACHELOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION (B.El.Ed)
BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY (BTh)
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK (BSW)
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS (BFA)
BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA)
There are a number of variations available for this degree, both with regard to core subjects and specialisations. You can modify your subject combinations according to your interests and choose a specialisation in your third year. The degree also helps students develop their analytical, communication and reasoning abilities
Course Duration: 3 years
Top Institutes: St Stephen’s College (New Delhi), St Xavier’s College (Mumbai), Lady Sriram College for Women (New Delhi), Loyola College (Chennai), Christ College (Bangalore)
Career Steps: Opportunities after graduation are plenty and diverse. You can choose to pursue a postgraduation in a subject of your interest (there are many options ranging from politics to publishing). Some people also choose to enhance their undergraduate study with an MBA and add a management angle to their field of interest (such as running an art gallery). You can also find employment opportunities directly after graduation, depending on your study and career choices.
SPECIALISATIONS IN BA
Sociology
This degree involves the study of the relationship between man and society. The syllabus includes subjects such as family and marriage, social interaction, social stratification, social change and movements, etc.
Economics
One of the most popular subjects of study, especially in a capitalist set-up, is economics. The course content covers various economic theories, markets, pricing, planning, etc. Work opportunities include working as a sales analyst, economist, researcher, etc.
English Literature
Do you find yourself quoting Keats and Shakespeare through the day? If yes, you will enjoy the experience of discovering various writers and poets and analysing their work. Literature graduates can find work with publishing firms, magazines, universities, etc.
History
If things of the past pique your interest and curiosity this might be the right specialisation for you. There are options of study within the subject such as ancient history, history of art, Indian history, etc. Those who wish to study ancient history can also find colleges that offer the subject as a combination with archaeology.
Psychology
Man and his motives will be an eternal mystery. However, if you wish to understand the mind of this complex being, consider a specialisation in psychology. After further study, you can practice as a counsellor with an educational institute, nonprofit organisation, rehabilitation centre, etc or start a personal practice.
Human Rights
If you wish to help preserve human rights, you first need to know what they are. This course will help you get acquainted with human rights laws, movements and the nature of issues in society. After completing your graduation, you can indulge in further study or work as a human rights officer.
Anthropology
The study of anthropology includes the evolution of man and the social as well of cultural development of the human race. There is also a practical value to this degree as graduates often find employment as curators, research scholars, etc.
Home Science
Home management, food and nutrition and child development are some of the topics covered in this course. This traditional degree still offers a number of job opportunities such as becoming a chef, nanny, food analyst, etc.
Philosophy
What is the purpose of man’s existence? Three years of philosophy might offer you some answers, or help you ask the right questions. The course content covers Indian and Western Philosophy, ethics, logic, etc.
Political Science
This specialisation is a popular option for those who either wish to join politics or become political journalists because for both these professions, knowledge of the political system is essential. The syllabus covers the Indian Constitution, political thinkers, the election process in India, etc.
Languages
The study of languages is never restricted to grammar. By learning a particular language, you also learn a lot about the history and culture of its speakers. There are plenty of language options to choose from such as French, Spanish, Japanese, Malyalam, Urdu. Work opportunities include working as an interpreter, linguist, professor, etc.
Bachelor of Design (BDes)
This degree has been gaining popularity in recent times as a number of new avenues such as graphic design and product design have emerged in addition to the traditional design courses. There are various specialisations available within BDes such as interior design, jewellery and accessory design, graphic design, industrial design, leather design, graphic design, fashion design, textile design, visual communications design, etc.
Duration: 4 years
Top 5 Institutes: National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), National Institute of Fashion Design (all over India), Symbiosis Institute of Design (Pune), JJ School of Arts (Mumbai), Center for Environmental Planning and Technology (Ahmedabad)
Career Steps: Since this is a skill-based degree, it equips you to enter your field of choice, depending on your specialisation. While one can opt for a Master of Design (MDes), the bachelor’s degree usually serves as sufficient preparation for a job as well as self-employment.
Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)
This degree is offered by the University of Delhi for those who wish to work in elementary education. Unlike a BEd, which can be done after graduation, this degree can be pursued directly after class 12. The syllabus aims to provide practical and professionally relevant training for future elementary teachers.
Duration: 4 years
Top 5 Institutes: Lady Shree Ram College for Women (New Delhi), Miranda House College (New Delhi), Gargi College (New Delhi), Jesus and Mary College (New Delhi), Central Institute of Education (New Delhi)
Career Steps: One can find employment in an elementary school in the country or can start a privately run institute. Another option is to pursue an MEd for achieving an advanced knowledge in this field.
Bachelor of Theology (BTh)
This course is designed for those who are interested in learning about the Christian faith or those who wish to work as pastors or missionaries. The syllabus concentrates on subjects such as Bible studies (Biblical interpretation and adaptation), Christian ethics, Church History, etc.
Duration: 3 years
Top Institutes: Asia Evangelical College and Seminary (Bangalore), Grace Bible College (Amravati), Hindustan Bible Institute (Chennai)
Career Steps: A master’s degree in theology (MTh) is available for those who wish to continue their education in this field. Employment opportunities include working as pastors, missionaries, religious counsellors or teachers or working with non-profit organisations.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
If you want to make a difference by becoming a social worker and implementing change in society, a degree in social work is a great start. The benefits of opting for this degree are that it not only acquaints with you with necessary information but also provides opportunity for relevant field work along with your course. During the course, you will be introduced to various issues such as substance abuse and counselling, HIV/AIDS, etc, which will help you find your specialisation.
Duration: 3 years
Top Institutes: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (Mumbai), Madras School of Social Work (Chennai), College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan (Mumbai), Karve Institute of Social Service (Pune), Department of Social Work, University of Delhi
Career Steps: You can find employment at counselling centres, NGOs, government agencies, etc. If you are driven enough, you can also start a movement or institute of your own relating to a cause you wish to work towards. Another option is to increase your practical and theoretical knowledge by pursuing a master’s degree in social work.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Generally, the first year of study serves as a foundation to the core subjects, followed by the option of choosing a specialisation in the second and third year of study. Depending on your artistic inclinations you can specialise in illustrations, sculpting, photography, music, dance, painting, etc.
Duration: 3 or 4 years (depending on course and institute)
Top Institutes: Jamia Milia Islamia (New Delhi), Sir JJ Institute of Applied Art (Mumbai), Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Fine Arts (Pune), Sri Venkateshwara College of Fine Arts (Hyderabad), College of Art, University of Delhi
Career Steps: A fine arts degree helps you develop and polish your inherent talent. Therefore, the next step is to find a profession that has a demand for your skill, professions such as fashion photographer or an illustrator for novels or an independent artist (sculptor, musician, etc). Those interested in further study can pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.
Volume 2 Issue 7
