Postgrad Queries: 'Who has the better reputation ininternational politics?'

A developing choice

Q. I'm a French student with a BA in political science and economics, completed in Montreal. I would like to work in international politics, particularly on development issues, and I have received offers from both Manchester and Newcastle universities to do their Masters in international development. Which one has the better reputation?

A. The good news is that you're in a great position. Both institutions are highly regarded in this field – Manchester boasts one of the UK's highest application rates across the board, while Newcastle has built a solid reputation as one of Britain's top universities.

Your eventual decision will probably come down to personal preference. A trip from France to the UK to visit the universities might be expensive, but it will be by far the best way to get a feel for them. Both are in the heart of vibrant cities, so no matter which one you choose, a wealth of culture and nightlife will be at your fingertips.

If you're still struggling to come to a decision, you could try comparing costs of living, how good the facilities are, and the job destinations of graduates. If you do visit, talk to the tutors about the structure and content of each programme, as this might give you an idea of which you would prefer.

The National Student Survey is a good way of comparing any two institutions - the results are directly related to student feedback. The latest survey can be found on the Teaching Quality Information website at www.tqi.ac.uk.

Something brewing

Q. I'm part-way through an undergraduate degree in chemistry, and over the summer I tried brewing my own cider. The results were mixed, but I'm interested in learning how to do it properly. Are there any postgraduate degrees that teach the art of brewing?

A. Indeed there are. Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh offers a selection of Masters and diplomas in brewing and distilling, available full-time and by distance learning. A relevant scientific degree is required for entry, but you'd have no problems there. See www.postgraduate.hw.ac.uk for details.

Nottingham University (www.nottingham.ac.uk/brewingscience) and London's Institute of Brewing and Distilling (www.ibd.org.uk) run vocational and postgraduate courses of varying lengths, although these are geared more towards brewers already working in the industr than to novices. If you'd like to get a qualification in double quick time, an organisation called Brewlab (www.brewlab.co.uk) runs a three-month diploma, as well as a number of even shorter courses.

Finally, many of the larger brewing companies run graduate training schemes. Being recruited by one of these could be the easiest way of turning your new hobby into a promising career, and your chemistry degree will probably be looked upon as a real asset.

Going green

Q. I'll be graduating with a BA in English literature next summer, but I've always been interested in gardening. I might want to try to get a qualification in the subject, with a view to a career as a landscape gardener. What are my options?

A. Most people who are interested in this type of career begin by gaining experience with local landscape gardeners, and there's no reason why you should be any different. Working with someone who knows the trade will help you to decide if you really want to pursue gardening as a career, and should stand you in good stead for gaining a qualification in the subject, especially given the nature of your first degree. The Society of Garden Designers (www.sgd.org.uk) might be able to find you someone.

This experience could be combined with courses in garden design run in local colleges. Visit your local further education institution to find out what they offer, or visit the Learn Direct website (www.learndirect.co.uk) and search through their database of courses.

If you'd rather learn from home, the Open College of the Arts offers distance learning courses in garden design geared towards those with little previous knowledge of the subject; see www.oca-uk.com. Courses such as these will give you credits towards a degree in design, and could provide a starting point for postgraduate qualifications.

The Landscape Institute accredits postgraduate courses that lead to careers in landscape architecture. Listings of these courses, and their providers, can be found at www.landscapeinstitute.org.

Thanks to Mike Cox and Deborah Millan, careers consultants for Domino Careers (www.dominocareers.co.uk)

Send your queries to Chris Green at c.green@independent.co.uk