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What is MSc degree? (Master of Science): Full Form, Degree, List, Subjects

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Chetna Verma

Updated on 28th November, 2023 , 5 min read

What is MSc Degree?

MSc, or Master of Science, is the European equivalent of the American MS degree. Both degrees are classified as STEM degrees since they emphasize science, engineering, technology, math, and medicine. Additionally, social sciences are an emphasis of certain MSc courses. An MSc or MS degree may be advantageous for those looking to pursue a job in any of these fields. 

MSc courses are available in various fields such as engineering, the natural sciences, economics, etc. Students can pick specializations as per their interest areas. The coursework usually wraps around the chosen field. It must be noted that the students need to complete a project or assignment to acquire the degree.

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MSc Full Form

MSc-Full-Form

The full form of an MSc degree is a Master of Science. Candidates for the MSc degree program must hold a bachelor's degree in BSc or related field. It is a postgraduate degree that lasts two years and offers specialization in numerous scientific disciplines.

MSc Meaning

Master of Science (MSc) degrees are postgraduate degrees that take two years to complete in specialized science subjects like Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Botany, Life Sciences, Bio-Technology, and Microbiology. A master's degree in science is intended to give students the necessary scientific understanding and to open up new and abundant chances in several sectors. Many colleges also offer MSc degrees in the hospitality and design disciplines in addition to the fields indicated above.

Candidates typically complete their MSc in the same fields they graduated in, however, it is not mandated. Students can explore different specializations after completing a BSc in Science and look for opportunities in the subject of their choice.

Check Also: MSc Computer Science Syllabus

MSc Degree Highlights

MSc Full FormMaster of Science
Type of DegreePostgraduate
MSc Course Duration2 Years
MSc CoursesMSc Computer Science, MSc Physics, MSc Psychology, MSc Food Technology, MSc Statistics etc. 
MSc FeesINR 6,000 - 1,10,000
MSc CollegesJNU, BHU, UOH
MSc Admission 2023Entrance Exams and Merit-Based
MSc Entrance ExamsDU JAT, NPAT, UPSEE, IPU CET, BHU UET, etc.
Jobs after MScCybersecurity Analyst, Data scientist, Economist, Human Resources Manager, Financial Analyst, etc
MSc ScopeMPhil, PhD, MBA
Top RecruitersRanbaxy, GAIL, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC, etc.
MSc SalaryINR 5 to 12 LPA

MSc Degree Specializations

An MSc degree includes a specific area of study, where the course offerings will concentrate on a certain topic and give you a more in-depth and extensive knowledge foundation. For instance, MSc in Computer Science, MSc in IT, MSc in Maths, MSc in Chemistry, etc.

For the graduate who is hesitant about a particular, specific area, an MSc degree that covers a larger basis of information and abilities is preferable. Instead, if you are certain of the skill set you want to gain, you can search for an institution that offers an MSc degree that is specifically tailored to your requirements.

Below mentioned is the list of the popular MSc specializations:

  • Astrophysics
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Science
  • Finance
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Nutrition
  • International relations
  • IT security
  • Management
  • Marine Biology

MSc Degree Comparison

There are numerous different master's degree programs such as Master of Philosophy (MPhil, M.Phil. ), a Master of Science (MSc, M.Sc., M.S., MS, M.Sci ), Master of Arts (M.A., MA, A.M. or AM), and many others. The Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MSc) are the two most popular degrees.

A Master of Science degree program places more of an emphasis on a course of study that is fact-based, like engineering, technology, medicine, or mathematics. This is in contrast to the Master of Arts, which is the second-most common master's degree and often concentrates more on humanities courses like communications or social sciences.

MSc vs MSci

The MSci is a postgraduate program that normally lasts four years to complete and enables you to get a master's degree upon completion. Less popular than the MSc, the MSci is typically used for professional courses.

You could acquire a three-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science (BSc) and then your master's level MSc as an alternative to selecting the MSci course route. With the MSci, you will typically be able to obtain master's level qualifications faster. It consists of three years of bachelor's level coursework and a final year of master's level coursework that is more challenging.

Both degrees are more prevalent in the UK, and less popular in the US.

MSc vs MA

While an MA degree program typically concentrates on the humanities and liberal arts disciplines, an MSc degree program covers science, technology, engineering, social sciences, and math.

How the programs are set up is another distinction. MA is a good choice for students who want to learn through study, conversation, and essay writing. An MSc degree is a better choice for students who want to learn through analysis, lab work, and scientific research.

MSc vs MS

MSc and MS are typically the same degree. MSc is the abbreviation used for a Master of Science degree in countries such as India, the UK, and Europe. On the contrary, MS is used for the same degree in countries like the US.

MSc Course Duration

Typically, the course duration of an MSc degree is 2 years which is further divided into 4 semesters. However, it may vary as to several factors such as whether you are pursuing a full-time or part-time course. The full-time MSc course duration is 2 years. Part-time courses may last longer than the 2-year duration.

Among other things that affect the duration of the MSc degree are the projects and thesis. In universities, where students need to work on capstone projects or a thesis, the course duration may increase.

MSc Course Fees

Normally, the MSc fees can range anywhere between INR 6,000 to 1,10,000. However, the fees may vary from one college to another. The type of course may also affect the course fees.

MSc Careers

With an MSc degree in hand, you may position yourself for a range of careers where you can put your knowledge and abilities to use. Following the completion of your MSc, you can be eligible for several career options, such as:

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Economist
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Machine Learning Engineer 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an MSc degree?

MSc or Master of Science is the European equivalent of American MS degree.

What is the full form of MSc?

MSc full form is Master of Science.

What does MSc mean?

MSc means Master of Science. It is a post-graduate degree with a duration of 2 years.

How many years is a MSc degree?

MSc course duration is typically 2 years for a full-time course. However, the duration may vary if you are pursuing a part-time course.

What is the MSc fees?

The fees for MSc degree is usually anywhere between INR 6,000 to 1,10,000.

What are the career options after MSc degree?

Some of the popular career options after completing MSc degree are Cybersecurity analyst, Data scientist, Economist, Human resources manager, financial analyst, etc.

Is MSc or MBA better?

Both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science (MS) degree can provide a thorough graduate-level business education; however, an MBA will offer an overview of how businesses operate across departments, whereas an MS will give students a more in-depth understanding of a single business discipline.

Is MSc good for career?

Yes. MSc graduates can find promising employment prospects in various fields. After earning their MSc, many applicants choose to pursue careers in research because it presents a wide range of employment options in various sectors.

Is MSc degree valuable?

In general, earning a master’s degree is worthwhile. Even though you might have trouble paying for your studies at first, the financial rewards will eventually outweigh the early costs. You’ll get paid more and have a lot more professional flexibility.

What are MSc subjects?

Master of Science or MSc course subjects covers topics such as Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, Food Sciences, Life Sciences, and more.

What is the use of doing MSc?

For students who want to delve deeply into their individual Science topic areas, the MSc serves as a foundation course. After completing their MSc programme, these students can pursue a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and pursue a career in research.

What is MSc job?

Some of the most promising MSc job options are Research Scientist, Quality Control/Quality Assurance Analyst, Web Developer, Software Engineer, Software Developer, Clinical Research Associate, Security Consultant, and more.

Which are the subjects in MSc 1st year?

MSc subjects 1st year include subjects such as Mathematical Physics, Analytical Chemistry, Methods in Applied Sciences, Complex Analysis, Genes and Genomics, Research Methodology and IPR, Mechanics of Deformable Elastic Solids, and Thermodynamics and Equilibrium.

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