What is MSc course all about? Know the Full Form, Eligibility & Scope

Know all about MSc

If you have graduated or are about to graduate with a BSc degree, you may wonder - What Next? Should you directly apply for a job or enroll for an MSc programme?

Choosing either of the two options can bring you ample career opportunities. However, before arriving on a decision it is important that you get yourself acquainted with all the right information.

Therefore, given below is everything-you-need-to-know-about Master of Science (MSc) programme. We have also listed some advantages of pursuing a course in MSc that should prove helpful while making a career decision.

What is MSc?

Master of Science (MSc) is a postgraduate level programme offered in a majority of colleges and universities in India. The programme provides advanced theoretical as well as practical knowledge in a range of specialised Science fields – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Biology, Nursing, and the list continues.

The duration of an MSc programme is usually two years in Indian universities/ colleges. However, the duration of the programme might change depending on the MSc specialisation selected by candidates and the policy of the respective college/ university.

Read: Integrated MSc admissions at Coimbatore Institute of Technology

MSc course content in classes is imparted through various means such as lectures, projects, workshops, and directed study.

MSc Eligibility Criteria

Basic eligibility criteria for pursuing an MSc course requires students to be graduates from a recognised college with a minimum cutoff percentage (as stated by the respective college/ university) preferably in Science stream. There is usually no age limit to join the course.

Students can opt to pursue MSc immediately after they complete their graduation or even at a later stage.

Note: MSc eligibility criteria might differ from college to college depending on their policy.

MSc Admission Process

Entrance exams are usually conducted to provide admission to students in MSc programmes offered at different universities/ colleges.

Check top MSc entrance exams in India here.

However, it may be noted that some universities/ colleges also provide direct admission to students on the basis of their score in the last qualifying exam.

According to Shiksha expert, Ruchika, “Although a majority of institutes conduct entrance exams, there are some institutions/ universities such as Maharshi Dayanand University, Amity University, and Galgotias University which admit students on the basis of merit/ personal interview.”

Advantages of MSc Course

Pursuing an MSc course primarily helps students enhance their knowledge of a particular subject area. The course helps students in specialising in a particular discipline.

Secondly, an MSc degree gives a boost to the career of students. The degree allows them to add a little extra in their CV and helps them stand out in the world of employability. An MSc qualification also helps students crack more lucrative job opportunities as compared to what students get with a BSc degree.

Therefore, obtaining an MSc degree (also known as MS degree) is most beneficial for undergraduate students who have a strong background in a specific field of study of Science stream and wish to gain a competitive edge in the job market. For instance, if a student is a graduate in BSc Physics, obtaining a degree in MSc Physics can help him/ her up his/ her job profile and grab more lucrative opportunities.

MSc Career Prospects

“Pursuing an MSc course allows candidates get various government and corporate job opportunities. Research aspects of the course are also very good,” informs Shiksha expert, Ruchika.

MSc forms a foundation course for students who wish to delve deep into their respective Science subject areas. Such students can pursue Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) after completing their MSc programme and can make their career in the research field.

For students who wish to start with their jobs, career prospects mainly depend on the MSc specialisation they opt for. However, such students can find a job in both private and government sectors. While on one hand, students can pursue jobs such as lab work, on the other hand, students can even take up teaching as their career after completing their MSc programme.

Popular MSc Courses in India