The Master of Science (MSc) Degree – A Guide

The Master of Science (MSc) is the standard Masters qualification for taught courses in Science and Technology subjects. It's one of the most popular postgraduate degrees, awarded worldwide. The equivalent degree in Arts and Humanities subjects is the MA. Engineering degrees can be MSc programmes, but many award specialised MEng degrees.

In this guide, I provide a detailed overview of the MSc qualification. You can read what to expect from MSc study, how long it’s likely to be, how many credits it’s worth and how it differs to the MA.

The MSc is the most common qualification awarded for taught courses in Science, Technology and Mathematics subjects. It stands for Magister Scientiae, which means ‘Master of Science’ in Latin.

Unsurprisingly, the MSc tends to be awarded on Science Masters. As a general rule this includes most ‘STEM’ (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects. In comparison, you'll usually study an MA in an Arts or Humanities subject.

It’s not quite so simple though. These disciplines tend to award more of their own specialised degrees than the Arts and Humanities.

This is particularly likely to be the case in subjects that relate to chartered professions. Such qualifications often need to be specific degree types that meet accreditation standards.

In Engineering, for example, many students study a four year integrated Masters known as the MEng (Master of Engineering). This is an undergraduate, rather than postgraduate, qualification, but is equivalent to a Bachelors plus a Masters. Some MSc programmes in Engineering are labelled as MSc (Eng) degrees to show that they meet the same accredited standard as an MEng.

Masters-level degrees in Medicine may also form part of a professional qualification pathway, with their own qualifications. Others will be more self-contained ‘academic’ programmes, providing specialist expertise and awarding an MSc.

MSc degrees outside ‘the sciences’

Don’t make the mistake of thinking an MSc is always a ‘hard science’ degree. Universities are free to organise their own qualifications and will often award a Master of Science in other subjects.

If an Arts or Humanities programme includes lots of quantitative analysis and technical expertise, it may award an MSc instead of an MA. Linguistics is a good example. Programmes focussing on the ‘science’ of language systems will usually award MSc degrees.

Other subjects award MA or MSc degrees depending on the focus of a given course. A good example would be an Archaeology degree. A programme focussing on carbon data and excavation techniques would probably award an MSc. One focussing on historical and cultural contexts would probably award an MA.

The same applies across the Social Sciences. Courses that favour quantitative over qualitative analysis are likely to award an MSc qualification rather than an MA (and vice versa).

For example, MSc subjects could include:

• Agriculture
• Architecture, Building and Planning
• Biochemistry
• Computer Science
• Environmental Sciences
• Financial Management
• Food sciences
• Geology
• Linguistics
• Social Work

What is the difference between an MSc and other degrees

MSc vs MA

The distinction between MSc and MA (Master of Arts) qualifications is relatively recent – in academic terms, at least! As scientific subjects became a staple of university curricula, degrees were named according to their discipline.

Masters degrees in technical subjects, with a basis in mathematical logic and analysis, were labelled as MSc qualifications. Degrees in more qualitative subjects, with a basis in creative practice and / or philosophical analysis, continued to be labelled as MAs.

The difference isn’t absolute and universities are generally free to label their programmes as they see fit.

The MA and MSc are both taught (as opposed to research) degrees, meaning course content will be delivered through a series of individual modules, usually culminating in an independent dissertation project. You’ll learn through a combination of lectures, seminars and (where appropriate) practical workshops. MSc courses also often include laboratory-based exercises and demonstrations.

This doesn’t mean you won’t have the opportunity to explore your own ideas – there’s still a heavy emphasis on independent research in both qualifications (that’s what the dissertation is for, after all!), but studying a taught Masters will mean that you have regular contact with academic staff, equipping you with a solid grounding in your chosen subject area.

Both degrees are also completely ‘equal’. Whether you study for an MSc or MA, your qualification has exactly the same academic standing.

Students can also move between the ‘Arts’ and ‘Science’ branches as they complete successive degrees. Provided your degree is relevant, there’s nothing to stop you studying an MSc after a BA or an MA after a BSc.

MSc vs MRes

The main distinction between an Msc and MRes is that an MSc is a taught qualification whereas an MRes is research-based degree.

A taught programme usually involves lectures, seminars and coursework and will end in a final dissertation submission. A research degree on the other hand relies more on your independent research.

There are still likely to be some mandatory teaching on an MRes, but for the bulk of the degree, you'll be working on your own independent research project.

MSc vs MPhil

An MPhil is another kind of research degree, however, unlike an MRes the MPhil is purely research based.

If you're studying an MSc, your course will be structured to include lectures, seminars and coursework and will end in a final dissertation project. An MPhil, on the other hand, only focuses on independent research.

Many students who are enrolled onto an Mphil can transfer to a PhD after a year (if their research meets a particular standard) which is not an option for MSc students. You'll have to finish your MSc degree and then apply for a PhD separately.

What are the entry requirements for an MSc?

To study an MSc you’ll normally need an appropriate undergraduate degree. This doesn’t have to be a Bachelor of Science (BSc) but it should be in an appropriate subject. Most programmes will expect you to have earned the equivalent of a 2.1 or higher.

You may be able to study an MSc without an undergraduate degree or with a lower degree result. This is more likely if you have other relevant experience. If in doubt, find an MSc course as normal and then contact the university responsible.

Find out more about entry requirements for postgraduate courses.

Can I do an MSc without a BSc?

A BSc isn't specifically required for an MSc. You can apply with a BA, provided your undergraduate degree was in an appropriate subject.

MSc study typically consists of a series of individual modules, followed by an independent dissertation project.

As such, it is a taught Masters, rather than a research degree. An MSc will still include plenty of opportunity for you to explore your own ideas and work independently (particularly at the dissertation stage). But it will also ensure that you receive solid grounding in your subject at an expert level.

Teaching methods will vary, but will be similar to those for a BSc. You’ll attend seminars along with practical laboratory exercises and demonstrations (as appropriate). Some courses may also deliver core concepts and background knowledge through large group lectures.

Want to know more about the Masters dissertation?

The dissertation is a big part of what makes a Masters degree a Masters. Check out our full dissertation guide to learn more. We’ve also put together some helpful dissertation tips for when the time comes for you to do yours.

How long is an MSc?

The exact length of a Master of Science programme varies across countries. But most courses are between one and two years long.

In the UK, an MSc is usually a one-year full-time course. Unlike an undergraduate degree, the teaching and assessment period for a British Masters runs for a full 12 months. You will have a summer holiday during your degree, but this is when you’ll be expected to complete your dissertation (no one said postgraduate study would be easy!).

In Europe, the MSc is often slightly longer. Programmes typically last for one and a half to two years. Students often complete placements or internships during the summer between their first and second years.

Most universities offer a part-time study option for their MScs. This will usually double the length of your course, but only require you to progress at 50% intensity. So, a part-time MSc in the UK will normally last for two years.

How many credits is an MSc worth?

In the UK, an MSc qualification is usually worth 180 credits (the equivalent of 90 ECTS points).

An MSc uses the same credit system (and has the same credit value) as an MA. Each part of your course will have a credit weighting, according to its importance. A dissertation, for example, will normally be worth more than a single teaching module.

What’s involved in an MSc dissertation?

In order to qualify as a full Masters programme, an MSc will conclude with an extended project and written dissertation. You’ll be assigned a supervisor, but will be independently responsible for researching your topic, assembling data and analysing your findings.

This will be your chance to apply the expertise you’ve acquired on your Masters whilst pursuing your own specialist interests. The experience will be a great preparation for professional research work, or even for a PhD.

Tips from the author

Start researching programmes early, as popular MSc courses – especially at well-known universities – tend to fill up quickly. It’s also a good idea to speak with current students or alumni, since first-hand experiences often provide insight that isn’t obvious from official course descriptions. Make sure the course you choose genuinely matches your career goals; don’t assume all MScs in the same subject area will be identical, so take the time to review the module lists carefully.

You should also check whether the programme has professional accreditation, as this can make a big difference when you eventually apply for jobs, particularly in technical fields. Finally, don’t underestimate the workload – MSc degrees are short and intense. Try to plan your time carefully from the start and aim to stay ahead of deadlines whenever possible.

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