Distinguishing Between MSc & MEng

M.Sc and MEng are both post-graduate courses with some differences between them. M.Sc is Master of Science, while MEng is Master of Engineering. They differ in terms of general pre-requisites, duration, outcome, and job opportunities. This article will examine the main differences between the two postgraduate courses while providing a better understanding of each course.

What is M.Sc?

M.Sc is Master of Science. To be eligible for this course, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in Science in any of the disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics, Geology, or Plant Biology. You can apply for M.Sc in any discipline, provided you have a bachelor’s degree in the respective discipline or have studied the subject as an ancillary or allied subject in your undergraduate course. Students who have completed M.Sc will find themselves well-equipped with knowledge about any selected branch of Science. They almost become specialists in their respective subjects. Candidates who have completed M.Sc courses can be employed as consultants, scientists, researcher assistants, and educators.

What is M.Eng?

MEng is Master of Engineering. M.Eng accepts students with a B.Eng degree or any other bachelor’s degree in one of the disciplines of Science such as Physics, Geology, or Chemistry with a good first degree from a recognized tertiary institution. Selection is based on academic merit, and the applicant must pass the entrance examination conducted by the university or college that offers M.Eng degrees. Students who have completed M.Eng will be endowed with sufficient knowledge about the applications of a certain branch of Science. Engineering is all about the application of a particular branch of Science. Candidates who have completed M.Eng courses can be appointed as engineers, consultants, builders, architects, and scientists. They can also be appointed as educators in universities and colleges.

Both M.Sc and M.Eng courses generally last for two years. The postgraduate program can be either research-based or coursework-based. Selection to a research-based Master’s degree is based on individual assessments of the candidate’s ability to produce a coherent research proposal, in addition to the previously mentioned criteria.

Key Takeaways

• M.Sc is Master of Science, while MEng is Master of Engineering.
• M.Sc requires a bachelor’s degree in Science, while M.Eng requires a B.Eng degree or a bachelor’s degree in one of the disciplines of Science with a good first degree from a recognized tertiary institution.
• Job opportunities for M.Sc graduates include consultants, scientists, researcher assistants, and educators; while M.Eng graduates can be appointed as engineers, consultants, builders, architects, and scientists.