Difference Between MSc and MEng

MSc vs MEng

 

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

What is M.Sc?

M.Sc is Master of Science. You need to have a bachelor’s degree in Science in any of the disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics, Geology or Plant Biology for that matter. You can apply for M.Sc in any discipline provided you have a bachelor degree in the respective discipline or at least have studied the subject as an ancillary or as an allied in your undergraduate course.

Students that have passed M.Sc would find themselves well equipped with knowledge about any selected branch of Science. They almost become specialists in the respective subjects.Students that have completed M.Sc and M.Eng courses. Candidates that have completed M.Sc courses would be employed as consultants, scientists, researcher assistants and educators.

What is M.Eng?

MEng is Master of Engineering. M.Eng would accept students with B.Eng degree or any other bachelor 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 he or she should also pass the entrance examination conducted by the university or the college that conducts M.Eng degrees.

Students that have passed M.Eng would 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 that have completed M.Eng courses would be appointed as engineers, consultants, builders, architects and scientists. They are also appointed as educators in universities and colleges.

There is not much of a difference between the two courses in terms of the duration of the course. Both the courses are generally of two years in duration. And the postgraduate programme can be either research based or coursework based. Selection to a research-based Master’s degree is based on individual assessment of the candidate’s ability to produce a coherent research proposal, also to the before said criteria.

What is the Difference Between M.Sc and MEng?

Definitions of M.Sc and MEng:

M.Sc: M.Sc is Master of Science

MEng: MEng is Master of Engineering.

Characteristics of M.Sc and MEng:

General pre-requisites:

M.Sc:  You need to have a bachelor’s degree in Science in any of the disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics, Geology or Plant Biology.

M.Eng: M.Eng accepts students with B.Eng degree or any other bachelor degree in one of the disciplines of Science such as Physics, Geology or Chemistry with a good first degree from a recognized tertiary institution.

Duration:

M.Sc: The duration is for two years.

M.Eng: The duration is for two years.

Outcome of the courses:

M.Sc: Students that have passed M.Sc would find themselves well equipped with knowledge about any selected branch of Science.

M.Eng: Students that have passed M.Eng would be endowed with sufficient knowledge about the applications of a certain branch of Science.

Job opportunities:

M.Sc: Candidates that have completed M.Sc courses would be employed as consultants, scientists, researcher assistants and educators.

M.Eng: Candidates that have completed M.Eng courses would be appointed as engineers, consultants, builders, architects and scientists.

 

 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Convocation week” by Quan Nguyen [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons

2. US Navy 090629-N-0924R-005 Master Chief Engineman Patrick Holden explains the engineering console of the amphibious dock landing ship Oak Hill (LSD 51) to Navy of the Argentine Republic chief petty officers By U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cory Rose [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons