MASc v/s MEng v/s MS: What’s the difference?
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Master of Applied Science (MASc), Master of Science (MS) and Master of Engineering (M.Eng) are three different yet esteemed master's degrees in science stream which provide different career prospects to students. As you navigate the complexities of higher education, understanding the distinctions between different degree programs is paramount. In this article, we are going to be discussing the difference between, Master of Applied Science (MASc), Master of Engineering (MEng) and Master of Science (MS).
- What is MASc?
- What is MEng?
- What is MS?
- MASc v/s MEng v/s MS: Know the difference
- MASc v/s MEng v/s MS: Fee by country
- MASc v/s MEng v/s MS FAQs
What is MASc?
Master of Applied Science or MASc in short is a research-based thesis degree programme. Pursuing a MASc degree will require candidates to carry out a thesis which reports the findings of research conducted by the student. Master of Applied Science is an interdisciplinary subject that covers a spectrum of specialist topics, from bioengineering to forensics, nutrition, textiles, and technology. The MASc program is the most appropriate master’s level programme for students who intend to pursue a doctoral degree.
What is MEng?
Master of Engineering or MEng is a specialized Master’s degree in engineering that focuses on technical coursework and application. This is more like an advanced Engineering degree pursued by those who wish to become Chartered Engineers. Students who want to become professional engineers pursue Masters of Engineering.
What is MS?
Master of Science or MS is a common post-graduation study pursued by individuals in topics mostly related to engineering, computer science, and general sciences. There are a number of topics that can be pursued at the Masters of Science level by students. Candidates are required to have successfully completed their graduation to be eligible for MS studies.
MASc v/s MEng v/s MS: Know the difference
We are going to elucidate the features that differentiate one from the other.
| Factors |
MASc |
MEng |
MS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full form |
Master of Applied Science (MASc) |
Master of Engineering (MEng) |
Master of Science (MS) |
| Nature of degree |
MASc is a research-based thesis degree programme |
MEng is often termed as a professional degree (industry-oriented) |
MS is often described as a non-professional degree |
| Nature of study |
Research and thesis submission forms an integral part of the MASc programme in addition to regular exams and projects |
The students are mainly tested through examinations or projects. The thesis presentations don’t have any role here |
Students are often tested via thesis presentations in addition to regular exams and projects. |
| Focus areas |
Candidates are required to acquire in-depth and advanced knowledge of a concept |
Candidates are required to study technical coursework and focus more on application |
Candidates are required to focus on a wide range of research-oriented skills |
| Specialization |
• IT & Networking • Mathematics • Food Science • Telecommunications • Chemical Engineering and more |
• AI and Machine Learning • Computer Networking and Security • Biomedical Engineering • Electrical and Computer Engineering • Sustainable energy and more |
• Computer Science • Embedded Systems • Wireless Communications • Power Engineering • Management Information Systems and more |
| Duration |
Usually, the time duration of the MASc offered by foreign universities is two years or 4 semesters |
In Europe, an MEng lasts 4 years minimum, in the US, an MEng lasts one year (two semesters) |
MS takes comparatively a longer time to complete up to 4 semesters or spanning 1.5 to 2 years |
| Purpose of the study |
The MASc programme is the most appropriate master’s level programme for students who intend to pursue a doctoral degree. |
Ideal for candidates looking to start their professional life due to the nature of the curriculum that is aimed at developing skills ripe for the industry |
Ideal for candidates looking to pursue higher education such as PhD or also enter professional life. |
| Top Countries |
Top countries to study MASc include Australia, Germany, USA, Canada |
Top countries for MEng include: UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand |
The best countries to study MS include: US, Canada, Australia, Germany, UK |
Also, Read
MASc v/s MEng v/s MS: Fee by country
In this section, we are going to be comparing the cost of studying MASc, MEng and MS across top study abroad destinations
| Destinations |
MASc |
Meng |
MS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Study in USA Living Cost US: INR 8.80 Lakhs |
INR 21.85 Lakhs |
INR 22.25Lakhs |
INR 23.15 Lakhs |
| Cost of Study in Canada Living Cost Canada: INR 6.30 Lakhs |
INR 12.95 Lakhs |
INR 13.65 Lakhs |
INR 11.45 Lakhs |
| Cost of Study in UK Living Cost UK: INR 6.0 Lakhs |
INR 21.80 Lakhs |
INR 23.5 Lakhs |
INR 20.55 Lakhs |
| Cost of Study in Australia Living Cost Australia: INR 6.70 Lakhs |
INR 17.70 Lakhs |
INR 20.95 Lakhs |
INR 22.60 Lakhs |
source: shiksha.com
While the difference between MASc, MEng and MS are subtle, the admission requirements tell a different story. Candidates applying for MEng abroad would have to go through a stricter admission process as compared to MASc and MS studies. However, the eligibility criteria for pursuing a Master of Applied Science (MASc), Masters in Engineering (MEng), and Masters of Science (MS) overlap each other. And candidates would require to have the following
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- Relevant Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
- English Proficiency Test Scores
- GRE Score
- Letter of Recommendation
The job opportunities for each of these postgraduate courses will also differ. The job opportunities available for the MASc include assistants, consultants, researchers, scientists, and teachers. The job opportunities for MEng include builders, consultants, and engineers (civil/industrial/mechanical). The job opportunities for MS graduates would depend on their MSc specialisation and could range from working in biotech firms to assistant professors at government or private instituitions.
You can get in touch with us in the comments below or for assistance with university admissions request a call back from our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors.
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MASc v/s MEng v/s MS FAQs
Q. Which is better - MASc or M.Eng?
A. The choice between MASc and MEng depends on your career goals. You can choose the best course for you by considering your long-term goals and interests before making a decision.
- MASc: Best for research-oriented careers or pursuing a PhD.
- MEng: Ideal for industry-focused roles or engineering consulting.
Q. Are MASc and MS degrees same?
A. No, MASc and MS degrees are not the same. While both degrees can lead to research careers, MS degrees often have a broader scope and can prepare students for a wider range of roles in industry and academia.
- MASc (Master of Applied Science): Research-oriented, focusing on original research and theoretical knowledge.
- MS (Master of Science): More balanced, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
The application process at the University of Manchester can change depending on course chosen and level of study. The steps to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the university are given as follows:
UG Application Process:
- Student must apply through the UCAS common application portal.
- They can go to the website and select the course that they are interested in.
- Students are required to meet the eligibility requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
- Once they have decided on the course, the important documents are to be submitted such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
- You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
- Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
- The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
PG application process:
- Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
- Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
- Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
- Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
- If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
The English language test score required at the Univerisyt of South Wales are mentioned in the table below for the international applicants whose first language is not English
Exam | Minimum Scores |
|---|---|
IELTS | 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band |
TOEFL | 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing |
PTE | a score of 59 overall and 59 in each component. |
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After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit.
Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.