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MSc

MSc

2 4.2
A university degree in science or a technical subject after a first degree
  • noun
  • /ˌɛmˌɛsˈsi/
  • UK
translation icon : MSc
  • In addition I am working towards an MSc from the London School of Economics.
  • MSc, BSc
  • PhD and MSc

Examples

  • Jolin received his bachelor's degree in civil engineering and his MSc from Laval University in 1994 and 1996, respectively.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Paul Fleming, PhD, MSc, BEd, is pro vice chancellor of the College of Science, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Sarah Butcher, editor of a financial careers website, says that 'An MSc would help, or advanced maths.'

    Blog text (15)
  • In 2004, Siân and colleagues launched the world-renowned MSc in E-Learning, now the MSc in Digital Education.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Arundi Mahendran, MBBS, MRCS, MSc is a transplant surgeon and accomplished singer.

    Blog text (27)
  • By Margaret Perry, RGN BSc(Hons) MSc, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Linkway Medical Practice, West Bromwich

    Academic text (2012)
  • George Downie, MSc, FRPharmS, Hon FRPP, formerly director of pharmacy and medicines management, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK.

    Academic text (2011)
  • After completing his bachelor's degree, he decided to pursue an MSc in environmental science to deepen his knowledge.

  • To advance her career in data analysis, Maria enrolled in an MSc program at a prestigious university.

  • The university offers various programs, including an MSc in computer science and a master's in business administration.

Synonyms

61 3.3

A university degree you get after a bachelor's and before a PhD

is more specific and limited to postgraduate study in science and technical areas
MS
vsMSc
  • Formal
3 3.5

A university degree taken after a first degree in science subjects

is the same title but expressed as a different abbreviation
2 4.2

A university degree taken after a bachelor's for study in science or related subjects

is the abbreviated form of that same postgraduate degree
SM
vsMSc
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A degree after university studies in science subjects like biology or engineering

is the same degree but shown as the alternate abbreviation without periods

A university degree after a bachelor's that focuses on engineering research

is broader and covers technical and scientific study beyond engineering

Surface Forms

MSc singular
MScs plural

Morphology

MSc = M + S + c

This is an initialism formed from the initial letters of the phrase 'Master of Science' (M S c); its meaning can be inferred if learners recognise the expanded phrase and abbreviation conventions, but it is not a productive morphological formation in English.

Etymology

MSc is short for Master of Science. The word master means 'teacher' or 'expert', and science comes from a word meaning 'knowledge', so an MSc shows advanced 'knowledge' in a science subject.