TL;DR. MSc meaning: it stands for Master of Science, a postgraduate degree in a science, technology or engineering subject that usually follows a related bachelor's degree. The MSc programs listed on Uplift differ in length, delivery and awarding university, so check those details before you choose.
Students see MSc on university pages and job adverts and often assume it means the same as an MBA or an MA. It does not. This guide explains the meaning, the entry rules and how the MSc programs listed on Uplift differ.
What does MSc mean?
MSc stands for Master of Science. It is a postgraduate qualification that goes deep into one subject, such as software engineering, data science, cyber security, mechatronics or nursing. Most MSc programs combine taught modules with a project or dissertation, and the subject is named in the title, for example MSc Cyber Security.
The same pattern runs through other master's titles. MA is a Master of Arts, usually in a humanities or education subject. MBA is a Master of Business Administration, a general management degree. MSc is the choice when the subject is technical or scientific and you want depth in it.
Most MSc programs last between one and two years, depending on the mode of study. Full-time programs finish sooner. Part-time and hybrid programs stretch the same content across a longer period so that you can keep working.
Who can study an MSc in Sri Lanka?
An MSc normally asks for a bachelor's degree in a related subject. The exact rule sits on each course page. Examples from the program pages on Uplift:
ESOFT Uni asks for a relevant undergraduate degree at second class honours level or equivalent. Some computing MSc programs say professional experience is an advantage.
Universal College Lanka (UCL) asks for a bachelor's degree with a minimum of second-class lower division, or a professional qualification equivalent to a UK degree, or relevant work experience demonstrating aptitude.
KIU University asks nursing graduates to hold a BSc Honours in Nursing at SLQF Level 6 from a recognised university.
If your first degree is in another field, read the subject prerequisites carefully. Our guide to master's degree entry requirements shows how those rules are written.
How do MSc programs on Uplift differ?
ESOFT Uni
ESOFT Uni lists MSc programs awarded by Kingston University. Examples are the MSc in Software Engineering, the MSc in Data Science and the MSc in Network and Information Security. Their course pages list total tuition of LKR 790,000 and a hybrid delivery mode. The MSc in Mechatronic Systems is listed as part-time for people who already work full-time, with total tuition of LKR 840,000.
Universal College Lanka
The MSc Cyber Security at Universal College Lanka is listed as a 12-month full-time program from the University of Lancashire, with total tuition of LKR 325,000. The MSc Data Science at Universal College Lanka is also listed as 12 months full-time, and its page lists no tuition, so ask the institute for the current figure.
KIU University
The Master of Science in Nursing at KIU University is a 2-year full-time program for nursing professionals who want to move into specialised, administrative or teaching roles. It shows that an MSc is not limited to computing.
