Should I study an MEng or MSc?
So, you’re coming to the end of your BEng degree, and you want to continue your studies. But what’s the difference between an MEng and an MSc, and what’s the best choice for you?
Let’s have a look at some of the differences, and pros and cons of each pathway.
MEng and MSc definitions
Firstly, MEng stands for Master of Engineering, and MSc (or sometimes just MS, particularly in the USA) stands for Master of Science.
An MEng is often called an ‘integrated masters’, as it is included in an undergraduate programme – usually as a fourth or fifth year.
Many people who study an MEng degree apply for that option when they first apply for undergraduate studies. However, some people who didn’t have the grades, or weren’t sure if they wanted to commit to a four or five-year course, applied for a BEng instead. If that’s you, it’s not the end of the road. If you’ve performed well in your BEng, you could continue your studies with an MEng, or choose to apply for an MSc. At Queen Mary, we support all BEng students to continue onto an MEng in their field, so long as they are averaging 60% in their modules.
Sticking with your subject or switching specialism?
If you want to continue studying your current specialism at a higher level, you can apply to do an additional year to achieve an MEng. But if you want to broaden your expertise or pivot to a different subject, an MSc can be a great way to achieve this.
Many universities accept a broad range of subjects for MSc admissions, so you may be eligible for more STEM programmes than you realise.
If you completed your undergraduate studies at a different university but want to come to Queen Mary, you’ll need to apply for an MSc, as the MEng is only available as an additional year within an integrated undergraduate programme.
Coming from Sciences and Maths to Engineering?
We only accept students already on the correct undergraduate Engineering pathway for our MEng courses, so you’ll need to apply for an MSc in your preferred Engineering subject.
We accept undergraduate degrees in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences for many of our MSc programmes, depending on the course content. Double-check the entry requirements on our course pages to make sure your prior study will be accepted.
How does course content differ between an MEng and MSc?
Generally, an MEng is considered to be more practical – and an extension of what you’ve learnt at BEng level. You’ll take part in hands-on and technical learning, putting into practice the knowledge you have gained during your BEng.
An MSc is more focused on high-level research – with a personal research project or dissertation forming a large portion of the work. It’s often considered to be a great option for those wanting to pursue a research career. You will be embedded within one of our leading research centres, offering opportunities to work under those pioneering breakthroughs in organ-chip technology, robotics engineering, sustainable energy systems and more.
Our MScs are also brilliant for people already in industry, who want to expand on their existing knowledge, or hone in on an area of interest. It is possible to take part in industry-linked projects (subject to availability), and present your research to employers at our Industrial Liaison Forum, among other events.
Our MScs generally include an individual research project, compared to the MEng’s group research project. Both of these research projects are worth 50% of your total grade but are structured differently. The MSc includes 3 modules in each of the first two semesters (so 6 in total), plus your research project over the summer; whilst the MEng is 2 modules in each semester (4 in total), plus your group research project, which runs throughout the year.
Normally, both MEng and MSc degrees meet the academic requirements for chartership, if completed after a relevant BEng. For details on the professional accreditation options available via each route, check our course pages.
How long will it take me to complete an MEng vs an MSc?
An MEng is treated as the final year of your undergraduate degree. Because of this, it follows the normal academic year you will be familiar with – from around September until June – and you’ll be finished in the summer.
An MSc is a standalone full-year programme and would generally run from September to September, with some programmes also offering a January intake. MSc students are expected to work on their dissertation or project over the summer – the period between the end of Semester 2 and the course end date is not considered a vacation.
MEng vs MSc course fees?
If you’re continuing onto an MEng, you’ll pay for an extra year at the undergraduate rate of around £9,535 for home students, and £29,950 for overseas students (subject to change).
For home students, course fees are rolled into your Student Finance England application, so you will be familiar with the process from undergraduate studies.
At the time of writing, undertaking an MSc in Engineering at Queen Mary will cost you £12,850 (home students) or £29,950 (overseas).
Home students can apply for a masters loan to cover these fees, and there are also scholarships and bursaries available, such as the alumni discount.
Do employers have a preference between MEng and MSc?
Generally, employers will specify if they’re looking to recruit someone with a bachelors or a masters degree, but not be more specific than that. Industry tends to see MEng and MSc degrees as equal, and many graduate schemes are open to both bachelors and masters grads.
Many people within the field of engineering are educated to MEng/MSc level, so it is a good idea to seriously consider getting a postgraduate qualification, to be able to compete with other early career engineers and build your knowledge, should you wish to pursue Chartered Engineer status.
But, if you manage to secure a job offer you are excited about towards the end of your BEng degree, there is no harm pursuing it and getting some experience. You can always return to masters study later, and your employer might even decide to cover this, or other studies, as part of your ongoing development.
If you have a specific career in mind, consider reviewing the course content of MEng and MSc degrees, to see which modules align best with your goals. Speak with your academic advisor, lecturers, or connect with alumni working in the sector/role you are focused on.
What if I’m hoping to do a PhD?
You can apply for a PhD with either an MEng or an MSc degree, though MSc programmes typically place greater emphasis on research and may offer stronger preparation. Many students continue their masters-level research into their PhD studies, regardless of whether they completed an MEng or MSc.
Here’s an example of a project that developed from undergraduate to PhD-level, via the MEng route.
We hope this has helped you to understand the differences between MEng and MSc degrees, and encourage you to continue your research into the different options available, to find out which would be best for you! If you'd like to contact us about doing an MSc at Queen Mary, you can email sems-outreach@qmul.ac.uk.