Distance/Correspondence M.Sc Courses – MSc Correspondence Colleges in Bangalore
Distance-Learning M. Sc Course details
Course Overview
Master of Science (M.Sc.) a.k.a MS (as people not from India call it) is a postgraduate level degree program in Science stream. If you are a science graduate and wish to go deeper in a particular area pertaining to any science-related field, then doing an M.Sc. is your best bet. Unlike undergraduate programs, Master of Science course offers specialization with all its focus on one subject while all other subjects are either a sub-branch of it or a supporting subject.
With constant advancement in technology, it is now possible to study M.Sc. through distance-learning or as people say through Correspondence courses. The distance-learning M.Sc. program is designed and built for those wanting to build on knowledge and skills gained during an undergraduate program and advance in their niche subject of interest. There are several institutes that offer M.Sc. distance education programs, without compromising on the quality of education. Although there’s a significant difference from the traditional approach of learning, the takeaways are pretty much the same.
In a bit, I’ll walk you through the course structure and how Distance-Learning Master of Science programme works.
Streams and Specialisation
The world of science is very broad and has got many branches and sub-branches under it. It can be broadly classified as physical science, life science and formal science. Each and every category can be subdivided into several subcategories and those in turn into several other niche subjects. Typically an undergraduate Student studies a combination 3 or 4 subjects of their interest. A master of science degree is a research-oriented course narrowing down its focus on one niche subject.
Few courses are more specific and niche than others. For example, M. Sc in Botany is more specific and niche compared to M. Sc in Biology.
Most Institutes offer the Distance-learning mode of education in few specializations only. Here’s a list of specialization in M.Sc offered through distance education.
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Chemistry
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Physics
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Mathematics
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Environmental Science
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Biology
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Biotechnology
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Botany
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Zoology
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Microbiology
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Bioscience
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Biochemistry
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Computer Science
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Information Technology
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Psychology
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Statistics
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Data Science
- Distance/Correspondence Master of Science in Telecommunication
Also Read:BCom Distance Education Courses – Correspondence BCom (Commerce)
Duration
Duration of the course varies depending on the specialization subjects and the level of commitment of the student. Typically, time to complete the course depends on how much time you can afford to spend on it, though the maximum time to complete MSc Distance Education course is around 3-4 years, you can complete it in 2 years as well if you can allot more time to the course.
Fees
Needless to say, there’s no fixed fee structure for any educational courses. Every institute has got their own pricing and fee structure. Most institutes offer distance-learning M. Sc courses at the cost ranging between 20,000 INR to 40,000 INR per year. However, there can be a huge deviation from what’s considered average. For example, few institutes charge as low as 7,000 INR per year and a few other institutes charge as high as 1.5 Lakhs INR per year.
So, it comes down to which institute you want to study in and if you are comfortable with the fee structure of that institute or not.
Eligibility
Bsc or graduation in relevant field from a UGC (University Granting Commission) recognized institute with minimum second-class pass percentage is the minimum eligibility criteria for distance-education M. Sc courses.
Some of the institutes have different eligibility criteria depending on the specialization you want to pursue; for example, if you want to join GITAM University for Distance MSc Program in Biotechnology, you should have passed BSc. or equivalent exam with any of the following mentioned courses:
Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioinformatics etc.. (I hope you got the point).
So make sure you get all the information about eligibility from the institute you want to join in.
Also Read:B.A Distance Education Program – Eligibility, Course Details, Streams, Scope & Opportunities
Mode of Learning
Despite the stereotyped attitude of students towards distance education, especially in subjects like science that demands hands-on training, the technology has consistently proved its dynamic influence over education. Alongside the degree certificate, there are several perks Distance-education has over the traditional classroom-lectures approach to education. Most importantly, it gives students the power to learn their way.
Here’s why distance-learning may be the best mode of learning for you
- Self-paced
- Less expensive
- Results-oriented
- Anywhere, anytime access to course
- Lifetime access to lessons and other study materials
- ICT and ODL tools like a discussion forum, interactive presentations and worksheets make learning more effective and cooler.
How does it work?
Firstly, all the course materials such as lectures and notes are accessible to the students through the Internet. Some Institutes even deliver the study materials via mail depending on the student’s preference.
While a majority of the course is conducted online, the student would be required to complete a certain amount of time on the campus as a resident in order to absorb lab and capstone sessions as it’s is a technical course. The student can also choose to take up a thesis as part of the studies.
Students can get their doubts cleared and get more information regarding the subject matter through online discussions via chat sessions and message boards.
The institute or open university maintains a digitalized course management system that easily distributes lectures and other course content in different forms such as videos, video conferences and webs streams, e-mails, podcasts and discussion forums. Relevant audio and video cards along with a Webcam are the basic requirements that a student would need to access the study material.
Here’s what you need to consider while deciding about best distance/correspondence MSc colleges in Bangalore or In India.
- Ask for detailed information on how practical and lab sessions are conducted
- Educators qualification and experience
- Examination and assessment standards
- Scope and support for R&D (Research and Development) projects
- Collaboration with relevant industries and institutes
- Placement assistance
- Testimonials
Scope and Job Opportunities
Thanks to distance education programs, getting an M.Sc. degree is as easy as drinking a glass of water. Well, not that easy but you get the point. You can sit at home and complete your M.Sc. studies. So what can you do upon completing the two-year course?
The three most common professions after doing M.Sc. are that of a scientist, professor and researcher.
If you are an aspiring scientist, you would have to complete your M.Sc. and clear the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) exam. The alternative pathway would require you to follow your M.Sc. up with a Ph.D. or a Post Doctoral Research Fellowship (PDF).
Doing an M.Sc. along with a B.Ed. would make you eligible to teach in junior colleges while completing the National Eligibility Test (NET) along with an M.Sc. would certify you to become a professor at the Undergraduate level. If you intend on taking it up a notch, an M.Sc., Ph.D. and PDF combination should make you eligible to teach at the postgraduate level.
In addition to the aforementioned careers, M.Sc. offers a wide range of specializations such as
Chemistry, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Microbiology etc. and there is an ample number of jobs in each of the disciplines. An M.Sc. in Chemistry major can get you a job in pharmaceutical and detergent making industries.
Similarly, having a Microbiology M.Sc. major can land you a job in food and beverage, water and agro-chemical companies. Lab Technician, Project Manager, Research and Data Scientist, Team lead – there are quite a few job profiles for an M.Sc. graduate to take up.
Yes, I know what you’re wondering about, the salary packages right?
The average package is 10-12 lakhs per annum which can go up 30 lakhs per annum and above based on the accumulated experience and of course, an M.Sc. degree. The stock of your resume does rise by adding one simple Masters Degree. So what are you waiting for? Work and get an M.Sc. at the same time and in a couple of years, find yourself a few steps ahead of your peers.
List of open universities and institutes in Bangalore that offer distance-education courses in MSc.
Since we have already covered most of the things related to Distance Education/ Correspondence MSc programs, let’s have a look at some of the best MSc Distance Education colleges/open universities in Bangalore as well as around India.
- Karnataka State Open University
- Bangalore University
- GITAM University
- Bright International Education Trust
- Mahatma Gandhi University
- Mysore Correspondence College
- Sri Sai Correspondence College
- Global Shiksha Institute of Education
- Systems Quest Private Limited
- Spark Correspondence Institute
