MSc Distance Education - Distance MSc Course Syllabus, Fees, Admission

A distance MSc degree is a postgraduate degree related to science, such as Zoology or Biochemistry, Mathematics or Statistics. This distance-mode degree is ideal for students who cannot attend a regular university as it is a flexible alternative and still offers the same benefits that a regular MSc degree provides.

The distance MSc degree is usually of a duration of 2 years. However, sometimes this period can extend up to 4 years if in case the student is not able to complete the degree in 2 years. This extension also differs from one university to another. The distance MSc degree is an exceptionally beneficial mode of education, especially for students who find it more convenient and working professionals. This helps working professionals establish a balance between their career or personal commitments while pursuing their education

Other than the distance MSc degree, there are a few other types of MSc degrees that students can also think of applying for. These include:

• Online MSc (Duration 2-3 years): This kind of MSc degree is 100% digital. With provisions and benefits like a virtual classroom environment, online classes and study materials that can be accessed from anywhere, anytime,  the online MSc degree offers immense flexibility to a student.

• Part-time MSc (duration 3-5 years): With the help of the part-time MSc program,  students can find a balance between their personal/professional commitments and their need to further their education. 

• Specialized Distance MSc: (duration 1.5 - 2 years): Students can opt for specialized MSc programs in various streams of Data Science and Mathematics. This kind of distance MSc degree is special as it fast-tracks the process of getting the degree

• Hybrid MSc (Duration 1.5 - 2.5 years: In this form of MSc Degree, students are expected to alternate between learning in the distance mode and attending classes in an on-campus setting.  

Program  Benefits

The distance MSc degree can act as the perfect catalyst for students and young professionals and help them land the job of their dreams. They get to do this while honouring any previous commitments they might have to fulfil. The scope of an MSc degree is endless with a world of possibilities round the corner. Here is a list of the benefits that some of the best distance MSc learning courses can offer:

Endless choices: One of the best things about pursuing a distance MSc degree is that the degree offers several subjects for students to choose from. These include subjects like economics, taxation, international finance etc. As a result, students have a wider horizon to explore. 

Flexible: An MSc distance education course helps students easily complete their studies and upskil themselves while they balance any other commitments they might have. The MSc distance education course is a remote degree that students can pursue from anywhere only needing to be physically present to take examinations.  

Best for young professionals: With a regular MSc course, students need to visit an on-campus university to attend classes and ultimately finish their studies. This rarely leaves any room for any other commitments, let alone pursuing a job. However, an MSc with distance education lets young professionals continue their jobs while adding more skills and learning to their portfolios

Affordable: Apart from the obvious flexibility that a distance MSc degree offers its students, another aspect is its affordability. Mostly, distance courses are quite affordable when compared to on-campus or regular courses. Even with the curriculum designed in the same manner, distance degrees act as a great means to grow one's educational qualification even with a financial crunch at play. 

Quality education: The concept of distance education hasn't always been very popular. However, of late, this mindset of distance education not offering the same quality education has changed. Distance education is no longer synonymous with low-quality education. Now, most top universities that offer a distance MSc degree, design their curriculum with the help of industry experts to provide the best knowledge to its students. 

Effective: Since there is no compromise on the quality of education, neither is the effectiveness of the courses. Students pursuing distance education from any college fare equally well, if not better, than those studying via regular colleges.  

Top MSc Specializations

• MSc in Mathematics 
• MSc in Data Science
• MSc in Statistics
• MSc Chemistry
• MSc Food and Nutrition
• MSc Environmental Science 

Top Colleges and universities Offering Distance MSc

Here is a list of reputed colleges and universities that offer Distance MSc courses:

• IGNOU or Indira Gandhi National Open University 
• Lovely Professional University
• Chandigarh University 
• Karnataka State Open University
• Maharishi Dayanand University
• Banaras Hindu University

Fee & Scholarship

Here's  a combined look at the fee structure that each University offers its students when they decide to apply for distance MSc courses:

Eligibility Criteria

Most of the time, the educational qualifications needed to pursue an MSc distance degree stay the same from university to university. However, some universities might require additional qualifications. Some of them are listed below. 

For Indian Students:

Bachelor's Degree: Potential students or young professionals must have a Bachelor's degree in Arts or a similar discipline from an accredited university. When it comes to the minimum marks obtained in graduation universities do put a cap on it and usually require a minimum of 50% marks in graduation.

MSc Entrance Exam: More often than not, there are no entrance exams that students need to take to apply for a distance MSc course. However, this again could differ from one University to another, specifically keeping in mind the CUET.

Admission Process

If you have decided on the specialization you want to pick and the university you want to pursue your degree from, you are halfway there. For students who wish to continue their education with a distance MSc course, here are the main steps to keep in mind as a part of your admission process

Check the eligibility criteria: Make sure you fulfil all the eligibility criteria set down by the university of your choosing. Once determined that you have fulfilled all of them, proceed to the next step. 

Fill out the application form: Now, you will move one step ahead near your admission into the college. Fill out the application form with accurate details and don’t forget to choose the course you had your mind to pursue. Ensure all the details entered in the application form match with the documents that you are asked to upload.

Upload documents: This step is an extremely crucial one so ensure that all your documents are clear when you upload them. The university will usually ask students for their Aadhar Card, PAN card, Bachelor’s degree mark sheet, and the latest passport-size photograph. If post uploading of the documents you are asked to pay the enrollment fees, do so. This step however might differ from one university to another. 

Wait for university approval: It does take some time for universities to cross-check your documents. Once that is done the university will send you a confirmation message, 

Pay the first semester/year’s fee: Once you receive confirmation from the university, proceed to pay your fees and your admission is done. 

Placement Assistance

There are a lot of reasons students are apprehensive about pursuing a distance MSc degree. One of these reasons is related to a university/degree’s placement options. Finding a job is very important for any young individual, and a lot of the top universities offer this provision even with the distance MSc degree too. However, it is also best that students check with their university of choice about this option before enrolling. 

Potential Job Roles and Job Opportunities for Distance MSc Graduates

Here’s a look at the following potential job roles that you can explore post-completion distance MSc degree programme : 

• Project Manager 
• Senior Data Analyst
• Environmental Consultant
• Senior Research Scientist 
• Lead Engineer
• Biotechnologist
• Data Analyst
• Junior Research Scientist
• Data Science Manager
• Principal Consultant
• Assistant Engineer
• Lab Technician

Industry Hiring Partners and Recruiters

There are a lot of companies looking to recruit young professionals who have completed their Master’s. Here is a list of some of them:

• Sun Pharma 
• Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories
• Cipla
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
• Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
• Apollo Hospitals
• Fortis Healthcare
• Hindustan Unilever
• Procter & Gamble
• Nestlé

FAQs

Is distance MSc recognized in India?

Yes. Almost all the top universities that offer a distance MSc degree for students to pursue are UGC-approved. This makes it crucial for both government and private sector companies to recognise the importance of students having passed an MSc distance course.

What kind of support does a student of a distance MSc degree receive from the university?

The university helps its students enrolled in the distance MSc degree in the following ways:

• Providing learning materials, textbooks, and online resources for students to learn from.
• The ability to reach out to faculty through email, chat and discussion forums if the need arise

Can I get a placement opportunity after a distance MSc?

Even though this provision varies from one university to another, a lot of the universities offering distance MSc courses to its students also take care of the placement post-completion of the degree. However, if this is important for you, it is best to confirm the same with the universities and apply in one that has this provision. 

What are the basic eligibility criteria for the distance MSc?

Potential students or young professionals must have a Bachelor's degree in Arts or a similar discipline from an accredited university. When it comes to the minimum marks obtained in graduation universities do put a cap on it and usually require a minimum of 50% marks in graduation.