MSC (General Studies)
Your Gateway to Interdisciplinary Excellence
The M.Sc. General Studies programme at BITS Pilani encourages a multitude of skills by using an approach that correlates science, technology and humanities. Its comprehensive curriculum lets students study subjects such as literature, philosophy, economics, environmental studies, and social science to enhance their ability to critically assess diverse perspectives. They also learn to interpret complex problems and to draw on different disciplines, and to solve problems with creativity and depth. This flexible programme helps learners think clearly, communicate effectively, and adapt to changing global circumstances. These skills are important for leadership, research and innovation in various areas.
Design a Degree That Works for You
At BITS Pilani, your academic path is not Linear. It allow you to customise your learning path
according to your aspirations, goals and interest.
The structure of degree programmes and academic regulations also provides certain other flexibilities like choice of electives, number of electives, repetition of courses, departure from normal pace, withdrawal from or substitution of course(s), etc.
High-performing students may transfer to:
Higher Degree or Ph.D. programmes
Between Ph.D. and Higher Degree levels (based on academic standing). This flexibility supports seamless progression for research-driven students.
One of the most popular flexibilities offered by our educational structure is the dual degree scheme, under which students concurrently work towards completing two integrated first degrees within a reasonable timeframe. All students admitted to Group B programmes are also eligible to work under this scheme for one of the Group A programmes. Assignments to programmes are made based on individual performance during the first year.
In the assignment of dual degrees, first priority is given to students in Group B seeking a second degree under this scheme from among the programmes in Group A. After fully satisfying the known needs of the first priority, a second operation is done to consider the other priority, namely, students in any group seeking a second degree from amongst the programmes in another group. While it would be academically and procedurally acceptable for a student admitted to Group A or B programmes to seek a second degree in Group C in the dual degree scheme, the reverse process is not normally possible. However, a student admitted to Group C will be eligible to compete for a dual degree in any degree in Group C, or any degree in Group B or MMS, but only in Group A.
Practice School
The Original Experiential Learning Model
The Practice School Programme is a hallmark of BITS Pilani’s experiential learning approach. It provides students with an opportunity to practice what they have learnt in global organisations under the supervision of a mentor. Students work on cutting-edge technologies and have the option to practice in their discipline of study or cross-disciplinary areas. In addition to providing students with an opportunity to play roles that require multifunctional skills, this flagship programme also offers many students the chance to secure a PPO.
Click the edit button to change this HTML
Practice School-I
Practice School I is an eight-week course conducted during the summer term after the second year of study. Students are stationed in an organisation during this programme, and after a comprehensive orientation, students largely learn through observation and work on group projects, under the guidance and mentorship of industry experts and a faculty member from BITS. This not only serves as a first exposure for students to the corporate world but also helps nurture their personality traits, communication, and presentation skills.
Practice School-II
Practice School-II offered in the final year of study is a TWENTY-TWO-week full-time program. First-degree students in their final year of study can register for this program either during the first semester or the second semester, and Dual-Degree students can register for a double-semester PS-II program. For higher degree students, the course is titled Practice School, and such students can register for it in their final semester of study.
Practice School Process
Practice School I is an eight-week course conducted during the summer term after the second year of study. Students are stationed in an organisation during this programme, and after a comprehensive orientation, students largely learn through observation and work on group projects, under the guidance and mentorship of industry experts and a faculty member from BITS. This not only serves as a first exposure for students to the corporate world but also helps nurture their personality traits, communication, and presentation skills.
Programme Structure
Focus: Basics of science, engineering, and mathematics
- Biology Laboratory
- General Biology
- Chemistry Laboratory
- General Chemistry
- Mathematics I
- Physics Laboratory
- Mechanics, Oscillations and Waves
- Engineering Graphics
- Mathematics II
- Workshop Practice
- Computer Programming
- Electrical Sciences
- Technical Report Writing
- Probability and Statistics
- Thermodynamics
Focus: Strengthening fundamentals in economics, management, and mathematical methods
- Mathematics III
- Principles of Economics
- Principles of Management
- Open/Humanities Electives:
- Modern Political Concepts
- Environment, Development & Climate Change
- Development Theories
- Dynamics of Social Change
- Introductory Psychology
- Public Policy
- Development Economics
- Environmental Studies
Focus: Specialised electives, analytical tools, and in-depth theory
- Discipline Electives (Specialisations)
- Open/Humanities Electives:
- Techniques in Social Research
- Contemporary India
- Public Administration
- Global Business Technology & Knowledge Sharing
- Introduction to Conflict Management
- Applied Philosophy
Focus: Integrating research, electives, and practical exposure
- Open Electives
- Discipline Electives
- Practice School II
- Thesis (9 credits) and Electives (6–9 credits)
Labs That Bring Learning to Life
Faculty That Broadens Horizons
A Michael Alphonse
Associate Professor (Off Campus),
Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus
A R Harikrishnan
Associate Professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus
Abhishek Mishra
Assistant Professor,
Department of Computer Science & Information Systems, BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus