An MSc Physiology, or Master of Science in Physiology, is a postgraduate medical degree that aims to equip learners with expertise in the theoretical and practical aspects of human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. The course curriculum is highly research-oriented, exposing students to critically analyze and explore organism and cell in the lab, promoting experimental and even analytical learning.
Generally, the duration of the course is 2 years, however some colleges prefer to offer it as a 3-year comprehensive degree with an average course fee ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 4,00,000. Furthermore, the top MSc Physiology colleges in India include University of Calcutta, Kasturba Medical College, University of Madras, The University of Burdwan, etc.
The merit criteria of the MSc Physiology eligibility states that only the candidates who have scored a minimum of 50%-55% in a bachelor degree completed in Medical Science and related fields are eligible to apply, whereas the course's entrance based criteria requires them to pass the relevant entrance exam such as the NEET PG, CUET PG, JEPAS PG, or others while also satisfying the basic merit criteria to be eligible to apply.
Some of the top MSc Physiology job opportunities include Clinical Research Coordinator, Lab Technician, Research Associate, Clinical Physiologist, Clinical Operations Manager, Medical Affairs Director, and more. The average entry-level salary for these roles ranges between INR 1-7 LPA, while middle-level and experienced-level wages vary from INR 8-20 LPA and INR 20-40 LPA, respectively.
- MSc Physiology Highlights
- What is MSc Physiology?
- Why Study MSc Physiology?
- Who should study MSc Physiology?
- MSc Physiology Eligibility Criteria
- MSc Physiology Entrance Exams 2025
- MSc Physiology Colleges in India
- MSc Physiology Admission Process 2025
- MSc Physiology Syllabus
- MSc Physiology Job Opportunities in India
- MSc Physiology FAQs
MSc Physiology Highlights
Before enrolling in an MSc Physiology course, check out the crucial details of this postgraduate program listed in the table below:
What is MSc Physiology?
An MSc in Physiology is a 2-3 year full-time postgraduate program with a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes experimental and hands-on learning. The course is aimed to assist in the development of scientific and analytical skills, as well as theoretical expertise in core disciplines such as cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, human anatomy, and statistics.
The course's multidisciplinary curriculum aims to provide learners with a thorough understanding of the physiological and pathological aspects of human anatomy and cells. It also ensures practical skill development for conducting accurate and effective clinical assessments and biomedical science research using appropriate approaches and techniques.
Why Study MSc Physiology?
Today's medical and allied industries rely heavily on in-depth physiological research and exploration to diagnose problems and develop appropriate therapies, medical treatments, and procedures for the same, making MSc Physiology an increasingly important field of study. Other significant reasons for pursuing this course include:
- Diverse career opportunities: MSc Physiology, as an advanced study in the varied aspects of physiology, equips learners with a highly practical, analytical, and scientific skillset that prepares them for employment in a variety of industries, including academia, research, healthcare diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, sports science, and more.
- Emphasis on practical learning: As a postgraduate course of study in the physiology discipline, the MSc Physiology curriculum focuses heavily on hands-on and lab learning rather than theoretical classroom learning, allowing students to gain the relevant clinical and lab exposure to develop or enhance their practical, experimental, and testing techniques and skills.
- Groundwork for research prospects: The MSc Physiology syllabus includes a number of specialized core and elective subjects that lays down a solid foundation in the learner's mind of Physiology and related disciplines, enabling them to pursue research opportunities in the same.
Who should study MSc Physiology?
Even though the graduates of Medical Science and related fields are automatically eligible to apply for the MSc Physiology course, the presence of the following characteristics or interest areas make them an even better candidate for the course and assist them in determining whether this course is right for them or not. Thus, the ideal candidates for the course can be described as the ones who:
- Are interested in pursuing professional careers in clinical research and pharmaceuticals.
- Are aspiring researchers seeking to expand their understanding of human biology and physiology through a specialized and advanced program.
- Are working professionals in medical physiology and associated industries who wish to advance in their careers by pursuing advanced studies in the same field.
- Are fitness enthusiasts interested in learning more about human health and physiology with the goal of pursuing professions in the medical, health and wellness industries.
MSc Physiology Eligibility Criteria
In India, either a merit or an entrance-based criterion is used to determine a candidate's eligibility for the program, with the majority of colleges preferring the entrance-based criteria to ensure a standard admission procedure for all medical science and related field graduates. The detailed breakdown of the MSc Physiology eligibility is as follows:
- The candidate must have completed a 3-5 year bachelor degree in Medical Science or related field with an aggregate score of 50%-55%.
- The candidate must qualify the relevant entrance exam (NEET PG, CUET PG, JEPAS PG, MET, etc). (If required)
- Merit scores vary according to the university’s criteria, some universities demand a 50% score in bachelor's, while others demand a 55% mark.
- BSc Nursing, BSc in Allied Health Sciences, BAMS, MBBS are some of the UG degrees accepted to enroll in the course`.
- Only bachelor degrees completed from a recognized university are accepted.
MSc Physiology Entrance Exams 2025
The majority of Indian colleges admit students to the MSc Physiology program through entrance exams. There are various entrance exams for the course in India, conducted both at the national and state levels and the following table offers critical info regarding them:
MSc Physiology Colleges in India
MSc Physiology is offered by multiple private and public colleges in India, and practically all of them follow a UGC-approved curriculum for the same. The top MSc Physiology colleges in India, as per their NIRF rankings and public evaluation include:
MSc Physiology Admission Process 2025
Admissions to the MSc Physiology program are often carried out via a rigorous and time-consuming counselling process that requires applicants to first appear for the entrance exam before proceeding to the course’s counselling and other admission formalities. To apply for this course at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, one need to follow the steps below:
Step 1: Since the Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore is affiliated to the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, candidates can begin their application by registering at the official admission portal of the same. The link to register is https://apply.manipal.edu/.
Step 2: To register, provide basic details like name, email address, mobile number, course and college name that the candidate wishes to apply for. In this case, it should be MSc Physiology at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore.
Step 3: Click on “register” and upon successful registration, the candidate will be able to access the application form.
Step 4: Fill the application form by providing the requested personal and academic history information. Also, upload the scanned copies of the requested documents in the format mentioned in the form.
Step 5: Pay the non-refundable application form fee that usually costs INR 2000 for the MSc Physiology program and click on “submit”. The form will be automatically submitted to the university.
Step 6: Appear for the online entrance exam (MET- Manipal Entrance Test), the updates regarding the schedule and timings of the same can be checked through the university’s admission portal.
Step 7: Wait for the merit list to be released. The merit list contains the candidate’s scores in the MET Exam and their ranks as per their performance in the same.
Step 8: Participate in the online counselling process by logging into your profile on the university’s admission portal. Fill in the lists of colleges that you would like to pursue the course from. In this case, Kasturba Medical College should be on top.
Step 9: Colleges are then allocated on the basis of a candidate’s MET ranks and bachelor degree scores.
Step 10: The candidate receives a provisional admission letter as per the counselling allotments and is required to pay the first semester fee and complete some basic formalities to confirm a seat in the course.
Documents Required:
- 10th marksheet and passing certificate issued by the board.
- 12th marksheet and passing certificate issued by the board.
- School Leaving Certificate
- Bachelor’s Marksheet
- Bachelor’s Passing Certificate
- Provisional Certificate
- Scanned Signature Image
- Coloured Passport Size Photographs
- Entrance Exam Admit Card
- Entrance Exam Scorecard
- Caste Certificate (If applicable)
- Identity Proof issued by the government (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Passport, etc.)
MSc Physiology Syllabus
Covering topics from cellular and molecular physiology to applied and environmental physiology, the MSc Physiology syllabus can be described as comprehensive and multidisciplinary. For reference, the various subjects taught in the course and their semester-wise division at The University of Burdwan is provided below:
MSc Physiology Job Opportunities in India
Graduates of MSc Physiology program can start their professional careers at junior level positions, assisting other experts in the field before moving on to senior-level roles with more authority and responsibility after accumulating the necessary experience. The table below contains some of the most popular MSc Physiology job opportunities in India, along with the top recruiters and average salary details:
MSc Physiology FAQs
Is MSc Physiology and MSc Human Physiology same?
MSc in Physiology or Human Physiology are nearly identical degrees, though there might be slight differences in their focus areas. Both are postgraduate studies that focus on the analysis and exploration of cells in a living body, however, it should be noted that while MSc Physiology covers all types of living organisms, including humans, insects, and even animals, an MSc in Human Physiology focuses solely on humans and the cells that function in their bodies, it does not include any other type of living organism.
What is MSc Physiology scope in India?
The scope of MSc Physiology in India is quite extensive. As a postgraduate degree that encourages hands-on, experimental, and lab learning, MSc Physiology graduates are equipped with the industry-relevant scientific and analytical skills making them highly employable in lucrative and prestigious job roles across a variety of industries including research, academic, healthcare, diagnostic, fitness and wellness, pharmaceuticals, and others.
How relevant is an MSc Physiology distance education in India?
Even though the MSc Physiology distance education is UGC recognized in India, making it valid and even globally recognized, it should be emphasized that it has certain significant limitations when compared to a regular degree. As a distance education program, students have restricted interaction with their peers and teachers,also, they are unable to participate in experimental and lab learning and research projects, which has an impact on their practical, analytical, and even scientific skill development.
Which bachelor degrees are accepted for the MSc Physiology program?
In order to be eligible to apply for MSc Physiology, the candidates are required to have completed a 3-5 year bachelor degree in Medical Science or related fields. Some of the common Bachelor degrees in this regard includes a Bachelor of Science (with at least one subject of Biological Sciences), BSc Nursing, BSc in Allied Health Sciences, Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), MBBS, Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS), Bachelor of Physiotherapy, BPharm, etc.
What are the possible government job opportunities for MSc Physiology graduates?
There are several government job opportunities available for MSc Physiology graduates in India, particularly in research, teaching, and clinical settings. Graduates of this course are in high demand in government medical colleges and institutes as assistant professors or lecturers, as well as at ICMR, CSIR, and even in government hospitals as medical officers (physiology), clinical physiologists, research associates, and etc.
What is the syllabus for the MSc Physiology entrance exam?
MSc Physiology entrance exams in India typically feature both multiple-choice questions and descriptive questions. The main subjects covered in the paper include anatomy, cell physiology, system physiology, neurophysiology, environmental physiology, biochemistry and biophysics, biostatistics, and research methodologies. In certain universities, subjects such as genetics and hematology are also included.