Everyone agrees that research for higher studies is a key factor to land yourself into best university across the globe. It not just enhances your skill sets but also helps you to achieve your professional goals.
In the very same way Manvi and Nikhil after completing their graduation Bachelor of Science in Botany started researching for their higher studies by considering multiple parameters like country, rankings, fees structure, placements, and the list goes on. So that they can get into the best University.
India is a Degree driven country when it comes to education. We usually end up considering a very limited range of Master’s degrees like MBA, M.Tech, M.Sc, etc and immediately start shortlisting the universities. Well, even Manvi and Nikhil started exploring the universities in the very same way. However, they did miss out on the first and the very basic factor while researching, “What type of Master’s degree do I want to study?”. Well, further details will help all of you to understand the types of Master’s Degrees available around the world.
Master’s degrees are broadly classified into two types, they are Coursework based and Thesis based. This classification is based on the structure and the future perspective of the course. The structure comprises the subjects - the modules included in the course, and the future perspective is related to your expectations post-course completion.
When Manvi and Nikhil started their research, they found that their expectations from Master’s degree were different from each other. Nikhil wanted to enrol for a management related course where he could start earning immediately whereas Manvi was interested to pursue her PhD to become a professor.
Upon further research, Nikhil realised that he wants to study a coursework-based degree where he can get a fixed curriculum in a semester-wise pattern. Speaking of coursework, as the name suggests, the coursework is more like an undergraduate programme. You will be completing a fixed set of modules in a fixed time duration called a semester using different learning tools like seminars, lectures, and other activities. It may or may not have a project included at the end of the degree. Many coursework based degrees also give alternatives to an internship in place of projects where submission of a thesis could be required. The duration of the coursework based Master’s degree usually varies from 1.5 years to 3 years. Nikhil wants to study Master of Public Health (coursework) so that he can go for careers related to healthcare administration, Social and Community Services, etc. Likewise, a student pursuing an MBA will probably proceed with their career towards the specialized fields they are into like Finance, Accounting, Marketing, etc where research elements might not be required.
However, Thesis based Master’s degree is more research-oriented. Manvi, who wants to, later on, proceed with pursuing her PhD, decides to study Thesis based degree which will be really helpful for her to understand and prepare for the research papers. Research-based Master’s is more of an independent study where you don’t have any specific structured curriculum. Fun fact, it’s also possible you might not have any timetable. Manvi will be focussing on one or more projects with the proper guidance of a supervisor. Her primary focus would be on her topic of research which will be helpful for her getting to PhD. Research masters include courses like Master of Philosophy, Master of Anthropology, Master of Science, Master of Psychology, and the list goes on.
Determining the type, of course, Nikhil and Manvi wanted to study helped them to pace their research work for higher studies. So, whenever you start to plan your PG studies make sure you are at least clear about your short term goals post completion of the degree along with the other university selecting parameters. It will not just help you to narrow down the options to the best-preferred universities but also help you to get a better understanding of your professional growth.
This is a very simple worded, good and sound explanation, of how one's first step towards master's should not be about researching about the best universities. The decision must be taken with a perspective of, what one wants to work with in his/her life, which is well explained here. Thank you for this blog, looking forward to more.