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Finding a good university

This is a must visit webpage.
Education Guardian - University Guide

Here you can find the rating of the university, together with tariff. And some other information.

Master - Research or Coursework

I try to discuss this matter because my friend ask me my opinion about this. Because it's just base on my experience, so it may vary to other people case.

  Research Coursework
Time to finish Usually, research in master take 2 years or more. But I met a girl in my previous university finish it in 1 year. Mean that she really working hard for it 1 year or 1 year and half depending on the course.
Learning method Self learning with supervision from the lecturer Lecture as in undergraduate study, plus a dissertation like final year project in undergraduate study

I believe that doing research gives you more time to concentrate to certain field that you like. Coursework on the other hand lead you to have a busy life. Because usually you take 2-3 core papers in a semester in undergraduate years, now you have to take 4 papers of postgraduate level to finish it fast.

However, the pros of doing coursework is, it is good for people who are not thinking about pursuing PhD. Such as people who just want to get a raise in salary. Doing coursework is certainly for you. The disadvantages of doing coursework for people who plan to pursue PhD is that you learn a lot of things that might not be related to what you are going to do in PhD. But still, doing coursework means that you have a wider perspective in your field and a lot more of knowledge which is essential for people who want to be a lecturer.

And doing coursework is good for people who want to pursue PhD but are not sure which particular topic he or she want to do in PhD. That is because, doing master means that you learn more about certain topic that you learnt in undergraduate. So you might develop interest while you are learning.

Master - Research or Coursework, and where?

Surf over the net, view through the subject in university prospectus. And decide. Bear in mind that different university will focus in different thing although the subject name is similar. For example (from my experience), one master coursework in Universiti Sains Malaysia from School of Mathematical Sciences called 'Mathematical Modelling'. And this course focus modelling in mechanic fluid. While the course I'm taking in Brunel University, also called Methods of Mechanical Modelling focus more on engineering and physics stuff.

 
 


Lecture center in Brunel University