Hello everybody,

I was planning to do a Masters degree from Australia. I have done my Bachelors by research from UK as in UK most degrees are finalized through research work done by candidate. However, I am slightly confused here thinking to opt for which option, either Masters by Research or by Coursework if I had to do a Masters from Australia. Can somebody shed lights on the following issues:

1. Which is more productive knowledge and education wise?
2. Which is more difficult?
3. Which one is a better option from job and immigration purpose?

I was interested in doing Masters by Research for two reasons. First, I have experience of academic research and second and most important, I can work full time even during studies which can allow me to seek and work for a professional job while studying on the other hand.

P.S. I am an Accountancy student.

Any help and advice would be appreciated.

Regards

Muhammad

Masters by research allows you to live in Australia for 3 years after your studies wher as masters by course work allows you to stay for 2 years after your studies.as far as immigration is concerned try to choose a course from sol1 as this list is changed less often than csol.THough there are more scholarships available in research program than course work.ALl the best in whatever you decide.

Brizi

Hi Muhammad,

I've moved this to the main forum as you're not asking about visas.

Hi Brizi,

Your advice was priceless. Thank you so much. I have read some reviews over the forums where people are saying that Masters by research student will likely be limited for academic jobs, i.e., teachers etc. where as for an office work it is better to do masters by coursework. Any comments on that?

Thanks

Talking specifically about teacher as a career you need to do master of teaching(course work) where as if you do master of education(research)it's more of career development course in teaching.Research based course are bit tough to get it,where as coursework course are less competitive to enroll in.YOu are right to do more of office job coursework program's are better choice but I would still make sure what would be the outcome of my skill assessment once I finish my course.or it's registration requirement etc.

Thanks once again for your response. But is it like if I am undertaking a Masters by Research, I am closing all my options for corporate jobs? I love challenges, something which is not easy to do. So I am really not afraid about the difficulty level, but what's scaring me is the after graduating jobs. Another reason to opt in a research course was because I'd be allowed to work full time during studies which opens up an option for me to try for a professional job while I am studying. Another thing, am I limit to certain kinds of jobs I can undertake while on a study mode of Masters by Research I mean can I only do professional job or the option is open ended?

Regards

Muhammad.

Accounting research mainly studies the economic impact of accounting information and practice. It is divorced from the techniques and principles of accounting. Another feature of accounting research is that it is difficult to find original research topics. Academic supervisors normally expect students to find a topic themselves (this requires a decent knowledge of the existing literature).

If you plan to be an accounting practitioner, I would steer clear of a research degree.