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For those of you who have ever been involved with postgraduate education information for exact sciences, you must have heard the terms Coursework program and Research program. Yes, this term is very commonly used to determine the typical postgraduate education process, generally a Master's Degree. So, what is the difference between Coursework and Research? Mr. Eka Firmansyah, a lecturer in Electrical Engineering UGM who took a master's program at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore and is currently taking a doctoral program at Kyushu University, Japan, shared his experience, "Coursework is for those of you who really like studying. With Coursework, it is guaranteed to be completed in 1 year and get a master's. But don't ever imagine it's like studying in Indonesia. At NTU, one semester only has three courses. But the load is quite heavy. In the second semester, you have to write a thesis and do research. If you take Coursework, you don't need to look for a supervisor. The university will look for one later.
Difference Between Coursework and Research
If you successfully graduate, you will definitely be a great and diligent person and smart in time management. Another thing is the Research program. This is often joked about as a Doctoral program that doesn't happen because this Research program is almost the same as a Doctoral program. The minimum time is 2 years. We do independent research under the guidance of a Supervisor (mentor). After completing 2 years, we write a thesis. Now for this research, because it is independent research, the theme must be liked. If not, it will never be finished. With independent research, the advantage is that you are trained to study a Doctoral program later. Because what distinguishes the Research program from the Doctoral program is the exam. For the Doctoral program, you must pass a closed exam and a Defense exam (an open exam in front of several experts and professors), while for the Master by Research program, you only need a closed exam.
Huff.....can you imagine the difference? Anyway, the explanation is not an absolute explanation in other countries and universities. Each university and country applies different standards and education systems. From all the explanations above, the most important thing you have to do is: understand the education system that applies in the university and country you are going to! Dig up information and opinions from various parties, including from a friend or relative who has studied there. By understanding the existing education system, you will be better prepared to continue your studies abroad.
Tips! Some scholarship providers do not accept 'jumping' from Bachelor Degree to Doctoral Degree, although some universities, such as NTU, allow you to take Direct Doctoral Degree program. Be careful with this. Understand the rules of your university and scholarship institution, if necessary ask them directly whether they allow you to take Direct Doctoral Degree program in your desired university.
Reference
Guide to Education in Japan, (Jakarta: Directorate General of Higher Education of Indonesia, 2005), p. 2
Author
Mr. Sunu Wibirama