So, keeping this in mind, in today’s article, we will help students choose between these two masters degree programs by highlighting their benefits and drawbacks. Yes, there will be a mention of the pros and cons of both thesis and non-thesis degree programs separately. Hence, let’s start the discussion right away.
What Is A Master’s By Thesis? Discuss Its Benefits And Drawbacks.
A master’s by thesis or master’s by research is a degree program in the UK in which students are required to submit a thesis or dissertation at the end of their program. In this type of master’s degree, you, as a student, are required to choose a topic relevant to your postgraduate degree and conduct original research on it. These programs often have a teacher (supervisor) associated with the students to guide them about their thesis work.Benefits Of A Master’s By Research
- Develop Skills: When students enter a master’s program by research, they are required to write a thesis. The first benefit of this degree is that it develops their research, critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills by manifolds.
- Leading to PhD: If you are a student who wants to continue his studies, you should better go for a master’s by thesis. A master's degree done with a thesis makes you stand in a good position when applying for a PhD.
- Less Class Time: This degree is very beneficial for students who like to do things practically rather than theoretically. The reason is that this degree has very less class time and allows students to spend most of their time in the lab.
Drawbacks Of A Master’s By Research
- Takes Too Much Time: A master’s by thesis degree takes too much time to finish. Normally, it takes 2 years, which is itself too much time. However, in some cases, it exceeds this limit, too. This degree can take 3 to 4 years if the research is extensive.
- Very Tedious Degree: A master's degree by thesis is very tedious and hectic. As you have to be with your supervisor and in the lab mostly, you get very less time to socialise and take part in other activities.
- Defending The Research: After you have done your research, the degree does not get completed. As a student of a master’s by thesis program, you have to defend your research, which is very heavy on the shoulders of students.
What Is A Non-Thesis Master’s Degree? Discuss Its Benefits And Drawbacks.
This master’s program is at a 180 degrees shift from the one discussed previously. A non-thesis master’s means you do not have to carry out any academic research or write a thesis. This degree program will evaluate you based on your submitted assignments and coursework. The teachers take exams, quizzes, and some small class projects are also arranged to assess students. Hence, this is what a non-thesis master’s degree program is.Benefits Of A Non-Thesis Master’s
- Takes Less Time: The greatest benefit of a master’s degree, which does not include a thesis, is that it takes less time to finish. As no research is involved, this degree may be completed within a year.
- Very Smooth Process: The learning experience of this degree is very smooth. You only need to take classes and submit assignments, and that is it. However, if you cannot do the thesis in the right way, the option of getting masters dissertation help is also there.
- Free From Writing A Lengthy Document: As it is a non-thesis degree program, you are free from writing a lengthy document, i.e., a thesis. It means you also do not need to possess excellent writing skills.
Drawbacks Of A Non-Thesis Master’s
- Fewer Chances For PhD: A non-thesis degree program portrays you as a less competent student. Therefore, you may have fewer options for PhD degree.
- Less Technical Jobs: Technical job fields like engineering demand high-level research skills. As you have done a non-thesis master’s, it means you lack them. Therefore, you are going to face fewer job opportunities.