Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is an M.Sc. by Research?
How do I know if I have the right aptitude for a research degree?
What is the difference between an MSc by Research and an MSc by Coursework?
How can I find out what research topics are on offer?
Can I suggest my own research topic?
How long does it take to complete the degree?
Can I do it part-time?
Where will I do the work?
What equipment will I have to work with?
Who do I report to?
Does everyone who is admitted to the programme eventually get an MSc?
What happens if I fail?
Who should I contact for more information?


What is an M.Sc. by Research?

The research degree of Master of Science is awarded by Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research for independent investigation of specialized areas of engineering.

As an MSc student, you will be supervised by experienced researchers, but you are expected to demonstrate initiative in your approach and innovation in your work. You will study the area in detail, typically by reading previously published papers on the topic in question, and you will usually undertake an experimental or empirical investigation of some specific technical issue. You will then prepare and present a thesis on your chosen area. This thesis should present evidence that you have achieved mastery of the chosen subject, typically by reviewing the published literature in the area, and that you have a working knowledge of the technical issues, demonstrated either by empirical work or by theoretical analysis (or both). Finally, you need to exhibit a critical understanding of the work you have done as a piece of engineering in its own right, and in the context of previously published work.

How do I know if I have the right aptitude for a research degree?

This is an important question. Not everyone is cut out to take a research degree. If you have an inquisitive mind, a driving desire to learn more about some area of modern engineering, and – perhaps most importantly – the maturity and discipline to set your own targets and achieve them, then you probably have what it takes to do an MSc degree by research. Of course, to begin with, you must satisfy the admission requirements of the programme. Please refer to How to Apply for full details on the application procedure.

What is the difference between an MSc by Research and an MSc by Coursework?

When you do an MSc by coursework, you normally take between eight and twelve modules (taught courses) over a period of between one and two years. To be awarded the degree, you simply need to pass all these modules. The key feature of this approach is that your course lecturers will provide you with almost all of the material you need to study in order to succeed although, on occasion, you will sometimes need to do some independent work yourself.

An MSc by Research is quite different. Here, there are no courses and you won’t be given study material by University staff. Instead, once you have agreed a research topic with your supervisor, you have to find out all of the information yourself by searching for published material, building up your own picture of the area in question, and finally, developing your own position on some particular area and defending your case using either theoretical arguments or by constructing and evaluating a prototype system.

How can I find out what research topics are on offer?

A list of sample research topics is published in a separate booklet. Note that this list is always being updated and new topics are continually being added.

Can I suggest my own research topic?

Yes, if you have a particular topic of your own in mind, you can talk to people in the University to see if it would be appropriate for an MSc.

How long does it take to complete the degree?

This depends on whether you enrol as a part-time or a full-time student. Full-time study involves approximately 40 hours of research effort per week for 48 weeks per year. Part-time study involves approximately 20 hours of research effort per week for 48 weeks per year.

The minimum period of study will be 18 months from the date of registration in the case of full-time registration and 36 months from the date of registration in the case of part-time registration. This study period includes the time taken to write-up the thesis.

The maximum period of study will be 36 months from the date of registration in the case of full-time registration and 60 months from the date of registration in the case of part-time registration. This study period includes the time taken to write-up the thesis. In exceptional cases, an extension of registration may be granted.

Can I do it part-time?

Yes; please see the previous question.

Where will I do the work?

Most of your hands-on work will be done at the University. However, initially at least, you will be doing a lot of reading to become familiar with the research topics, and writing summaries and abstracts of the material. This can be done either at home, at the office, or at the University, depending on what suits you best.

What equipment will I have to work with?

The University will provide you with whatever equipment you need to complete your degree. Ideally, and with the help of your supervisor, you should identify what equipment you will need as early as possible in your degree so that, if it isn’t already in one of the University’s laboratories, it can be ordered and delivered in time.

Who do I report to?

Your main contact will be with your academic supervisor who is responsible for guiding you throughout your degree. Note well, however, that he is a guide and mentor: he is not an assistant and cannot do the work for you.

In addition, there are other people with whom you will come into contact during your time at the University. These include the head of the department in which you will be conducting your research, the Director of Postgraduate Studies (who has overall responsibility for the MSc programme), the University Manager (who has overall responsibility for everything that happens at the University), and the Examiners (who will assess your thesis when it is complete).

Does everyone who is admitted to the programme eventually get an MSc?

No. It is unusual for someone who is admitted to the programme not to get an MSc, but there is absolutely no guarantee that you will be successful. If you don’t do enough work, or if it is not judged to be of a high enough standard by the examiners, one of several things can happen.

First, the examiners can agree that your thesis meets the required standard and you will be awarded the degree, perhaps after making some minor corrections.

Second, the examiners might feel that the overall standard is close to the required level but that some additional work is required. In this case, your thesis will be referred back to you for major revisions and it will be re-examined when this is complete.

Finally, the examiners may feel that the thesis is not of the required standard and they may decide to reject the thesis without the award of any degree.

What happens if I fail?

Please see the previous question.

Who should I contact for more information?


Please contact the Office of the Director of Postgraduate Studies on +971-6-5611333 or
e-mail: pgs@kustar.ac.ae