Coursework master’s programmes: the student’s experience of research and research supervision

Abstract

Although the coursework master’s degree is becoming the principal conduit for the delivery of continuing education to the professions, it is one of the least understood or researched academic levels in higher education. Furthermore, little is known of coursework master’s graduates’ experience of research or research supervision following the completion of a thesis as the final assessment of their degree. This article measures graduates’ experience of research and research supervision following the completion of a master’s degree. The article also examines the relationship between coursework master’s graduates’ experience of research supervision, completing a research thesis and their development of research capabilities. The findings are considered in the context of the appropriateness of a thesis as the most suitable form of assessment for coursework master’s degrees.