Masters by Research in DCU

maupat

Hi all,

I registered to do a Masters by Research in DCU last Dec. in the faculty of Humanities. I hope to finish it by June 2012.

If anyone has done a Masters by Research in DCU I'd really appreciate it if you could answer some basic questions I have;

- how long does a Masters by Research have to be - I've done some research on this and seems to be 30-40k words

- are there any significant dates during the year - i.e. when I would have to submit a progress report etc

- ideally how often should one meet with their supervisor?

Finally, what kind of careers are particularly suited to researchers in general (a loaded question I know!).

Thanks,

H2G2

Those really are questions for your supervisor...

- how long does a Masters by Research have to be - I've done some research on this and seems to be 30-40k words

Have you discussed this with your supervisor? There is no minimum size, but the maximum limit for a Master’s thesis 45,000 words of text - according to DCU regulations, which I presume you have not read

- are there any significant dates during the year - i.e. when I would have to submit a progress report etc

Ask your supervisor!!! You can submit anytime, but there are 2 graduations per year, so time your submission for one of those, allowing sufficient time for examination. Your PGR4 form must be submitted at least 3 months in advance of the thesis, BUT the PGR form has to be approved by the Graduate Studies Board who only meet every second month - so worst case you have to submit PGR4 5 months in advance.

- ideally how often should one meet with their supervisor?

That depends on a lot of things. Some people meet once a week, others once a month. The more the better for you.

maupat

Thanks for all your advice - I'll take it on board. Btw, I have read the regulations but I think it's always good to hear from those who have gone or are going through the process.

sillysmiles

Check out the registry website for deadlines for submission of the various PGR forms.
Are you funded? If so your funding body may require updates etc too. As for meeting your supervisor, that is really up to each person and supervisor, and the relationship you have and no one else can tell you what's going to work for you. My meeting with my supervisor ranged from once every 2 weeks or so to phone calls a few times a day when working on a particular issue.
Good luck!