MSc courses at university and specific fields often include a research component. Most MSc degrees have a thesis or dissertation, which is original research implemented with the collection of data; then the findings are written in a cohesive manner. Such research work provides opportunities to develop critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills in students. In science, engineering, and social sciences fields, research is given maximum priority, whereas some MSc degrees remain strictly coursework-based with little research required.
MSc programs involve laboratory experiments, fieldwork, or theoretical analysis depending on the discipline. The work is carried out under the supervision of faculty and sometimes in collaboration with industry partners or research institutions. Literature reviews, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, data collection, and interpretation may all be part of the research process. The successful completion of a research-based MSc may lead to further studies in PhD or research-oriented careers. However, there are professional MSc programs that prioritize applied knowledge and thus replace a thesis with a capstone project, an internship, or an industry-based research assignment.