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What Does “Study Program by Research” Mean?

A study program by research is an academic pathway where students complete structured modules, examinations, research activities, and a final academic project or thesis. Unlike a fully taught program, this model gives strong importance to independent research, academic writing, publication, and the student’s ability to contribute to knowledge in the chosen study field.

This pathway is designed for students who want to develop advanced academic, professional, and research skills. It is especially suitable for learners who wish to combine structured study with serious research output.

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Bachelor Study Program by Research

At the bachelor level, students are required to complete:

  • Study modules related to the program field

  • Examinations for all bachelor modules

  • A bachelor project

  • One Scopus-indexed article related to the study field

The Scopus-indexed article must be published in a journal classified as Q1, Q2, or Q3. Articles published in Q4 journals are not accepted.

The student must be the first author of the article, and the article must show the student’s affiliation with our institution. The article must also be clearly related to the student’s bachelor study field.

Master Study Program by Research

At the postgraduate level, students may choose a Master by Research pathway. This route focuses more deeply on academic research, publication, and the preparation of a master thesis.

Master by Research students are required to complete:

  • Required study and research modules

  • Research activities

  • A master thesis

  • Two Scopus-indexed articles related to the study field

For the master level, the required articles must be published in Q1 or Q2 Scopus-indexed journals. Q3 and Q4 journals are not accepted for the master research requirement.

The student must be the first author in each article, and the articles must show the student’s affiliation with our institution.

Doctorate Study Program by Research

The Doctorate by Research is an advanced academic pathway for students who aim to produce original research and demonstrate a high level of scholarly contribution.

Doctorate by Research students are required to complete:

  • Required doctoral research modules

  • Research activities

  • A doctoral thesis

  • Three Scopus-indexed articles related to the study field

For the doctorate level, the required articles must be published in Q1 or Q2 Scopus-indexed journals. Q3 and Q4 journals are not accepted for the doctorate research requirement.

The student must be the first author in all required articles, and the articles must clearly show the student’s affiliation with our institution.

Thesis Committee

For bachelor, master and doctorate students, the thesis is reviewed by a thesis committee. The committee may include up to seven members, but it must include at least three members.

The committee reviews the student’s research work, academic quality, thesis structure, research contribution, and readiness for defence.

Scopus ID Requirement Before Thesis Defence

Before submitting the thesis for defence, the student must provide his or her Scopus ID. The Scopus profile must clearly show that:

  • The required articles are indexed in Scopus

  • The student is listed as the first author

  • The articles are related to the study field

  • The articles meet the required journal quartile level

  • The student’s affiliation with our institution is shown in the published article

This step is important to confirm the academic publication record before the thesis defence process begins.

Important Note About Q4 Journals

Articles published in Q4 journals are not accepted for any level. This applies to bachelor, master, and doctorate study programs by research.

Conclusion

A study program by research is a serious academic pathway that combines structured learning with independent research and international publication. Students are expected to complete modules, examinations where applicable, research activities, and a final project or thesis. They must also publish Scopus-indexed articles that meet the required quality level for their study stage.

This model supports academic development, research skills, and professional credibility by encouraging students to produce research that is visible, indexed, and connected to their field of study.

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