Introduction to Research Study
Research Study
Research Study course is designed for Master student synthesize the knowledge and skills in the educational field and apply them to produce the Master Research Project. The Master Research Project is a major undertaking that demonstrates mastery of the field of study and contributes new knowledge to the discipline. Students will focus on all aspects of developing and carrying out the research project.
Besides formulating a comprehensive introduction or basis for the study (orientation to the problem), defining the problem statement, writing hypotheses or research questions, conducting a review of the literature (to build the case for the study), and articulating the study design, students are required to analyze data, interpret results, and draw discussions, conclusions, and recommendations for their research project.
Throughout the course, students will also use the RS System, a FEST UTM research management platform that allows them to register for the research course, nominate a supervisor, and undergo supervision and evaluation by their assigned supervisor and evaluator. This system ensures that all research activities are systematically tracked and comply with institutional procedures.
Working closely with their supervisor/advisor, students will be able to submit a scientific Master Research Project that aligns with the policies and guidelines published by the University.
Objectives :
- Develop a research report by synthesizing the knowledge and skills in the area of study and research
- Demonstrate and use appropriate and relevant terminologies, concepts, theories, research methodology and analyses
- Write a clear research report and demonstrate ability to manage information from related literature
- Practice research ethics and responsible conduct in research
- Manage and work autonomously in an effective manner, and show enthusiasm and eagerness in seeking knowledge
- Utilize the RS System effectively for research registration, supervisor nomination, supervision tracking, and evaluation management throughout the research process.
Click here to access the RS System
The RS System is an integrated research study platform that supports the entire research process — from course registration and supervisor nomination to supervision and evaluation. It streamlines workflow, allows systematic tracking of student progress, and ensures compliance with the university’s research policies and procedures.
Registration is required for both Mainstream and ODL students enrolled in the following courses:
Registration Programme Code
- MHPT1105- Research Study 1
- MHPT1205-Research Study 2
- MPPT1105- Research Study I
- MPPT1205-Research Study II
Systems develop for
- Student and Supervisor Profile
- Supervisor nomination and approval
- Meeting log records
- Submission of RS progress and RS final project reports
- Submission of Turnitin Report, Ethics Form, and AI Declaration Form
- Evaluation of RS Project Report by supervisors and evaluators
Click here to access the Master Student Kit
The SPS website serves as the central portal for postgraduate students at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. It provides easy access to registration links, key academic systems, and graduate-studies support resources. Among its many features, students can:
Download the thesis template to format research work correctly.
Access the academic calendar for semester dates, deadlines and important events.
Refer to the university’s policies and guidelines relevant to postgraduate studies and research.
View announcements concerning scholarships, news, and graduate-student activities.
Research Study Flowchart
The research component of the postgraduate programme at Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is structured into two consecutive courses: Research Study 1 (RS1) and Research Study 2 (RS2). This two-stage process is designed to guide students systematically from the proposal phase to the completion of a full research report, ensuring academic quality and supervisory accountability.
Research Study 1 (RS1)
RS1 aims to equip students with the foundational understanding and preparation necessary to undertake independent research. Students are expected to develop their research proposal, which includes the formulation of research questions, literature review, and design of instruments.
Assessment Weightage:
Supervisor: 100%
Evaluation Components: Chapter 1 (Introduction), Chapter 2 (Literature Review), Chapter 3 (Methodology), and Research Instrument.
Progression:
Students who pass RS1 proceed to Research Study 2 (RS2). Those who fail are required to repeat RS1 following corrective measures as advised by the faculty.
Research Study 2 (RS2)
RS2 serves as the implementation and reporting phase of the research project. Students are expected to conduct the study, analyze data, and prepare a comprehensive research report aligned with UTM’s thesis standards.
The research study process concludes successfully when the student:
Has completed both RS1 and RS2 with passing grades,
Has submitted a full research report following UTM’s thesis formatting guidelines, and
Has received final approval from both the supervisor and evaluator.
Assessment Weightage:
Evaluator: 30%
Supervisor: 70%
Evaluation Components: A complete research report following the UTM Thesis Guidelines and templates available via the UTM One Stop Centre.
Upon successful completion, the student proceeds to the final thesis submission or viva phase as prescribed by the faculty.
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The Importance of Being Well-Informed of RS Important Dates
Timely awareness and adherence to key deadlines are critical to the smooth progression of the Research Study (RS) courses. Each role—Student, Supervisor, and Evaluator—has specific responsibilities tied to designated weeks and submission dates. Coordinated compliance ensures fair assessment, quality supervision, and the integrity of the postgraduate research process.
Effective communication and adherence to the RS Important Dates calendar foster a culture of academic discipline, shared accountability, and smooth coordination among all parties. Each stakeholder—student, supervisor, and evaluator—must take active responsibility in tracking and fulfilling their respective roles.
Being well-informed, organized, and timely is not only a procedural necessity but also a hallmark of professional research conduct at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).
1. Student’s Role: Proactive Engagement and Timely Submission
Students bear the primary responsibility for monitoring and meeting all RS deadlines. Being well-informed of the important dates allows students to:
Plan and manage workload effectively, especially when balancing research with other coursework or commitments.
Prepare reports and presentations early, such as the RS1 Progress Report Presentation (Week 9–11) and RS1/RS2 Report Submission (Week 15).
Respond promptly to evaluator comments, particularly for the RS2 correction submission (Week 17), avoiding delays that may affect graduation timelines.
Exercise their rights responsibly, such as submitting a Mark Revision Appeal within the stipulated deadline (Week 19).
Failing to observe these dates may result in missed submissions, re-enrolment requirements, or delayed course progression.
2. Supervisor’s Role: Continuous Guidance and Timely Evaluation
Supervisors play a pivotal role in monitoring student progress and ensuring all supervisory tasks are completed within the academic schedule. Awareness of important RS dates enables supervisors to:
Provide structured supervision by scheduling regular check-ins before progress presentations and report submissions.
Conduct timely verification and assessment, such as Report Verification (Week 16) and Keying in Marks for RS1 and RS2 (Week 18).
Maintain assessment integrity by reviewing and approving corrections before final submission.
Ensure fairness and consistency in evaluation according to UTM’s academic and research standards.
A well-informed supervisor not only supports student success but also upholds the faculty’s quality assurance process.
3. Evaluator’s Role: Objective Review and Timely Feedback
Evaluators ensure an external, unbiased assessment of student research. Staying informed of deadlines is essential for evaluators to:
Complete evaluations within the prescribed period, especially RS2 Evaluation and Key-In of Marks (Week 16).
Provide constructive comments promptly, allowing students adequate time for correction and resubmission.
Align evaluation practices with institutional timelines, ensuring grades are processed smoothly for semester-end reporting.
Delays in evaluation can disrupt the academic flow, affecting both student outcomes and administrative processing.
