Master by Research

The curriculum of Master by Research refers to the Curriculum of Master by Coursework. However, in the MBR program, there are adjustments in terminology and course offerings to be more focused on research. In addition, the MBR program curriculum differs in the distribution of credit hours across four semesters. In the MBR curriculum, the distribution of credit hours from the first to the fourth semester is 15, 12, 10, and then 8 credits, respectively. Nevertheless, it is possible for students to fulfill the graduation requirements within three semesters in the MBR program.

Conceptually, the curriculum of Master by Research (MBR) Program consists of five interrelated clusters, all of which are prefixed with the term "research" to emphasize and distinguish this research-based master's program. The clusters are as follows:

The descriptions of each cluster are as follows:

1. Research-Supporting Theory Cluster
   The Research-Supporting Theory Cluster is developed to provide students with theories relevant to the domain of urban and regional planning, covering both planning and spatial aspects. In this cluster, students are also given options to choose a concentration, theme, or topic for their research, as well as theories related to science communication, which will be useful for understanding, processing, and presenting scientific topics in their research. In a research-based program, it is possible that not all theories required for research will be taught within this theory cluster, so students are expected to take the initiative to study independently. These in-depth theories will be part of the comprehensive exam (research proposal defense).

2. Research Methods Cluster
   The Research Methods Cluster is designed to provide a strong foundation in understanding and selecting research methods. At the beginning of this cluster, students will be introduced to or discuss various methods suitable for their research, while in the following parts, students will explore data variations relevant to their chosen topics, applying different methods or data analysis techniques.

3. Research-Supporting Practice Cluster
   The Research-Supporting Practice Cluster is dominated by "workshops" or independent practical work done by the students. These activities may include fieldwork, internships, involvement in studio activities, or other independent activities. At the beginning of this cluster, students are expected to identify the scope of problems that will become the focus of their research, particularly linking them with theories, concepts, norms, and standards that could serve as the foundation for their research. In the following parts, students are expected to continue exploring their chosen topics empirically, with an emphasis on potential solutions. The final part of this cluster is fieldwork, specifically dedicated to exploring final study data.

4. Research Presentation Cluster
   The Research Presentation Cluster accommodates activities related to writing, reporting, or disseminating research. This cluster begins with writing the research proposal, followed by the first and second colloquiums, which can be presented at either internal or external seminars organized by the MURP Program at DTAP FT UGM. In this cluster, students are also expected to effectively communicate the scope of their research to relevant parties or target audiences. The cluster concludes with the writing of the master’s thesis, which is a requirement for all students.

5. Research Publication Cluster
   The Research Publication Cluster involves the accumulation of manuscript writing processes, from preparation to submission to appropriate publishers or conference organizers that meet the criteria set by the program. In this cluster, there are three potential publication activities: the first may contain a systematic review, the second may include initial data analysis, and the third covers the research topic that has been completed. Upon graduation, students are required to have two publications that have been accepted for publication, one of which must be in a reputable international journal. Meanwhile, the publication statement for the third (or subsequent) publication can be obtained after graduation with a special agreement.

Bentuk Pembelajaran 1 (satu) SKS pada proses pembelajaran berupa kuliah, responsi, atau tutorial (dalam Prodi PWK Program MBR DTAP FT UGM ini terdapat pada klaster 1 dan 2), terdiri atas: kegiatan proses belajar 50 (lima puluh) menit per minggu per semester; kegiatan penugasan terstruktur 60 (enam puluh) menit per minggu per semester; dan kegiatan mandiri 60 (enam puluh) menit per minggu per semester. Kemudian pada bentuk pembelajaran yang berupa seminar atau bentuk lain yang sejenis (dalam Prodi PWK Program MBR DTAP FT UGM ini terdapat pada Klaster 4), 1 SKS terdiri atas: kegiatan proses belajar 100 (seratus) menit per minggu per semester; dan kegiatan mandiri 70 (tujuh puluh) menit per minggu per semester. Dan yang terakhir, bentuk pembelajaran berupa praktikum, praktik studio, praktik bengkel, praktik lapangan, praktik kerja, penelitian, perancangan, atau yang lain (dalam Prodi PWK Program MBR DTAP FT UGM terdapat pada klaster 3 dan 5), 1 SKS meliputi 170 (seratus tujuh puluh) menit per minggu per semester.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree (S1) with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, or an equivalent qualification, from a study program with a minimum accreditation of B. Further requirements are as follows:

1. Submit a copy of the diploma from the previous level of education.

2. Applicants who graduated from overseas institutions must submit an official diploma equivalency document issued by the Directorate General of Higher Education (DIKTI).

3. Submit an official academic transcript from the previous level of study.

4. Proof of undergraduate program accreditation must be provided in the form of a scanned accreditation certificate or a screenshot from the BAN-PT website showing the current accreditation status. If the accreditation is under review or renewal, an official statement letter from the leadership of the previous higher education institution must be submitted. If applicants are unable to submit proof of accreditation or the official statement letter as mentioned above, they are required to provide additional documentation in the form of proof of publication in an accredited scientific journal.

5. For the Indonesian applicant, submit a minimum Academic Potential Test (TPA) score of 500, issued by BAPPENAS or the UGM Graduate School (PAPs). The score must be proven by a valid certificate, issued no more than two years prior to the application date. Applicants with lower TPA scores are still eligible to apply; however, upon graduation from the Urban and Regional Planning Master’s Program (MPWK), students must meet the minimum TPA score required by the program.

6. Submit proof of English language proficiency, with one of the following minimum scores:

   • TOEFL iBT / TOEFL ITP: minimum score of 450, or

   • Academic English Proficiency Test (AcEPT) UGM / IELTS: equivalent to TOEFL 450.

   • Applicants with English proficiency scores below the stated minimum may still apply; however, upon graduation, students must fulfill the minimum English proficiency requirement set by the program.

7. Submit two letters of recommendation, under the following conditions:

   • For applicants who are currently employed, recommendations must be provided by a supervisor at the workplace and a lecturer from the previous level of study.

   • For applicants who are not yet employed, recommendations must be provided by two lecturers from the previous level of study, preferably including the Academic Advisor.

8. Submit a study permit letter from the employer for applicants who are currently employed.

9. Scholarship recipients from institutions that have cooperation agreements with UGM must submit a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), cooperation agreement letter with UGM, or an official scholarship award letter.

10. Submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) accompanied by supporting evidence of research experience and/or scientific publications.

11. Submit a motivation letter.

12. Submit a general study plan outlining pre-study conditions (including motivation and expectations), the study period (including proposed research topics and planned activities), and post-graduation plans.

13. Submit one research proposal to be undertaken during the study period.

14. Submit proof of correspondence or prior communication with a prospective supervisor or the program management of the Urban and Regional Planning Master’s Program, Department of Architecture and Planning Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

15. Declare willingness to complete the Master by Research program until graduation or until the end of the study period (due to other reasons) and agree not to transfer to the Master by Coursework program.

The amount of tuition fee differs for each entry program. The highest amount is the regular program for both domestic and international student with 13,000,000 IDR each semester. In the partnership program, the amount to be paid is different according to each government institution. Below is the list of tuition fee for each admission program.