Can I do graduation research even if I do not yet know what I want to research?
Whether you can begin graduation research without a fixed topic depends on the rules of your university, faculty, and program. You may narrow your interests through classes, seminars, and discussions with faculty, then decide on a research topic and supervisor. Ultimately, you may need to decide on a topic and supervisor by a specified stage of the program.
Key points
- Classes and seminars can help you explore several fields and turn broad interests into a research question.
- Speaking with faculty, attending laboratory or seminar briefings, and reviewing previous graduation projects can help with topic selection.
- Check your program guidance for when a topic and supervisor must be decided.
Things to check
- The timing of topic selection, the process for joining a laboratory or seminar, and the method for choosing a supervisor vary by university, faculty, and program, so check the official curriculum and course guidance.