If by research, then it depends on urself. If u can get the result quick and finish writing ur thesis quick, then u can grad in 1 year time. If u can't discipline urself, it can take up to 3 years.

Based on my uni,

http://ips.ump.edu.my/index.php/en/academi...ry-requirements

Master by Research:
1) Full time - minimum 2 semester (1 year), maximum 6 semesters (3 years)
2) Part time - minimum 4 semester (2 years), maximum 10 semesters (5 years)

PHD:
1) Full time - minimum 4 semesters (2 years), maximum 12 semesters (6 years)
2) Part time - minimum 8 semesters(4 years), maximum 16 semesters (8 years)

Not sure bout this. But my sv give me 3 months to finish it.

Imho, best is to do it every semester. Then u don't nid to write the whole thesis at one go at the end of ur research. Just keep writing while ur doing ur research.