Hi Riena 988, I am doing engineering PhD in one of the public uni. This is my 7th month. I am doing fast track PhD since I obtained first class for my degree. In my opinion, no matter what route you are pursuing, it's not going to stop you from taking PhD.

Master by coursework is safe, but you still need to do a mini final year project within one semester. Everything is by your own, test assignments, projects. You are going to face it. If by MsC by research will be also based on yourself. You will face conference, papers, thesis, presentations, prosiding. bla bla bla. You will never stop doing research. Chance for you to grad within 1 year is merely impossible in the case of Engineering. 

Fear in finding research based supervisor is really a challenge. The uncooperative and dictate ideas which makes me feel so uncomfortable. I feel the same way. By the way, which uni you plan to pursue. you can pm me.

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum. Recently, I have tried to do some finding on the difference between master (engineering) in coursework based and research based because I am facing difficulties to choose between them as my future path.
        Research based sounds quite risky for me because I am new to that Uni. Unknown to the characteristics of all lecturers is what I am fear most (especially facing uncooperative relation with supervisor). Secondly, research management probably is another issue I have to deal with. However,  it will provide me a stronger research foundation for PhD in my future.
        Coursework based sounds a safer route to me. However there is a question lies to me. Is it true that a coursework based master graduate (engineering) can apply for PhD programme? If it is true, the only con for coursework based master would be a tougher start for PhD programme in future, right?