The first thing that cross my mind is: keluar mulut harimau, masuk mulut buaya.
The key problem they have is the lack knowledge in research methodology. Also, as they are taking programme related to education, they need to establish fundamental knowledge in education.
Changing mode of study or changing programme would not resolve the problem they face. They need to establish understanding in content knowledge, pedagogy knowledge and technology knowledge to continue the current mode of study. If they changed to fully research mode, they will face issue of lacking content knowledge and research methodology.
My last suggestion to them before leaving the office was: whatever decision you make, you need to take advantage of your strength as animation graduate.
